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10 JANUARY 2015
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JANUARY 2015
ISSUE 05
THE CABINET APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR INCLUDING TROODOS INTO THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK, A MOVE THAT IS EXPECTED TO PROMOTE THE REGION AS WELL AS CYPRUS IN TERMS OF THEMATIC TOURISM.
VISITBERLIN UNVEILED THE LATEST TOURIST FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 2014, SHOWING A 5.1 PERCENT INCREASE IN ARRIVALS, REACHING 1,138,671, AND A 5.6 PERCENT RISE IN OVERNIGHT STAYS ACROSS BERLIN’S ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS.
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HERMES AIRPORTS INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC GATES
BRAVOFLY RUMBO GROUP TO ACQUIRE LASTMINUTE.COM
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IN THIS ISSUE
IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE CRUISING TOURISM BOARDS ACCOMMODATION AIRPORTS AIR RENDEZVOUS AGENTS TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO’S MOVED PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS
ISSUE 23
NICOSIA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT GOES AHEAD
NIKI SERVES ATHENS
02 04 09 10 17 18 21 23 24 25 26 27 28
BERLIN RECORDS INCREASING VISITOR NUMBERS
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MARKET UPDATE
02
NICOSIA
03
NAUTICAL NEWS
05
AIRPORTS
06
TRAVEL AGENTS
09
TOURISM BOARDS
11
ACCOMMODATION
14
TRAVEL CHANNELS
16
RENDEZVOUS
17
INTERNATIONAL / IN FOCUS
18
NEWS & EVENTS
20
TROODOS TO ACQUIRE EUROPEAN STATUS
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online
APRIL 2015
ISSUE 26
TOURISM REVENUE SUSTAINS MOMENTUM CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH, IN COLLABORATION WITH AYIA NAPA MUNICIPALITY AND THE CYPRUS DIVE CENTRES ASSOCIATION, LAUNCHED A NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF.
02 GULF AIR AWARDS ITS CYPRIOT PARTNERS
08 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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NICOSIA
03
AWARDS
08
TRAVEL AGENTS
09
CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
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AIR
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ACCOMMODATION
14
TRAVEL CHANNELS
16
WHO’S MOVED & IN FOCUS
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TRAVEL TALK
18
RENDEZVOUS
19
NEWS & EVENTS
20
AYIA NAPA RECEIVES ARTIFICIAL REEF
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Christou Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian
Louis Marks a Successful 2014 Louis managed to increase 2014’s turnover by 10.6 percent year-on-year to EUR226.86 million.
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he group’s operating profit before tax, interest, depreciation and hotel rents amounted to EUR62.39 million, thus surging 22.8 percent when compared to EUR50.79 million in 2013. Louis’ net profit for the year under review was EUR3.32 million and presented an improvement of around EUR9.09 million over 2013. In reporting the results, the group’s management predicted that this year’s financial outcome will largely depend on the continued economic stability in both Cyprus and Greece, but also on the final provisions of the proposed restructuring of the company’s loans.
Tourism Revenue Sustains Momentum
DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou
Based on the results of a passenger survey by Cyprus Statistical Service, revenue from tourism reached EUR65 million in November 2014, recording an increase of 9.9 percent over the corresponding month of 2013.
DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
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HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607 Fax: +357 22 103670
or the month under review, average expenditure per person reached EUR798.6 and the corresponding figure per day climbed to EUR67.4. For the period January – November 2014 income from tourism was estimated at EUR1.98 billion, decreasing 3.2 percent year-on-year, since travellers to the island had spent EUR2.04 billion in the first 11 months of 2013.
WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprinters Ltd P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732 Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035 Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprinters.com
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Top Kinisis Turnover Touches EUR25 Million
In announcing its 2014 results, which included those of all its subsidiaries, Top Kinisis Travel reported a turnover of EUR25.26 million. This marked an increase of 5.7 percent compared to 2013.
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ost notably, the group registered a net profit of EUR68,295 which signalled a dramatic change over 2013’s EUR147,005 net loss. Additionally, Top Kinisis Travel’s gross profit grew by 10.2 percent, attributed mainly to the enhanced product mix of specific travel services. The improvement in the gross profit margin coupled with the boost in turnover resulted in the amelioration of the operating profit for 2014, which climbed to EUR221,827, whereas in 2013 it reached EUR45,920. APRIL 2015
NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS Kapnos Reshuffles Services to Larnaca’s Airport
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apnos Airport Shuttle has adjusted its regular schedule to and from Larnaka International Airport, in a bid to better serve passengers. From Nicosia, Kapnos Airport Shuttle itineraries will run from as early as 03:00 with the last bus leaving at 21:30, aside Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays when departure is scheduled for 23:00. Services from Larnaca will start daily at 05:30 and will similarly operate until almost midnight. Specifically on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays passengers can board the 23:45 shuttle to return to the capital.
Nicosia Exhibited in Berlin
Nicosia Festival Presents Scouting Activities
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iming to promote Cyprus’ capital city to European audiences, Nicosia Tourism Board took part in ITB Berlin. Niovi Parissinou, senior officer, Nicosia Tourism Board, who led the group, met with German and international counterparts to showcase the authority’s plans to revive Nicosia’s city centre. Moreover, the team stressed the destination’s tourism offerings with specific emphasis given to conference, religious and thematic tourism. This year, ITB Berlin hosted more that 10,000 exhibitors from across 180 countries, while visitor figures reached 175,000.
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yprus Scouts Association’s local committees, in collaboration with Nicosia Municipality, held a festival for kids and
adults. Welcoming spring, the event attracted children and their parents who wished to get acquainted with the association’s work. The festival featured a series of activities prepared by the Cyprus Police, Cyprus Fire Service, Green Dot, Anakyklos, BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia Dog Shelter and Tiganokinisi.
Nicosia Welcomes Bi-communal Café
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he Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the charity backed by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder, easyJet, opened the first bi-communal café in old Nicosia town in March. The initiative is aimed at building support for business relationships between the island’s Greek and Turkish communities, as well as at encouraging applications for the prestigious Stelios BiCommunal awards in Cyprus. The shop will offer the opportunity to winners and past Stelios award participants to discuss their experiences and resubmit applications while enjoying free coffee and biscuits offered by the foundation.
APRIL 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS now. . k u o y rld Did s Wo
Maritime Cyprus Returns in September
e ’ year them This e Day cation du itim Mar ritime e ng? i a n is m nd trai a
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he 14th edition of Maritime Cyprus conference will run under the theme Shipping: Game Change, between September 13 – 16 in Limassol. The event will focus on the crucial matters concerning the international shipping industry, including policies and regulatory matters as well as the forthcoming changes in the international shipping scenery. Economic and environmental matters and their interaction with technology, geopolitical and energy development and forecasting for the recovery of the economy and the freight markets will also come under the spotlight. The main aim of the biennial conference is to serve as a platform where important and current issues relating to international shipping are presented.
Century Travel Opens New Holiday Lounge in Paphos
Shipping Becomes a Focal Point
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entury Travel has opened its new Holiday Lounge on Mesogi Avenue in Paphos, now boasting larger premises for more lengthy consultations and travel events. Vicky Lewis, operations manager, Century Travel, said, “We felt the need to provide our clients with more interaction when purchasing their holidays, so we have destination channels on both TV and tablets, allowing customers to sit in comfort while deciding on their travel plans.” She further noted that the new larger Holiday Lounge is the perfect place to host destination events throughout the year.
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arios Demetriades, communications and works minister, Cyprus, headed a parliamentary committee meeting which discussed the upgrading of the ports in Paphos and Latchi. After the assembly, he commented that the sites’ amelioration would have a positive impact on tourism, since the creation of a quay in Paphos’ harbour could help increase the number of cruise ships calling at the city. Demetriades also revealed that in a bid to further develop the shipping sector, the ministry is to take decisive and strategic actions in this segment, following a study commissioned and presented by Ernst & Young.
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APRIL 2015
MONTHLY NEWS
AYIA NAPA RECEIVES ARTIFICIAL REEF Cyprus Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, in collaboration with Ayia Napa Municipality and the Cyprus Dive Centres Association, held a ceremony to launch the creation of a new artificial reef.
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nder the auspices of Nicos Kouyialis, agriculture, rural development and environment minister, Cyprus, the event saw the sinking of the ship Kerynia at the area of Pernera in Protaras. Artificial reefs are constructions that have the same characteristics as natural reefs and act as areas for reproduction, growth, feeding and refuge for marine organisms.
Archaeological Sites Undergo Conservation
Cyprus Intrigued by Iran’s Potential
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iorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, led a business delegation to Tehran, which included members of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Cyprus Tourism Organisation. He participated in a business forum which explored ways of collaboration between the two countries, especially in the investment sector, and met with a number of governmental officials to discuss tourism-related matters. Additionally, Lakkotrypis was present at an event organised by Cyprus Tourism Organisation which also saw the participation of Iranian travel agents and tour operators.
APRIL 2015
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Mosque in Iran
yprus’ Department of Antiquities has gone ahead with restoration works at the House of Dionysos and House of Aion, both located at the archaeological site of Kato Pafos, as well as at the House of Eustolios at Kourion. Nea Pafos is situated on a small promontory on the southwest coast of the island. According to written sources, the town was founded at the end of the fourth century by Nicocles, the last king of Palaipafos. Systematic excavations on the site by the Department of Antiquities started in 1962, during which many of the ancient town’s administrative buildings as well as private houses and ecclesiastical buildings came to light. In 1980 Nea Pafos and Palaipafos were inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
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MONTHLY NEWS
Israelis and Germans Prefer Cyprus in January
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ourist arrivals to Cyprus reached 41,799 in January, recording an increase of 2.8 percent compared to 40,675 in January 2014, according to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service. A growth of 65.8 percent was registered in visits from Israel – with the figure rising to 2,741, and 50 percent from Germany. On the other hand, the Cyprus Statistical Service documented a decrease of 5.6 percent in the British traveller numbers which reached 12,334 in January compared to 13,063 in the same month of 2014. There was also a similar decline of 5.7 percent from Greece and a 0.8 percent downturn from Russia.
Fig Tree Bay among Top European Beaches
Open Amphitheatre to Be Launched in Ayia Napa
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he first step for the construction of an open air amphitheatre in Ayia Napa has been made, since the municipal council has approved the architectural plans. The council has also instructed the architectural firm to submit its study to the relevant governmental department to get a planning permission for the project. The theatre will be erected next to Ayia Napa’s sports centre, where it will boast panoramic views of the sea. The venue will have a capacity of 2,117 seats and its expected cost is estimated at around EUR3 million.
F Fig Tree Bay
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ig Tree Bay was voted among the top 10 European beaches by the TripAdvisor community. Now in its third year, the website’s Travelers’ Choice awards recognise the best beaches based on millions of reviews and opinions posted by holiday-makers. Protaras’ picturesque spot claimed sixth place, officially becoming one of the most popular locations in the Mediterranean. The top spot was secured by Sicily’s Rabbit Beach, followed by Playa de Ses Illetes on the Baearic Islands, and Greece’s Elafonissi Beach, while globally, Brazil’s Baia do Sancho proved to be the best.
Amphitheatre rendering
APRIL 2015
MONTHLY NEWS British Market’s Restored Amathus CertifiedConfidence for Its Integrated Management System
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) representatives returned from London’s Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show with positive feedback. CTO’s booth was popular with visitors of the
exhibition who wished to learn more about holidaying in Cyprus. Moreover, the organisation estimated that air seats offered for the summer season from the UK to the island increased by 33,000 compared to 2014. In addition, tour operators
informed CTO’s delegation that there is a 10 – 15 percent growth in their Cyprus bookings. In 2014, UK travellers to the country reached 871,000 representing 36 percent of the overall annual arrival figures.
Underwater Archaeological Investigation at Nissia Shipwreck
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he Department of Antiquities announced the completion of the first excavation season at the Nissia shipwreck in Paralimni, which took place for a period of two weeks. The investigations were conducted by the Maritime Archaeological Research Laboratory of the Archaeological Research Unit of the University of Cyprus, under the direction of Stella Demesticha, in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities. A total of 24 people took part in the excavation, including students from Cyprus and abroad, as well as volunteer divers. The wreckage, which dates back to the late Ottoman period, is located 28m below sea level and is the only shipwreck of this period known in Cyprus, and one of the few that are under investigation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
APRIL 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS AWARDS
Gulf Air Awards Its Cypriot Partners Gulf Air, in cooperation with its sales representative in Cyprus, Orthodoxou Aviation, rewarded its local partners for their 2014 achievements. The event, which was organised in honour of travel agents as well as media representatives cooperating with the airline, was officiated by Marios Demetriades, communications and works minister, Cyprus, who praised the significant role that Gulf Air has been playing in the Cypriot tourism market since 1976. The evening concluded with a raffle and the lucky winner was offered two business class tickets onboard Gulf Air.
Saad Alqinni, Marios Demetriades, Litsa Kyprianides
Saad Alqinni, Marios Demetriades, Giorgos Zorpas
All awarded travel agents Saad Alqinni, Marios Demetriades, Froso Panayi
Saad Alqinni, Marios Demetriades, Christoforos Orthodoxou, Eva Egglezou
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Georgia Antoniou, Ioannis Barris, Despo Georgiou
APRIL 2015
TRAVEL AGENTS MONTHLY NEWS
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op Kinisis Travel held a lecture at the University of Cyprus on Amphipolis findings, with the theme The Ancient city and the Casta Tomb. Under the auspices of the Embassy of Greece, the event hosted accredited historian Potitsa Grigorakou as the key speaker, who discussed the ancient findings and presented the main discoveries of the excavations.
u s on Tum The ipolis lie inside a h Amp f Kasta ng hill o 00m-lo all of 5 ne? ing w ound limesto r r u s nd ble a mar
The Amphipolis Tomb
Top Kinisis Supports Culture
now. . of k u o y Did lus Tomb the
AIRsmiles Travel Launched
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onceived with the mission of redefining customer care in corporate travel in a cost effective manner, AIRsmiles Travel has launched operations in Nicosia. Led by director, Vicken Kesterlian, the newly-introduced agency’s team consists of highly motivated professionals, many of whom have a long and proven track record in the aviation industry. Mainly geared towards serving corporate accounts, AIRsmiles Travel also caters to the discerning individual traveller’s needs. Driven by enthusiasm and professionalism, the agency aims to build mutually beneficial and rewarding relationships and establish itself as a trusted travel advisor and consultant.
APRIL 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
Limassol to Become Cultural Hotspot
Paphos to Boost Its Wedding Appeal
Platres Takes Part in European Project
A Limassol
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ony Antoniou, chairman, Limassol Tourism Board, called for a turn to alternative markets that will balance losses from the declining Russian, British and German segments. Those are Austria, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Israel, Lebanon and the UAE, he said, speaking at the annual general meeting of Limassol Tourism Board. Antoniou lauded CTO’s effort to create regional tourism boards in 2007, assuring that their work is more than invaluable. Regarding Limassol, he prioritised the creation of an international conference and expo centre which would turn the city into a cultural hub that would specially cater to winter travellers who have indeed limited entertainment options, as Antoniou said.
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team consisting of local hoteliers, travel agents, wedding organisers, municipalities and Pafos Regional Board of Tourism members, represented Paphos at Birmingham Wedding Show, seeking to enhance the region’s image as a wedding and honeymoon destination. Paphos is already quite a popular destination with wedding and honeymoon travellers and this effort was expected to generate even greater momentum that will boost the city’s appeal concerning that specific segment.
Platres
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latres’ Community Council is participating in the project Leonardo da Vinci Partnerships (2013 – 2015) titled Sustainable M-Tourism which aims to educate industry professionals on the territory’s identity via mobile learning. The project also strives to promote employability by developing or strengthening new qualifications and skills of industry professionals. A digital handbook will be developed, based on best practices implemented by seven European partners from seven countries which, besides Cyprus, they also include Belgium, France, Turkey, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Spain.
APRIL 2015
TOURISM BOARDS MONTHLY NEWS Larnaca Bids to Be Youth Capital
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pplications for the European Youth Capital (EYC) title in 2018 are officially open and Larnaca is preparing to submit its own bid. For this reason, Larnaka Municipality called on individuals aged up to 35 years old, as well as representatives of youth associations, to partake in the procedure and suggest priorities that they deem to be of importance to Cypriot youngsters. During an EYC year, the host city holds events and projects designed to demonstrate the active, essential role that young people and youth organisations play in society. The EYC title will be awarded for the 10th time in 2018, having first been handed to Rotterdam in 2009.
Paphos Opens Up Israeli Market
Ayia Napa Strengthens Links with Thessaloniki
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Thessaloniki
afos Regional Board of Tourism participated in the 21st International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) held in February in Tel Aviv. Representatives of the board were in touch with tour operators as well as specialised agents dealing with wedding and sports tourism. The tourism authority reported that the Israeli market has good potential for development this year, especially since now there are increased air links between the two countries.
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iannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, and Christos Zannetos, municipal councillor, Ayia Napa, visited Thessaloniki where they met with Yiannis Boutaris, mayor, Thessaloniki, in order to discuss issues of mutual interest. Among those was the tourism sector and ways to reinforce links between the two communities, especially since the first inhabitants of the Cypriot community came from Thessaloniki. Karousos addressed an official invitation to his counterpart in order to further examine ways of collaboration. International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM)
APRIL 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
CTO Targets Mediterranean Partners
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yprus Convention Bureau, part of Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), was present at the International Congress and Convention Association’s Mediterranean Chapter meetings held in Malta, in order to promote congress tourism in the region. During the event, CTO representatives had the opportunity to showcase Cyprus’ business tourism product to media members, convention agencies, tourism authorities and event organisers. Moreover, the delegation participated in an educational programme dealing with the problems that the Mediterranean region is facing as a congress tourism destination and ways to solve them.
now. . k u o y Did n anea
iterr of the Med The er is one phical t a Chap st geogr f the g lar e apters o ongress Ch ional C n nat entio Inter d Conv on? n a ciati Asso
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CTO Educates Tourism Professionals
Cyprus Turns to Middle East for MICE
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TO held its annual tourist guides seminar which is aimed at continually updating the knowledge of the professionals in the specific field. The event’s agenda included a series of lectures by distinguished speakers, including topics such as an analysis of medieval Cypriot historian Leontios Machairas’ short stories; traditional Cypriot architecture, local wine and nutritional habits; as well as the Natura 2000 eco-project. The seminar was held at Filoxenia Conference Centre and was attended by over 200 tour guides.
ibtm arabia
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delegation from CTO, the Cyprus Convention Bureau and a team of local hoteliers took part at the conference tourism exhibition ibtm arabia, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The group had the chance to promote Cyprus collectively in terms of MICE tourism, with a series of one-to-one preset meetings with Middle East-based tourism companies. CTO reported that interest came mainly from the Arab and Indian markets, while emphasis was given to organising unique events in Cyprus’ archaeological sites, villages and beaches.
APRIL 2015
AIR MONTHLY NEWS UP Boosts Cyprus Presence
Ryanair: Record Bookings from Paphos
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yanair reported record forward bookings on its Paphos summer schedule which also includes a new route to Rome. The low-cost carrier’s increased operations from the coastal city are set to deliver more than 650,000 customers per annum and support some 650 on-site jobs at Pafos International Airport. The airline will deploy two based aircraft on a total of 10 routes and 53 weekly services from the town. Travellers can take advantage of two daily flights to Athens, one daily connection to London and 11 weekly frequencies to Thessaloniki, among others.
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ow-fare airline UP, operating under Israel’s national carrier EL AL, ran six-weekly services to Larnaca, up until March 24. UP launched in March 2014 with flights to Berlin, Budapest, Kiev, Prague and Larnaca and offers low-fare services at special terms with two types of tickets; UP Basic includes essential services with options to add more frills selected by the customer and UP Smart includes a selection of services and flexible options.
Ryanair Links Paphos to 10 Airports
Airtrans Aviation to Serve Royal Jordanian Airlines
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irtrans Aviation will now provide cargo ground handling services to Royal Jordanian Airlines at Larnaka International Airport. The Jordanian flag carrier currently offers daily flights between Larnaca and Amman. Airtrans Aviation operates its own guarded warehouse at the airport, offering a 24/7 service, and its security procedures are approved by Cyprus’ Department of Civil Aviation.
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his summer, low-fare carrier Ryanair will be offering 34 incoming weekly flights to Paphos, connecting the city to 10 airports in seven countries, including the UK, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Italy, Belgium and Greece. Following an event presenting Ryanair’s summer routes from Cyprus, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism expressed satisfaction for the successful collaboration between the two entities over the years. “Ryanair is pleased to announce record forward bookings on our Paphos summer schedule, including a new route to Rome and extra flights to and from Athens and London,” commented David O’Brien, chief commercial officer, Ryanair.
Civil Aviation and Customs Departments Partner
C Paphos
APRIL 2015
yprus’ Department of Civil Aviation has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Department of Customs and Excise. The agreement is in line with the European Union’s customs legislation governing authorised economic operators (AEO), as well as the aviation laws that govern regulated agents (RA) and known consignors (KC). The purpose of the memorandum is to establish clear procedures for exchange of information between the two departments regarding the capacity and status of any given AEO, RA or KC.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Annabelle Is Turning 30
Columbia Scoops Award of Excellence
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hanos Hotels is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the five-star Annabelle with a string of events throughout the year. To commemorate the occasion, three special gala dinners will be organised for staff and guests in May, July and October. For couples, celebrating their pearl wedding anniversary, the seaside property offers a special package with a bouquet of surprises. A brand new website will also be launched featuring, among others, images of the exhibition that will take place at the hotel. Over the past three decades, the 218-unit Annabelle has continually reinvented itself to remain a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors to Paphos.
Annabelle
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olumbia Hotels & Resorts has been honoured with an Award of Excellence from Booking.com. The recognition comes under the umbrella of the travel engine’s Guest Review Awards, with both the five-star Columbia Beach Resort and the four-star Columbia Beach Hotel being distinguished respectively. “In an industry whose success is balanced on delivering only the finest quality of service to guests [...] receiving an award based on guests’ feedback is perhaps the most supreme distinction one can achieve,” commented Anthea Vikis, marketing manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts.
Columbia Beach Resort
CHA: Tourism Needs a New Focus
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yprus Hotel Association (CHA) held its 37th Annual Hotel Conference at Hilton Park Nicosia, which saw a plethora of industry professionals discussing how the tourism sector can turn existing challenges into progress and prosperity. Those included Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports; Gerry Wilson, managing director, product and purchasing, TUI Travel; Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation; as well as Constantinos Petrides, undersecretary to the president, Cyprus, who touched upon the government’s new model of economic development and the role tourism is to play in it. In his speech, Haris Loizides, president, CHA, commented that tourism revenue is expected to be decreased by three percent in 2014, mainly due to the Russian segment’s decline. He urged the industry to turn to new destinations, limiting its dependency on just its two main markets – Russia and the UK.
APRIL 2015
ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS CHA: How to Prolong the Tourist Season
Kanika Chefs Conclude Culinary Training
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inter tourism and alternative forms of tourism are the two pillars that Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA)’s Paphos district committee will rely on to prolong the tourist season. This was revealed by Evelyn Kleanthous, vice president, Paphos district committee, CHA, who went on to say that the town’s mild climate, natural beauty, clean beaches and rich history were the factors that made it an attractive destination. However, today there is a need to develop alternative ways and products to lure in holiday-makers all year round. “The road network, cleanliness, public transport, cultural events, a good policing system to prevent crime particularly in tourist areas, the creation of a modern municipal theatre and green areas, are some elements that can be further developed,” Kleanthous said.
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fter a full week of intensive hands-on training by three chefs and one service manager from Swiss Education Group, Kanika Hotels’ culinary team of 60 chefs prepared an afternoon buffet. Held at Elias Beach Hotel, the event attracted both locals and guests, as well as representatives of the Swiss embassy, who enjoyed a variety of finger foods and desserts, along with coffee and tea. The initiative formed part of the regular culinary and service training programmes organised within the framework of the Cypriot company’s agreement with the hospitality and culinary school of the Swiss Education Group. Earlier, a group of restaurant managers and chefs had also attended a two-week training in Switzerland, reiterating Kanika Hotels’ commitment to quality services and products.
Paphos Hoteliers Discuss Seasonality
Almyra
St Raphael Recognised by Booking.com
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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cyprus Hotel Association’s Paphos district committee and consulting firm, PwC organised a seminar focussing on seasonality. The event, which was hosted by hotel Almyra, centred on the collaboration of the private and public sectors to achieve the goal of eliminating seasonal effects on tourism figures. During the forum, Petros Petrakis, partner, hospitality and leisure, PwC, presented a survey showing that there is the need for a collective effort as well as contribution from local authorities.
APRIL 2015
t Raphael Resort has been honoured with Booking. com’s Award of Excellence. Expressing delight at receiving the accolade, Andreas Gregoriou, director of operations, St Raphael Resort, said, “Our guests are our priority and their excellent feedback and comments posted on the Booking.com website emphasise our high quality service and facilities.” Gregoriou attributed the success to the hotel’s team whose commitment and hard work, as he said, have been recognised by the guests. Located on what is considered the largest sandy beach in Limassol, St Raphael Resort’s all-inclusive guests can enjoy a variety of food and drink options at the five-star property’s five outlets and a private marina Andreas Gregoriou is also present.
(right) accepts the award
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Secret Valley Golf Club Hosts Junior Tournament In February, junior golfers from all over the island competed in the Severis International Open at Secret Valley Golf Club.
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he event was also joined by the Hellenic Golf Federation, represented by a team of young golfers from Greece. The Greek talents already visited Cyprus in 2014 when they participated in the first international junior golf match at the facility and Elea Estate which ended with their Cypriot counterparts’ victory. “The spirit which these junior golfers played is a credit to their country, their clubs and their families,” praised the youngsters Terry Scott, director, junior golf, Cyprus Golf Federation. The tournament was held for the third consecutive year in memory of Nicos Severis, the late president of the Cyprus Golf Federation.
Ayia Napa Stretches a Helping Hand
Limassol Marina Attends Dubai Boat Show
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imassol Marina once again attended this year’s Dubai Boat Show which took place between March 3 – 7. Limassol Marina highlighted its unique location, its growing yachting community and exclusive residences with all visitors at the show, proudly representing the first superyacht marina in Cyprus.
Dubai Boat Show
WTTC: 14 Million Jobs at Risk
O Ayia Napa municipality representatives and Yiannis Karousos handed the cheque
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fter a charity bazaar at Thalassa Museum which was organised by the town’s municipality, Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, handed over a cheque of EUR6,019 to The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society’s local office. The donation was presented to Adamos Loizou, president, Famagusta branch, The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society, who thanked and congratulated Karousos for his charitable activities. He stressed that such initiatives can assist many fellow citizens and are an example for all local societies.
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ver 14 million jobs globally are at risk in the travel and tourism industry if governments and private sector companies fail to address the talent shortage. Research conducted for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) by Oxford Economics shows that the industry could employ 14 million fewer people and, as a result, contribute USD610 billion less in GDP to the world economy over the next 10 years, if policies which promote proactive and careful talent management are not implemented. According to WTTC, travel and tourism currently sustains 266 million jobs and taking into consideration the indirect and induces impacts, this figure could rise to 347 million by 2024. Consequently the USD7 trillion generated by the industry in 2014 is forecast to reach USD11 trillion by 2024.
APRIL 2015
WHO’S MOVED & IN FOCUS
COSTANDINOS CHRISTOFI
Costandinos Christofi has joined Columbia Hotels & Resorts’ family as sales manager. Having grown up in Calgary, Canada, Christofi first entered the hospitality industry at the age of 15. From a young age, he worked in numerous restaurants before venturing into the hotel sector. Upon completion of his studies, he undertook various front office roles across hotels in the western part of Cyprus before accepting an offer to be part of the sales department at a local resort, where he has spent the past seven years. Christofi lays great emphasis on nurturing personal and individual connections. In his capacity, he aims to further strengthen partnerships with the company’s existing and potential clients from Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
In focus
Who are you? My name is Nayia Raptakis, marketing and sales manager at Heaven’s Garden Waterpark. When did you join the industry and why? I joined the company in 2004 as the hospitality, leisure and tourist industry was always a sector that I found very interesting. Being part of a project such as Fasouri Watermania Waterpark made it even more exciting. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Tourism offers many different challenges. By working closely with travel agents and tour operators you exchange ideas on how to empower your product and be part of a successful traveller’s dream-holiday package.
NAME:
Nayia Raptakis
POSITION:
Marketing and sales manager
COMPANY:
Heaven’s Garden Waterpark
LOCATION:
Limassol, Cyprus
WEBSITE:
www.heavens-garden.com
APRIL 2015
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? My next plan is a trip to Luxembourg where I have never been and I am looking forward to it. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? Cyprus’ warm climate, blue seas, history and delicious Mediterranean cuisine offer a large variety of outdoor activities for someone to experience. All-year choices include a family day outing to the water park, golf, water sports, bird watching, mini cruises, lively nightlife, but also events that are being held throughout the year. Locals are very welcoming and that is why we have many repeat holiday visitors.
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TRAVEL TALK
Ryanair is pleased to announce record forward bookings on our Paphos summer schedule
DAVID O’BRIEN Chief commercial officer, Ryanair
TONY ANTONIOU Chairman, Limassol Tourism Board
“Ryanair is pleased to announce record forward bookings on our Paphos summer schedule, including a new route to Rome; 10 [destinations] in total, and extra flights to and from Athens and London, which will deliver 650,000 customers per annum and support 650 on-site jobs at Paphos Airport.”
[The artificial reef] will greatly contribute to the recovery and protection of our marine biodiversity
YIANNIS KAROUSOS Mayor, Ayia Napa
“The creation of an artificial reef in the Ayia Napa area will greatly contribute to the recovery and protection of our marine biodiversity, the upgrading of our ecosystem and the enrichment of the region’s tourist product, since it will be another additional and important benchmark which will attract visitors and will offer unforgettable experiences.”
Limassol Tourism Board promotes [various] tourism segments
Lufthansa is to increase frequencies from Larnaca to Germany
“Beyond the sun and sea product, Limassol Tourism Board promotes other tourism segments too, with particular emphasis on conference, biking, sports, cultural, health and wellness tourism, educational, weddings and honeymoon trips, as well as cruises and agrotourism. In several cases, the company, in cooperation with local authorities and other bodies, plays a coordinating role in promoting Limassol as special interest tourism destination.”
“During summer, Lufthansa is to increase frequencies from Larnaca to Germany by adding two weekly flights to Frankfurt, for the months of April and May. Austrian Airlines increases its weekly frequencies to the island of Aphrodite to 12, by adding five weekly flights from Vienna to Larnaca. Germanwings has also included Larnaca in its schedule since November [2014], connecting for the first time the Mediterranean island with Cologne once a week.”
HARROJULIUS PETERSEN Director of passenger sales, Greece and Cyprus, Lufthansa
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
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APRIL 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: After its 60th annual general meeting, ACTA has a new board of directors. Which are its main priorities and focal points for this year and in the long term? NTINOS KAKKOURAS: ACTA is par excellence the non-governmental agency involved in tourism and travel affairs. In its ranks it has the overwhelming majority of Cypriot travel agents and tour operators who represent almost all overseas travel organisations who are cooperating with Cyprus. Our association has completed an upward progress of more than half a century since its founding in 1954 and during this period it has been recognised as the organisation which worked with vision, for the foundation of Cyprus tourism in its proper basis. A formal recognition and confirmation of the responsible behaviour of ACTA and its important role is the fact that it has been named by law, as the issuing authority for Cypriot tour operators. Surely we will continue monitoring all developments, local and worldwide, concerning questions of tourism and travel and exercising responsible policies regarding the rational promotion of such issues. Priority will be given to efforts that will deal with the problems our members face in their daily operations and to the improvement of our tourist product in general. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: You are taking over at a difficult time for Cyprus’ tourism sector. Which are the actions you will focus on in order to turn the island’s image around? NTINOS KAKKOURAS: These are challenging times for our industry. The recent international economic downturn did not leave Cyprus unaffected. We also have to deal with the consequences of the Russian crisis, the Western-led sanctions, weak oil prices and as a result the weak [Russian] Ruble. We expect a fall in Russian visitors who made up more than 25 percent of all incoming tourism in Cyprus – the second largest national grouping after the British and around 30 percent of the tourist revenue. We have joined forces with Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the hoteliers associations in order to offer a more competitive product but also to try and attract tourists from other markets in order to offset the expected fall from APRIL 2015
Q & A with
Ntinos Kakkouras PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS TRAVEL AGENTS
FACING THE RUSSIAN CRISIS DOMINO EFFECT AND ENRICHING THE CYPRIOT TOURIST PRODUCT, ARE AMONG THE TOP PRIORITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS TRAVEL AGENTS (ACTA), AS SUGGESTED BY NTINOS KAKKOURAS, PRESIDENT, ACTA, WHO TOOK OVER RECENTLY. the Russian market. It is also obvious to us that the long-term prospects of Cyprus as a tourist destination do not look good unless we change and improve certain things and we have already submitted our views to the government. Most importantly, our efforts will continue towards the improvement of our tourist product in order to increase arrivals to Cyprus but also to assist and facilitate the process of communication, coordination and cooperation be-
tween travel agents, airlines and other operators of our tourism. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Which are the main challenges travel agents face in Cyprus and how will you help your members overcome these? NTINOS KAKKOURAS: After the 2013 financial crisis in Cyprus, almost all professions, small and medium entrepreneurs who are the backbone of the
economy, are facing a lot of difficulties and travel agents are no exception. Additionally, travel agents face a lot of other problems too. I have already mentioned the problems with the incoming tourism where the challenges are a lot as a result of the Russian crisis. However, it seems that we will have an increase from the UK market and also a small increase from the German market. In the ticketing/outgoing sector we already face the competition of the online and direct sales. This development should keep us alert but not worried. I am certain that the professional and human approach of a travel consultant will never be replaced by a computer. It is up to us to convey to our customers the indisputable benefits of using the services of a travel agency. Unfortunately, technology gave the opportunity to some ‘pirates’ to present themselves as travel agents and without having a CTO license, they book airline tickets through the Internet, which is clearly an illegal act. Consumers need to be alert and look for our association’s logo or check our website for licensed travel agents. [...] The travel consultant/ agent, who is a member of ACTA, is a reliable professional who attends the training seminars and professional lectures organised by the association, is a licensed professional by CTO and his ACTA membership is recognised as a guarantee of integrity, competence and high level of service. We are currently looking at ways to protect our members from these illegal establishments and most likely we will need to look again at the relevant laws and regulations, especially as far as the penalties on illegalities are concerned. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What is the expected outcome of ACTA’s collaborations with CTO and local hotel associations? What will the mutual benefits be? NTINOS KAKKOURAS: Apart from what I have mentioned earlier regarding joining forces with all tourism partners in an effort to deal with the present Russian crisis and the actions for attracting tourists from other markets, the issues of tourism and travel and the implementation of policies to improve our product, concerns all of us as tourism is one of the main sources of foreign income for our country.
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
A Bike Tour on Display
A
special photographic exhibition, titled The Three Hundreds: A Bicycle Trip through Europe, took place in February at Cultural Workshop Ayion Omoloyiton, as a means for collecting funds for charity organisation One Dream, One Wish for children with cancer and related diseases. The photos displayed at the event were taken by Alexandros Ioannou Peletie who showcased his trip home from Dundee, Scotland to Dali, travelling mainly by bicycle. The goal of the initiative was to last 100 days, pass through 100 places and all this with only EUR100. Opening the exhibition, Ioanna Panayiotou, environment commissioner, Cyprus, commented that such initiatives unite personal goals with social solidarity objectives, ecological symbolisms and further promote Cyprus.
Famagusta Hosts Product and Services Expo
PABLO GALDO PIANO RECITAL Nicosia April 3 www.pharosartsfoundation.org Pharos Art Foundation in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in Cyprus, hosts one of the most renowned Spanish pianists.
LEGION RUN CYPRUS Dali, Nicosia April 4 www.legionrun.com/cyprus A 5km obstacle race that welcomes and challenges people from all fitness levels and abilities, due to its noncompetitive character.
ΙSSF WORLD CUP 2015 Larnaca April 24 – May 04 www.cssf-shooting.org Held in Larnaka Olympic Shooting Range, it is and international event under the helm of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
I
n late March, the Famagusta Tourist Commercial Industrial Association organised its second product and services expo dedicated to the region. Aiming to promote local services and produce made or traded in Famagusta, the event hosted various activities to attract businesses as well as consumers. The exhibition was also targeting foreign traders in a bid to become familiar with Famagusta’s product and services sector.
Expo Cyprus to Reinvigorate Economy
T
he Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, will organise the international Expo Cyprus, from May 13 – 17. This large, multilevel trade exhibition is aimed at revitalising the national economy and showcasing Cypriot entrepreneurship. With a combination of consumer and business content, in conjunction with an entertainment programme, the event is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors. The budget available for the promotion of the expo is estimated at around EUR400,000. NCCI also announced that the exhibition will be held once a year, every spring.
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2nd CYPRUS WALKING FESTIVAL Paphos, Famagusta, Troodos Until May 10 www.visitcyprus.com The Festival offers a number of walking tours in Akamas, Cape Greco and Troodos, with varying levels of required fitness and completion time.
APRIL 2015