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JULY 2013
ISSUE 05
TUI Nordic Hosted in Paphos In a bid to promote the city, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, in collaboration with a local resort, recently hosted a team of 29 representatives of tour operator, TUI Nordic.
Cyprus once again topped the European Environment Agency’s annual report on bathing waters quality, further strengthening the island’s status as an ideal destination for swimmers and beachgoers.
09 Exhibition TAXIDI 2013: A Challenging Year After rescheduling its original dates, Exhibition TAXIDI 2013 finally opened its doors in late May on its 16th edition at the Cyprus State Fair Authority’s grounds.
10 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE GENERAL NEWS TOURISM BOARDS NAUTICAL NEWS AGENT NEWS ACCOMMODATION WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
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Cyprus Bathing Waters Quality Ranked Number One
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel COPY EDITOR Stefanie Saghbini
Top Kinisis Travel has announced a turnover of EUR7.93 million during the first four months of the year, recording a drop of 23.85 percent compared to the same period in 2012.
SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Derek Lainsbury DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprint Plc P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035, Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprint.com.cy
EXCHANGE RATES
Accurate as of
25/06/2013 COUNTRY
CURRENCY
Top Kinisis Travel: Turnover Shrinks
1EUR=
US (USD)
1.31
UK (GBP)
0.85
Switzerland (CHF)
1.23
Japan (JPY)
128.11
PICTURE OF THE MONTH
T
he largest losses for one of the island’s leading tour operators for online worldwide flight, hotel, car rental, and cruises bookings, were recorded in the company’s Greek operations which showed a decline of 80.43 percent. In an official statement, Lorenzo Sordini, group financial controller, Top Kinisis Travel, stated that the travel company is continuously working towards the reduction of operating costs without affecting the
quality of its services and the effectiveness of its operations; something which resulted in diminution of its operating expenses for the first four months of the year by 27 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2012. In addition, the report shows that the management believes that the ongoing economic and financial turmoil will have a negative impact on the future turnover, which will keep its negative momentum throughout the year.
airBaltic: Robust Improvement Latvian airline, airBaltic, has further narrowed its losses after recording a LVL6.7 million (EUR9.58 million) improvement in net results in the first quarter (Q1) of the year, compared to the same period in 2012. As Martin Gauss, CEO, airBaltic, noted, after achieving a LVL66 million (EUR94.32 million) growth in net result in 2012, the airline was once again able to beat its own plan. During the three-month period, the carrier recorded a 41 percent year-on-year rise in net results, along with a 10 percent yield growth, which generated LVL44.5 million (EUR63.6 million) in revenues, while revenue per available seat kilometre soared eight percent. In Q1, airBaltic operated 9,685 flights, nine percent less than in the corresponding period in 2012, while passenger numbers totalled in 534,879, leading to an average load factor of 63 percent. Larnaca is among the carrier’s six destinations introduced for the summer period, which also include Prague, Czech Republic; Heviz-Balaton, Hungary; Olbia, Sardinia, Italy; Rijeka, Croatia; and Malta.
airBaltic
JULY 2013
MONTHLY NEWS
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Transatlantic Conference: Europe’s Future Noting the critical contribution tourism makes to European economies, the European Travel Commission (ETC) brought back its Transatlantic Conference which was held in May in New York. The event was attended by representatives of ETC’s 33 national tourism organisation mem-
WTC Cyprus Targets Arab Clients The World Trade Center (WTC) Cyprus participated at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai in a bid to establish new relationships and further strengthen its ties with existing clients. Vasilis Kakoliris, sales and business development manager, WTC Cyprus, described ATM as a very well-organised event which helps the industry learn of new trends and developments and enables participants to forge new partnerships.
The exhibition was a perfect forum to engage with the exhibitors and promote its customer service and sales skills training WTC Cyprus attended the show as a visitor to interact with potential and existing clients, such as Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and InterContinental Hotels Group. “The exhibition was a perfect forum to engage with the exhibitors and promote its customer service and sales skills training, [as well as] mystery shopping solutions; services which are geared towards the hospitality and any service-orientated business within the MENA region,” concluded Kakoliris.
JULY 2013
bers, industry partners which market Europe as a top tourist destination, and media which cover the business of tourism, while it presented market analysis and trends and perceptions on aspects of the ETC-funded ‘Destination Europe 2020’ strategy for sustaining the region’s position as the world’s number one tourist destination.
Manuel Butler, president, ETC, said, “At our first Transatlantic Conference in three years, we considered consumer trends and the transformative power of travel in Europe, where adventure travel was born. We anticipate sustained growth of up to four percent per year leading up to 2020.”
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MONTHLY NEWS
CCCI Supports Sustainable Tourism Product The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), alongside the European Commission, has announced a competition calling for proposals on strengthening and promoting sustainable transnational thematic tourism products. CCCI aims to contribute to the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in Europe by improving visibility and acceptance by the market. Moreover, the chamber intends to contribute to creating a favourable environment for transnational cooperation between institutions related to tourism, with particular emphasis on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In a recent statement, CCCI underlines that a transnational thematic tourism product consists of a set of travel destinations, sightseeings, or services, and has great potential for sustainable tourism development. The call is published in the framework of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, which specifically supports activities aiming at fostering entrepreneurship culture and creating better framework conditions for SMEs operating in the EU.
Cyprus: Decline in European Preference According to data released by the European Travel Commission (ETC), international arrivals to Cyprus plummeted by 17.9 percent for the first two months of this year, compared to the same period in 2012. This contrasts the overall picture with ETC announcing that the first quarterly report European Tourism in 2013: Trends & Prospects showed that international arrivals and nights to Europe for the first months of the year point to a slower, but continued growth for most of the reporting destinations. For key intra-European markets, most destinations have reported falls in demand by German tourists, one of which is Cyprus which has lost a 54.4 percent share of this market. Similarly, British demand for European travel started the year strongly, with continued growth to most destinations, however reporting a decline of approximately 20 percent to Cyprus. Russia remains an increasingly important source market for European destinations, which comprise around five percent of international arrivals across the continent, with Cyprus benefitting by a five percent surge for the period under review.
CHA Launches New Campaign Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), in collaboration with the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (ACTE) and management members of various hotels, has launched a new private initiative in order to broaden the tourist product of Cyprus, increase the sector’s income, and restore the country’s image abroad. ‘Summer is Cyprus 2013’ has been developed in an effort to respond to the new economic realities by creating a new national development plan for tourism. The campaign aims to meet the modern tourist’s needs and involves offering attractive packages to foreign and domestic visitors; ensure the quality of tourist services; develop the skills of human resources employed in the industry; host foreign journalists; optimise visa issuance speed; and coordinate with travel agencies, airlines, cruise, and transportation companies to improve the image of Cyprus.
JULY 2013
Tourism Boards
MONTHLY NEWS
Paphos at Exhibition TAXIDI 2013
Paphos’ stand at the Exhibition
CTO: Educational Seminar for Agents In line with its endeavours to upgrade tourism services in the country and strengthen its cooperation with industry professionals, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) recently organised a seminar held at the Thalassa Museum in Ayia Napa. The event was attended by 60 tourism representatives from eight foreign tour operators active in the Famagusta district who were briefed on the history, culture, and main attractions of the island, as well as on actions and initiatives of CTO, particularly regarding the quality assurance department responsible for the inspection and control of tourism enterprises.
Paphos Receives Official Title Paphos was officially declared European Capital of Culture for 2017, at an official ceremony during the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting held in Brussels between May 16 - 17 in the presence of European ministers of culture. Kyriakos Kenevezos, minister of education and culture, Cyprus, Savvas Vergas, mayor, Paphos, and Christos Patsalides, board chairman, Paphos 2017, all attended the ceremony. Vergas in his address stated that with the use of the title of European Capital of Culture and on the basis of the idea of ‘Open-Air Factory’, Paphos can now build its new face, become a bridge for reunion and understanding between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and open new avenues of cooperation and coexistence with cultures of Europe and the wider Middle East region.
JULY 2013
Efforts by the Paphos Regional Board of Tourism to promote the district as a tourist destination were recently recognised through its participation in the tourism fair Exhibition TAXIDI 2013, which was organised at the premises of the Cyprus State Fairs Authority in Nicosia between May 17 - 19. Following the promotional campaign for Easter holidays and in the context of attracting domestic tourism, the authority urged Cypriots to spend their summer on the island, and anyone who visited the stand could obtain informative material for Paphos, attractive prices and packages from various resorts in the city, and learn more about cultural events in the coming months. Particular emphasis was given to the promotion of events such as the opera L’Elisir D’Amore by Gaetano Donizetti, to be held in Paphos in September.
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MONTHLY NEWS
Tourism Boards
Limassol Promoted to Russian Businessmen In late May, Limassol Tourism Board welcomed a group of Russian businessmen, who visited the coastal city to meet with members of its authorities and local agents. During the meeting with Limassol Tourism Board, the local authority held a presentation of the city’s benefits as a tourist and business centre, while multi-million projects in various evolution stages were also showcased. The Russian delegation is currently studying the possibility of investment in several sectors and is said to have showed particular interest in projects such as a medical centre, which will attract patients from other countries, as well as commercial and tourism developments. Tony Antoniou, chairman, Limassol Tourism Board, noted the authority’s role in the development and promotion of Limassol, while he accompanied the Russian group on tour to Limassol Marina, where they had the opportunity to witness the progress of the ambitious project.
Paphos Welcomes Extended BA Services Pafos Regional Board of Tourism welcomed British Airways (BA)’s decision to strengthen its presence in Paphos by offering additional flights in November. Based on the government’s recent decision to extend the tourist period, BA is operating four services a week between London Gatwick and Pafos International Airport, until November inclusive. The local authority hopes to also see enhanced operations from other airlines and tourist agencies, with particular emphasis on markets such as Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, Germany, Central Europe, Israel, and Arab countries.
Electronic Info Kiosks Installed in Limassol
In the context of its efforts to improve the city’s tourism product, Limassol Tourism Board has created and launched electronic information points for free use by local and foreign visitors. The project, which was funded by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, offers modern, weather-proof kiosks which provide general and tourist information in Greek, English, and Russian, while, through the use of a Quick Response code available on the devices, visitors may have access to the information from their smartphones as well, throughout their visit. The new tourist info booths have been installed at popular key areas of the city, such as at the Medieval Castle Square in order to serve thousands of tourists arriving in the port of Limassol; Enaerios Square; Dasoudi; Agios Tychonas, near Four Seasons Hotel; and at Parekklisia, near GrandResort and Elias Beach Hotel. JULY 2013
MONTHLY NEWS NCCI: Casino Resort Promoted
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Paphos Electronic Guide Raises in Popularity
Members of Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) had a meeting with Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, minister of commerce, industry and tourism, Cyprus, who was presented with suggestions regarding the creation of a casino resort in Nicosia. NCCI’s board also informed Lakkotrypis for the phototherapy tourism programme which is promoted by the chamber, however remains unexploited due to lack of funding.
NCCI also informed Lakkotrypis for the phototherapy tourism programme which is promoted by the chamber, however remains unexploited due to lack of funding The minister assured NCCI of the government’s efforts regarding tourism-related developments which will enhance Cyprus’ economy by increasing tourist arrivals, lengthening the tourist season, accelerating licensing, and promoting major development projects, while he committed to continue his ministry’s close cooperation with NCCI.
Pafos Regional Board of Tourism has announced that the city’s official electronic tourist guide, which has been available since July 2012, has so far seen great success. The board, in collaboration with Swedish company ArrivalGuides, created the guide aimed directly at consumers, circulating it through a very efficient network of distribution. According to statistics by the Swedish partner, between January and May, the guide was downloaded by more than 105,000 visitors to the site, while it is estimated that it was distributed to or read by more than 250,000 individuals. For the period under review, the majority of readers, in descending order, were from Sweden, Italy, Germany, UK, Norway, and Belgium. The only fully integrated Paphos electronic guide is available in three languages; English, German, and Swedish, and it includes descriptions of Paphos’ four municipalities, its beaches, places of interest, tourist accommodations, and more. Forwarded electronically to more than 40 airlines and 100 tourism platforms and electronic media, mainly in priority markets, the guide is also useful both during the planning stage of the trip and during the traveller’s visit to the destination. Paphos Electronic Guide
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary Remains Committed to Cyprus
JULY 2013
The island’s rich cultural and historical heritage coupled with its warm climate and sandy beaches continue to attract thousands of Hungarian tourists each year. As Balazs Botos, ambassador of Hungary to Cyprus, revealed, each year, an estimated 10,000 - 12,000 visitors flock to the island from the Central European country, making tourism one of the strongest links between the two countries. “In order to promote Cyprus’ diverse attractions and keep potential visitors abreast of the latest news and happenings on the island, the embassy provides detailed and up-to-date information on the country and its tourism-related services,” explained Botos, noting that the recent launch of low-cost flights between the countries has helped further increase interest in Cyprus. Botos also expressed his hope to futher strengthen ties between Cyprus and Hungary in the field of tourism as well.
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MONTHLY NEWS
Nautical
Louis Olympia
Louis Cruises Announces New Itineraries
Limassol Marina
Limassol Marina Welcomes the First Yachts Limassol Marina celebrated the arrival of the first yachts in May, just months after delivering the first 94 luxury apartments at Nereids Residences, marking a new era for Cyprus. Boasting a capacity of 650 berths for yachts up to 115m in length, Limassol Marina, the first full-service super yacht marina on the island, provides superior facilities and services, combined with a team of experienced marina professionals to ensure utmost client satisfaction. Every berth boasts access to fresh water, electricity, and fibre optic network providing high-speed broadband, wireless Internet and telephone as well as fuel and waste removal, while haul out and shore-side technical facilities, a dry dock and workshop for light repairs and maintenance, combined with 24-hour security and concierge services are also available. According to Marios Lanitis, chairman, Limassol Marina, the completion and operation of yet another phase of the project is sending out a positive message for Cyprus, and the management continues to work hard to face the current challenges and deliver the scheme as planned. Construction work continues across the entire project, with more apartments due for delivery this month and the completion of the Peninsula Villas expected in 2014. Work on the commercial area is also progressing rapidly with the official opening set to take place in spring 2014.
Having already introduced a new product, Louis Cruises has announced its cruise programmes for the 2014 season, which appears significantly enhanced since the number of calling ports will be doubling. New destinations include Samos, Milos, Syros, Kos, Ios, Symi, Chios, Çeşme and Bodrum, as well as the familiar ports of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, Istanbul, and Kusadasi. Louis Rhea will open the new season on March 14, 2014, with the classic three- and four-day cruises from Piraeus up until April 18, 2014, when Louis Olympia will be deployed in this operation. Among others, Louis Rhea will also be operating special cruises, the seven-day ‘Pilgrimage Voyage’, as well as the ‘Three Continents’. With the two cruise ships, Louis Cruises hopes to introduce passengers to the genuine lifestyle and experience of Greece, the Greek isles, and Turkey, while the local cruise operator promises wonderful cuisine with tastes from local destinations, warm-hearted hospitality, unique destinations, flexibility for embarkation and disembarkation, and good value for money.
Cyprus Bathing Waters Quality Ranked Number One Cyprus, alongside Luxembourg, once again topped the European Environment Agency’s annual report on bathing waters quality, further strengthening the island’s status as an ideal destination for swimmers and beachgoers. In the EU, 94 percent of bathing sites met the minimum criteria for water quality with all of Cyprus’ 112 tested sites achieving ‘excellent’ qualification, representing a year-on-year improvement of 0.9 percent. Besides Cyprus and Luxembourg, eight other countries’ results were above the EU average, including Malta, Croatia, Greece, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Finland, and Spain.
JULY 2013
MONTHLY NEWS
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Makronisos Marina
Makronisos Marina to Get Underway
M.M. Makronisos Marina, member of Caramondani Group, has confirmed that it has submitted all the necessary documents for the issuance of a planning permit for the construction of the Makronisos Marina in Ayia Napa. The company won the tender announced in 2012 and signed an agreement with the government to deliver the new project. The jewel marina resort of the eastern Mediterranean will be set in a secure environment with ample green spaces occupying 30,000m2, and will feature sports grounds, swimming pools, water features, walkways, plazas, a heliport, a yacht club, and a crew lounge. Boaters will be offered state-of-the-art facilities and amenities both on land and on the water, 450 moorings spaces, for boats ranging between 6m - 60m in length. In addition, the 10,500m2 yard area for maintenance and repair services will also accommodate a further 150 boats, while travel lift facilities will also be available.
Cyprus Airways: New Chairman Reassures Following the appointment of a new board at Cyprus Airways in May as well as his recent appointment as head of the national carrier, Tony Antoniou, chairman, Cyprus Airways, issued an announcement addressing all the staff, reassuring them that he is to follow a determined approach in stemming the company’s bad course and to put it on a track of actual growth. “I personally think Cyprus Airways is a national capital, a vital necessity for our country, and based on the clear mandate I have received from the president of the republic, Nicos Anastasiades, we will do everything to survive and to get back to a stable and healthy growth path,” he stressed. At the same time, Antoniou concluded that Cyprus Airways needs to regain its prestige, empower its fame and reputation in the market, and enhance its commercial credibility. Cyprus Airways
JULY 2013
TUI Nordic Hosted in Paphos In the context of hosting tourism organisations, tourist agents, and industry players, and in a bid to promote the city, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, in collaboration with a local resort, recently hosted a team of 29 representatives of tour operator, TUI Nordic. The agents, who are working at the company’s local customer service department in Cyprus, had the chance to enjoy Paphos and the resort for two days. The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with the city since, during their stay, they had the opportunity to explore and experience the destination firsthand. The team visited museums, beaches, retail outlets, used public transportation, and received an overall view of Paphos. Both visiting and management teams of TUI Nordic in Cyprus reported to be excited about the destination.
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MONTHLY NEWS
Press Conference prior to Event
TAXIDI 2013: A Challenging Year
After rescheduling its original dates, Exhibition TAXIDI 2013 finally opened its doors in late May on its 16th edition, and was inaugurated by Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, minister of commerce, industry and tourism, Cyprus, at the Cyprus State Fair Authority’s grounds. The event is organised every year by the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) in cooperation with Display Art, and constitutes an ideal forum for Cypriot travellers to obtain valuable and comprehensive information on tourist destinations and travel packages. Speaking at a press conference prior to the event, Victor Mantovani, president, ACTA, said that the fair is a benchmark for the Cypriot outbound market, as they get the chance to be informed about available packages and specialised trips abroad. Referring to inbound tourism, he added that this year will be difficult because of Cyprus’ injured image, but there is optimism that through the efforts made by all stakeholders, 2012’s figures will be maintained.
Egypt to Lure Cypriot Travellers In a bid to attract more holidaymakers from Cyprus, Egypt also participated at Exhibition TAXIDI 2013 where the island’s unparalleled cultural and historical heritage, sun and sand, and a quality hospitality services were showcased. As Ahmed Ali Ismail, Egyptian tourist counsellor, revealed, during the first three months of the year, visitor numbers from the island showed a notable year-on-year increase of 24 percent, however the North African country, aims to significantly grow this figure in the coming years. Besides participating in such events, the tourism board also plans to invite journalists on familiarisation trips to experience the country and help improve its image in the eyes of the Cypriot travellers and the international community as a safe and welcoming destination. “Given the two countries’ close proximity, we see great potential in Cyprus, and we hope to welcome many Cypriots in Egypt,” Ismail concluded.
New Version of MapCyprus Available Version 2.0 of MapCyprus, the widely downloaded application of its kind in the country created by Selas Publications, has now become available on the AppStore and Google Play. The new edition includes fresh features and improvements for a more user-friendly experience as well as updates on the road network and points of interest. Among the new characteristics added to the latest MapCyprus, are the subcategories which now appear on a separate screen after choosing each featured category; the website address and e-mail which have been included for each point of interest; hundreds of new points of interest which have been added, among other performance improvements and minor bug fixes which have been applied. Moreover, the second edition of the popular application boasts many new features such as optimised screen for the iPhone 5, swipe screen to view featured categories/subcategories, new splash screen, symbol that indicates the featured categories screen, and ability to add points of interest in favourites list. Application Screen Shot
JULY 2013
Agents
MONTHLY NEWS
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New Office in Latsia
See You Travel: Official Launch of New Offices
Following its recent relocation, See You Travel has celebrated the official opening of its new headquarters on Gianni Kranidioti Avenue in Latsia on June 1, also commemorating the informal beginning of the summer travel season. The inauguration of the new offices was presided over by Panayiotis Kyprianou, mayor, Latsia, who welcomed the company to the municipality, while the event was attended by a local clergy and See You Travel’s customers. In a show of appreciation, See You Travel planned a special lottery whereby the winner claimed a two-day cruise to the Holy Land.
MTM Announces Strategic Partnership Amathus Corporation, one of the leading travel, tourism, and transportation companies in Cyprus, and founding member of More than MICE – The MICE Network (MTM), announced that an affiliate company has entered into a strategic partnership with Gondwana DMC’s network. The new agreement is expected to provide both networks’ clients with a strong combination of local expertise and geographical coverage in more than 40 countries. MTM is an international network of MICE specialists handling a wide range of customised inbound and outbound projects for clients in the corporate, association and government sectors, in the European, Middle Eastern, African, Americas, and Asian regions, while Gondwana DMC has incoming operations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The two organisations will continue to use their two separate brand names, but all sales and marketing activities will be shared, including exhibitions, websites, social media, partner relations, customer relationship management, and trade associations.
JULY 2013
ACTA Delegation Meets Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos, minister of communications and works, Cyprus, held a meeting with a delegation of the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), where the two parties discussed and exchanged views on tourismrelated issues, with the minister recording ACTA’s opinions, suggestions, and recommendations in an effort to improve the level of services offered to the extent that the ministry is involved. Mitsopoulos revealed, “I must tell you that on our behalf, we launched a formal initiative towards the Russian side in an effort to provide flights during winter months. We expect their response and, of course, we are in constant talks and contacts with very serious and reliable airlines from countries of the Arab Gulf.” Victor Mantovani, president, ACTA, stated, “[Seasonality] is a very difficult issue, but we believe that in any case we must succeed in this area because seasonality is perhaps the biggest problem Cypriot tourism is facing now.” Victor Mantovani
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MONTHLY NEWS
Air
British Airways
British Airways Launches Larnaca – London Gatwick Route
Jet2.com Promotes Wine Festival
In response to the growing demand for flights between Cyprus and the UK, British Airways (BA) has commenced direct services between Larnaka International Airport and London Gatwick, expanding traveller’s options to and from Cyprus even further. As of June 30, the airline has been operating three weekly services between the coastal city and the UK capital, in addition to the existing daily flights between Larnaka International Airport and London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, while the Pafos International Airport – London Gatwick Airport route has been extended until November 29, a month longer than previously planned. “The new Larnaca-Gatwick service will provide Cypriot travellers and incoming tourists with more options to get to their destination,” commented Freddie Stier, commercial manager, Cyprus and Greece, BA.
Air Partner - Olympic Holidays: Deal for Flights to Cyprus Air charter broker, Air Partner, has announced the launch of its new flying programme with Olympic Holidays, the UK-based tour operator. Under the new deal, Air Partner will service a large part of Olympic Holidays’ flying requirements for this summer season, with the employment of two modern Germania Airbus A319 aircraft, which will be based at London Gatwick and Manchester Airport and will operate to all the main Greek islands and Cyprus until November. “We have enjoyed working with Air Partner on this contract. The team have made the whole process very straightforward, and have gone out of their way to provide us with a successful solution, and an excellent level of service throughout,” commented Chris Neophytou, aviation manager, Olympic Holidays.
British low-cost airline, Jet2.com is encouraging travellers to visit Cyprus during the annual wine festival this year, which is set to take place between August 30 - September 9. The carrier, which operates from eight UK airports, is offering low fares to Larnaca, with abundant and simple-to-book accommodation options, providing visitors with the opportunity to get a real taste of the island's vibrant culture and lifestyle. Limassol, home to the annual festivity, continues to draw in wine aficionados and sommeliers from across Europe, and the programme will also include musical performances by local artists and bands, as well as a range of children’s activities, making it an ideal event for families as well.
Wine Festival
Cyprus Airways Enhances Cooperation with Air France Building on existing relations, Cyprus Airways and Air France have further expanded their cooperation, offering a total of 20 daily codeshare flights from ParisCharles de Gaulle, Cyprus, and Greece. The new agreement provides travellers with a wider choice of seamless travel solutions, enabling them to connect to and from Cyprus at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Air France will also offer services operated by Cyprus Airways on the Larnaca-Paris, Larnaca-Athens, Athens-Heraklion, and Athens-Rhodes routes, and passengers on flights between the French and the Cypriot capitals will also benefit from multiple connecting opportunities via Athens on domestic services within Greece operated by Cyprus Airways. In turn, the Cypriot carrier will also offer customers flights operated by Air France between Athens and Paris. To better serve passengers on both airlines’ codeshare flights, Cyprus Airways has conveniently moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Paris Charles de Gaulle. Cyprus Airways
JULY 2013
Accommodation
Louis Creta Princess
New Waterpark at Louis Crete Princess
Dolphin Capital Investors Sells Resort A leading, global player in the residential resort sector, Dolphin Capital Investors, announced that its subsidiaries, Aristo Developers and Venus Rock Estates, have achieved a selling deal for Venus Rock Golf Resort, with a HongKong based international conglomerate and real estate investment group. Commenting on the agreement, Miltos Kambourides, managing partner, Dolphin Capital Partners, said, “In line with our strategic objectives for this year, we are pleased to execute this landmark transaction, which has enormous benefits not only for Dolphin but also for the Cypriot economy in general.” He added that in a period of very challenging market and operational conditions in the country due to the current banking crisis, the sale of the property for a significant cash consideration demonstrates the quality of the company’s real estate portfolio and proves the resilience of the Cypriot property market. “We look forward to establishing a strategic partnership with the purchaser of the Venus Rock project and expanding the relationship to other Dolphin assets,” Kambourides concluded.
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Louis Hotels, which has been in the hospitality industry for over 65 years, witnessed the renovation, upgrading, and recreation of some of its hotels over the winter season, with the aim of maintaining high standards across its chain as well as to tailor-make its facilities to the specific needs of different market segments. Amongst the company’s 19 properties located in Greece, Louis Creta Princess recently welcomed an all-new waterpark which will see the popular family destination’s new addition offer five new attractions; a speed slide; a four-lane multi-slide; a free-fall cruise slide; a wavy cruise slide; and a float slide. Moreover, a second, junglethemed children’s pool offers young guests up to 12, exciting albeit gentler water fun, while the existing pool will be transformed with water features that seek to offer hours of toddler entertainment in the water. Meanwhile, all the garden rooms at Louis Creta Princess have been renovated and feature new furniture, floors, wardrobes, and soft furnishings, as well as new TV sets and in-room safes.
Louis Hotels: Additions at Corfu Resort Hospitality giant, Louis Hotels, recently announced the completion of the new kids pool featuring water slides at Primasol Louis Ionian Sun, Corfu, Greece. Parents visiting the property can now accompany their children at the new pool, which measures 5m by 7m and just under 0.5m deep, and features new attractions; two waterslides and water bubbles, gearing this hotel towards the family segment. The four-star all-inclusive Primasol Louis Ionian Sun is located in a green and calm scenery, just 20m from the beach, and was upgraded in 2011 with the renovation of its main building and a refurbishment project which included the fitting of wooden flooring and furniture in all of its rooms followed by the renovations of bathrooms, as well as new carpeting in the corridors of the main building. Primasol Louis Ionian Sun
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MONTHLY NEWS
International
easyJet to Test Ash Detection Technology
Barcelona Island Project
easyJet and its partners, Airbus and Nicarnica, are planning the final stage of testing for the Airborne Volcanic Object Imaging Detector (AVOID) technology. The airline brought volcanic ash from Iceland collected by the Institute of Earth Sciences in Reykjavik, which will be used in an experiment planned for this summer. The next phase of testing will involve two Airbus test planes, one of which has the ability to disperse the ash into the atmosphere, creating an artificial ash cloud, while the second aircraft, fitted with AVOID technology, will detect and avoid it at over 9,100m. Ian Davies, engineering director, easyJet, commented, “The threat from Icelandic volcanoes continues and so finalising the approval of the AVOID technology is as crucial now as ever to ensure we never again see the scenes of spring 2010 when all flying ceased for several days.” In addition, Fred Prat, inventor, AVOID technology, said, “This is the perfect science experiment. We will know exactly how much ash we have placed in the atmosphere, and also its concentration and composition. AVOID will then measure it and demonstrate the technology.” Volcanic Ash Cloud
Europe’s Tallest Hotel to be Built in Barcelona
California-based company, Mobilona, has revealed plans to develop a space-hotel off the shores of Barcelona, which is set to become the tallest and largest hotel in Europe, and the only one built on a man-made island. The 300m property is envisaged to re-create a space-like experience on the proposed Barcelona Island project, which is set to be developed at an initial investment of EUR1.5 billion. The space hotel will feature over 2,000 suites and residences, the world’s first covered marina, a 24-hour space mall, and an anti-gravity spa, offering an ‘out of this world’ experience. In addition, the company also established Mobilona Immersive Technology Center to create surround experiences in buildings, whereby mammoth displays will replace conventional walls and windows to provide guests and residents with lifelike views of anything they desire. Mobilona also plans to build green energy plants to supply Barcelona Island and the Catalan city with electricity.
Paris Tops World Ranking
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
TripAdvisor has announced the winners of this year’s Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards, honouring the top destinations in the world according to the opinions of millions of travellers. Globally, Paris topped the list, followed by New York City and London, while Rome, Barcelona, Venice, San Francisco, Florence, Prague, and Sydney filled the remaining seven spots. Consequently, Paris was also crowned as the most popular destination in Europe, followed by London and Rome, as Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Prague, Berlin, Istanbul and Saint Petersburg also made it into the top 10. In the UK, London proved to be the favourite, while Manchester and Glasgow took second and third places, respectively. Gordon Innes, CEO, London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional organisation for London, commented, “These are crucial awards for us as they are voted for directly by visitors. The Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee were all brilliant moments for London to shine in 2012 and the magic continues here in the UK capital for this year. Major events such as the reopening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in July, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation along with our worldclass music concerts and sporting events will give even more reason for visitors to return to London in the years to come.”
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WHO'S MOVED
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STATHIS MAVROMATIS
ANDREAS CHRISTODOULIDES Andreas Christodoulides has been appointed general manager at Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos. Christodoulides brings more than three decades of hospitality experience to the role, having started his career in the industry as head receptionist at Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca in 1984. Over the years, he advanced to become the front office manager and later to sales manager at Sheraton Limassol
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Resort & Pleasure Harbour before taking on the role of deputy general manager at Le MĂŠridien Limassol Spa & Resort in 1993, where in 2000 he was promoted to general manager. In 2004, Christodoulides joined Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows in Larnaca as general manager, while in 2008 he took on the same position at InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, his most recent assignment.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
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KYRIAKOS KENEVEZOS
MARIOS HANNIDES
Minister of education and culture, Cyprus.
Director general, Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
“For the first time, a Cypriot town, Paphos, undertakes the heavy duty to represent our small country in one of the most important and renowned European institutions, that of the Cultural Capital of Europe. The Cypriot government’s intention is to invest in culture and support to the maximum extent possible the European Capital of Culture for 2017, doing everything possible to ensure the success of this great effort, being though fully aware of the difficulties we face due to the global economic downturn, which particularly affects our country.”
“The presence of the two officials [Taleb Rifai, secretary general, World Tourism Organization, and Jürgen Büchy, president, German Travel Association] is sending a clear message internationally that Cyprus was, is and will continue to be an important, safe and stable tourist destination. Indications that we get from the two officials are very positive; that any harmful image of Cyprus following the decision of the Eurogroup has begun to be altered towards a more positive one. This gives quite encouraging messages for tourism in Cyprus.”
CHRISTIANA IACOVIDOU General manager, Cleopatra Hotel.
“Cleopatra Hotel offers four multi-function rooms with capacity ranging from 15 to 350 persons, fully equipped for seminars, presentations, banquets, and private functions. They all offer the latest in audio visual and real time translation equipment, LCD projectors, laptops, overhead/slide projectors, TV/ VCR/DVD, large screens, microphones and podium. Business professionals can use, round-the-clock, the business centre, which offers computers connected to broadband high speed Internet, photocopy and fax machines, as well as a printer.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel JULY 2013
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Head of Parliament Meets UNWTO’s Secretary-General Yiannakis Omirou, president, House of Representatives, Cyprus, recently held a meeting with Taleb Rifai, secretary-general, UNWTO, as well as with Jürgen Büchy, president, German Travel Association, who accompanied Rifai on his visit to Cyprus.
D
uring the meeting, views were exchanged with regards to global tourism and especially Cyprus’ tourism prospects. Omirou elaborated, “The two high invitees believe that Cyprus has great potential for further growth in tourism, given the many possibilities available. Cyprus is not only a country with sun and sea, but it is a country that has a history,
with archaeological monuments that testify to that. Cyprus can further develop rural tourism, ecotourism, and religious tourism.” On his behalf, Rifai added that UNWTO sends clear messages of support and solidarity to Cyprus and its tourism industry, while explaining that discussions with Cyprus Tourism Organisation aim at analysing future plans, raising awareness, and highlighting prospects for the local sector.
Paphos Among the Top 20 Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Europe QualityCoast, the largest international certification programme for sustainable tourism destinations, operated by the Coastal & Marine Union and partly funded by the European Commission, granted Paphos the gold award for being one of the 20 most sustainable tourism destinations in Europe amongst 1,000 other candidates.
The Blue Lagoon, Akamas
Taleb Rifai (right) and Yiannakis Omirou
WTC Cyprus Visits Jordan In line with its growth strategy, members of World Trade Center (WTC) Cyprus recently conducted a business trip to Jordan. Vasilis Kakoliris, manager, sales and business development, WTC Cyprus, spent five days in the capital city of Amman to meet
prospective clients as the organisation looks to expand its customer service, sales skills training, and mystery shopping business in the Kingdom, a component of its services geared towards hospitality and other such businesses. The trip began with a num-
ber of pre-arranged appointments with the management of prominent hotels, and culminated close to 20 successful meetings with six hotels already expressing interest in various training and mystery shopping solutions.
The QualityCoast award is attributed on the basis of information to be provided by the applicants, while the selection of the regions is based on the performance of the candidates in 20 criteria covering five thematic areas, which mainly focus on clean environment, nature and its conservation, local identity, destination management, and rich natural and cultural heritage. The application’s submission was coordinated by Pafos Regional Board of Tourism while the municipalities of Paphos, Yeroskipou, Peyia, and Polis Chrysochous, as well as the community councils of Chlorakas, Kissonerga, and Neo Chorio, all assisted this joint effort.
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with George Ioannou With the summer season well underway, Travel Trade Cyprus recently caught up with George Ioannou, general manager, Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort, to discuss the latest trends and gain an insight into the ways in which the industry has been coping with recent challenges.
Travel Trade Cyprus: This year started with various challenges. How has the hotel performed so far? George Ioannou: The past few months can be summarised by the word ‘uncertainty’. As the whole economy is highly affected by consumer psychology, it is safe to say that the high [level of ] uncertainty has decreased clients’ spending significantly. Our hotel performed quite well in the first few months of the year, considering all that has taken place and also given that the winter season is not our best period. Unfortunately, the summer season seems to be behind expectations.
parties, and so on, to take place without disturbing our esteemed leisure guests. We are more flexible and tailor-make each offer in order to provide the best possible service for these high demanding occasions. Travel Trade Cyprus: How have your main source markets changed over the past few years?
George Ioannou General manager, Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort.
Travel Trade Cyprus: With its wide range of dining options, extensive conference services, spa offerings, and children facilities, Le Mèridien Limassol Spa & Resort has long established itself as a preferred hotel for both families and corporate travellers. How would you describe your target market? George Ioannou: Being part of a global hotel chain such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and the Le Méridien brand, we attract a diverse mixture of clients from all markets. However, due to our destination attractions, the CIS and the Middle East have shown more interest. Due to the wide range of leisure and meeting facilities one can find at Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort, we cater for all types of clients, whether they are family, holidaymakers, honeymooners, or attending a conference. Luckily, we have the necessary facilities to attract a variety of travellers by providing them with their service expectations. Families and corporate travellers as well as couples and leisure travellers are well catered for around the hotel grounds. Our Penguin Club sits on 3,000m2 of specially constructed facilities exclusively for our young guests, while our unique indoor and outdoor award-winning Thalassotherapy Spa is an oasis for total relaxation, the ultimate in pampering and the best in beauty treatments. A variety of dining facilities allow all our clientele to enjoy and relax in an atmosphere of their discretion; from fine dining, à la carte and buffet, to an exclusive restaurant for our young guests. Our corporate travellers are also a main focus. The hotel’s conference facilities allow meetings, product launches, banquets, fashion shows, private cocktail
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George Ioannou: We have noticed a decline in our main source markets over the past few years, due to the global economic changes, mainly from our European markets. Russian and UK travellers [have been] our main markets throughout the years. Recently, through the help of social media and our international campaigns, we have seen that direct bookings though Starwood have [had] a steady increase. However, some markets have demonstrated positive growth, mostly during 2012. We anticipate that with the Far East achieving strong economic growth and prosperity, these [will] have huge potential to become new emerging markets for our destination. Travel Trade Cyprus: In a bid to overcome the challenges and mitigate the negative impact of the media reports, the hotel recently invited a number of high-profile journalists from Russia. What were the main goals of this initiative? George Ioannou: With all the negative media cover-
age Cyprus received due to the banking crisis and the little information that was given out to our travel industry partners about the real situation on the island, it was decided that we should act out of our own initiative to try and salvage the tourism image of Cyprus for the coming summer season. As Russia and the CIS are among our main source markets, we proceeded to invite media representatives from there with the ultimate goal to reassure them that Cyprus is still a safe, peaceful, and fun place, and to gain their trust and confidence again so bookings could return to normal levels. We successfully ensured our partners that everything is running smoothly in the hotel and Cyprus in general. In turn, our main objective was achieved, as these elite journalists published and spread the word informing all possible clients that our natural scenery, the sun, and the sand, as well as our cultural heritage, which are the basic building blocks of any tourism destination, are all intact, and our hotel’s facilities are second to none. At this time, we are focusing our social media advertising towards other markets such as our UK travellers in order to ensure them of our stability in the hospitality industry as well as our country’s safety and security. Travel Trade Cyprus: Based on your opinion, what can be done to overcome the recent difficulties and gradually return to the growth path? George Ioannou: If we are to hope that we can revive the industry, it can only be done with the joint efforts of the public and private sectors. All sectors must take a more serious look at the hotel industry, as it is our main industry, and find ways to help it grow and further develop. The government and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation must find ways to help and support the hoteliers to become more competitive by reducing fixed costs, such as electricity cost, taxes, or labour costs. Travel Trade Cyprus: Tell us about your plans for the remainder of the year. George Ioannou: We have recently completed full renovations in some of our public areas as well as in a few of our suites. Our future plans include more changes around the resort as we want to maintain our five-star standards and our brand name as an international chain.
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NEWS & EVENTS
CSFA Postpones International Fair The Cyprus State Fairs Authority (CSFA) has announced new dates for the 38th Cyprus International Fair, which was originally planned to take place on May 24 - June 2, and is now slated for October 4 - 9. Taking in mind the current unstable financial setting in Cyprus and after consulting traders and exchanging views with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, CSFA decided to postpone the event. The original date had been set since May 2012, at the end of Cyprus International Fair’s last edition, but in order to better serve its purpose of promoting the Cypriot economy’s image, CSFA opted to reschedule the event hoping for better results in October. Over the past few years, the show has been attracting more than 200 exhibitors which represent local and international companies, showcasing all sectors of trade, business, and economic activities ranging from home appliances, machinery, and tools, to technology and services, as well as special thematic exhibitions such as fishing and boating, tourism, prefabricated houses, a classic car show, and a beer festival.
Folk Culture at Deryneia Festival Deryneia Municipality, in the context of promoting local cultural activities, recently organised a folklore festival. “A testimony to the desire of our people to keep their cultural identity alive is the organising of such events which highlight our customs and tradition. The launch of Dherynia Folk Museum and the Outdoor Museum of Folk Art and Traditional Crafts is also a confir-
mation of the shift towards our culture,” said Nicos Kouyialis, minister of agriculture, natural resources and environment, Cyprus, in his opening speech, adding that such events give the chance to younger generations to learn about their history and culture. He also expressed the government’s support to the town and the free areas of Famagusta generally.
EVENTS 17th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama Cyprus, July 2013 (www.cyprus-theatre-iti.org) The festival brings popular plays to the island’s stages. Ethno Cyprus 2013 Nicosia, Cyprus, July 6, 2013 Traditional instrument virtuosos from Europe and the Middle East come together to present a concert programme. ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship Limassol, Cyprus, July 13 – 20, 2013 (www.isafyouthworlds.com) The 43rd edition of the championship with some of the world’s most talented squads. Crossroads IV Youth Theatre Camp Limassol, Cyprus, July 19 – 28, 2013 (www.theatretc.com) A summer camp that brings together young people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Lemesos International Documentary Film Festival Limassol, Cyprus, August 1 – 8, 2013 (www.filmfestival.com.cy) A festival dedicated to contemporary creative documentaries in Cyprus. Limassol Wine Festival 2013 Limassol, Cyprus, August 29 – September 8, 2013 (www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy) Set within the city’s municipal gardens, situated near the sea, this year’s wine festival celebrates its 52nd edition, once again reviving ancient festive manifestations.
Airgun Games for Limassol Cup The fourth round of this year’s shooting championship was held on April 13 and 14. The fixed target air gun games were organised by the Cyprus Shooting Sport Federation and held at the International Shooting Range of Limassol, while the competing categories were air pistol and air rifle. Competitors included men, women, as well as young boys and girls of various ages.
The Elixir of Love (Pafos Aphrodite Festival) Paphos, Cyprus, September 6 – 8, 2013 (www.pafc.com.cy) This year’s event will open with Donizetti’s masterpiece, The Elixir of Love, and is expected to attract music lovers from across the island. Cyprus International 4-day Challenge Paphos, Cyprus, November 21 – 24, 2013 (www.cypruschallenge.com) A four-day event offering participants an adventurous challenge with four difference races.
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