Travel Trade Cyprus June 2015

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JUNE 2015

ISSUE 28

TAXIDI SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED THE RESULTS OF A PASSENGER SURVEY CONDUCTED ON BEHALF OF CYPRUS’ STATISTICAL SERVICE, SHOWED THAT TOURIST VOLUMES REACHED 97,479 IN MARCH.

03 CYPRUS BREAKFAST SERVED IN ALL HOTELS

05 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

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NICOSIA

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GENERAL

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NAUTICAL

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TOURISM BOARDS

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RENDEZVOUS

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AIR

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ACCOMMODATION

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TRAVEL TALK & IN FOCUS

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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PHOTO ALBUM

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NEWS & EVENTS

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MARCH ARRIVALS GROW 25 PERCENT

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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 Ana Mladenovic Valentine Stavrou

Salamis Tours Net Profit Soars Salamis Tours recorded net profits of EUR2.48 million for 2014, marking a robust rise over EUR462,300 registered in 2013.

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he company’s turnover rose to close to EUR33.9 million, leading to a gross profit of EUR8.5 million. The positive results were driven by a significant improvement in profit from operations from EUR988,400 in 2013 to over EUR2.47 million, while administrative expenses were down to EUR3.9 million from EUR4.2 million in 2013.

Leptos Calypso Hotels Maintains Results

PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou

Leptos Calypso Hotels recorded revenues of EUR23.24 million in 2014, slightly under the EUR24.13 million registered in 2013.

WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

SENTIDO Thalassa Coral Bay

HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607 Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel

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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

EXCHANGE RATES

Accurate as of

27/5/2015 COUNTRY

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CURRENCY

1EUR=

US (USD)

Dollar

1.09

UK (GBP)

Pound

0.70

Switzerland (CHF)

Franc

1.03

Japan (JPY)

Yen

134.24

ross profit of the company that operates hotels both in Paphos and Chania, Crete, amounted to EUR4 million, a marginal decrease compared to EUR4.44 million in 2013, while operating profit dropped from EUR916,381 to EUR198,089. All in all, the loss for the year reached EUR5.47 million compared to EUR5.03 million in 2013.

Olympic Lagoon Sale Details Revealed

K.A. Olympic Lagoon Resort invested a total of EUR47.95 million in the purchase of the former Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos.

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s announced earlier this year, the company is paying EUR34.45 million to Claridge Public for the hotel and will allocate an additional EUR13.5 million for an extensive renovation project which will turn the property into the modern five-star Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos. Amathus had earlier acquired 48 percent in K.A. Olympic Lagoon Resort, the new owning company of the seaside hotel which is expected to welcome its first guests this month. JUNE 2015


NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS ow. . n k u o Did y eys

Nicosia Proves Its Sports Spirit

journ peed Only verage s and an a m/h with han 30k speed t r m less /h, o ximu a ma n 45km ller a tha less length sm are m a k 5 3 than unted? co

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icosia Municipality took part in the urban cyclist team competition, European Cycling Challenge (ECC2015), which ran throughout May. By comparing the total distance covered by cyclists, the event challenged European cities to crown the winner and to motivate citizens to use alternative means of transport, enhance environmental consciousness and raise awareness of the benefits of cycling. In order to join ECC2015, participants were requested to download the Cycling365 application and track their journeys so that kilometres would be summed up and counted towards the total distance of their team.

Capital Joins Let’s Do It Cyprus

New Lifts in Downtown Nicosia

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icosia Municipality participated in the third edition of the environmental campaign Let’s Do It Cyprus, which was held under the patronage of Ioanna Panayiotou, commissioner for the environment, Cyprus. The event, which aims to involve people in large-scale cleaning initiatives, was part of the global campaign Let’s Do It World, held in more than 100 countries around the globe in a bid to clean up natural areas. Cyprus first joined the programme in 2012, when about 4,000 volunteers collected more than 20 tonnes of garbage.

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n order to facilitate access to the capital’s main multi-storey parking sites, Nicosia Municipality went ahead with the installation of new elevators at the parking spots located near Ledras street and Faneromeni Square. The new equipments are approved and accredited by TÜV Cyprus, that specialises in independent inspection and certification services, ensuring that the lifts adhere to European and national regulations.

TAXIDI Successfully Concluded

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n late April, the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents, in collaboration with Display Art, organised the TAXIDI exhibition, a popular event on local travellers’ annual calendar. Held at Filoxenia Conference Centre, the show was officially launched by Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus. Exhibitors provided visitors with information about available packages and specialised holiday trips abroad as well as accommodation options in Cyprus, by handing out rich material containing comprehensive details. Future holidaymakers were also encouraged to take advantage of attractive promotional prices and sweepstakes including free airfare, cruises, stays at hotels in Cyprus and many other surprises.

JUNE 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS Free Entrance to Archaeological Sites kno u o y d Di

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, the 983 for 1 e sinc Day Held national nd Sites r a Inte ments ote the u Mon to prom ultural aims sity of c ? diver heritage

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o commemorate the International Day for Monuments and Sites, celebrated annually on April 18, a number of the island’s most important archaeological sites offered visitors entry free of charge. In Limassol, tourists and residents alike benefitted from complimentary tickets to a range of attractions, such as Kourion, Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, Kolossi Castle and Amathus Archaeological Site. In Paphos, Paphos Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings, Palaepaphos in Kouklia and the Medieval Castle welcomed visitors, while in Larnaca the Royal Chapel of Saint Catherine and Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement joined the celebrations.

Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

Cooks Trained in Cypriot Breakfast

Cyprus Strengthens Tourism Ties with Egypt and Greece

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he Cyprus Breakfast initiative is getting another boost and Cyprus Tourism Organisation, The Travel Foundation and the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, announced that they now accept applications from interested trainers who are to coach cooks on how to prepare a traditional Cypriot breakfast. The accepted curricula will have to include an introduction to the Cypriot breakfast institution, gastronomy tourism, local produce and traditional gastronomy. Moreover educators are to train chefs on how to utilise olive, grape and carob products, as well as dairy, cold cuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and honey.

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he second Cyprus – Egypt – Greece Trilateral Summit reinforced the countries’ will to continue nurturing their tripartite cooperation. Following the event, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, president, Egypt and Alexis Tsipras, prime minister, Greece, singled out tourism as one of the fields in which the three states will collaborate. In a joint statement they recognise that tourism and the maritime industry are vital components of the economy of all three countries and following the signing of the Tripartite Memorandum of cooperation in the field of tourism among Cyprus, Greece and Egypt, they agreed to continue working closely together on common projects. These initiatives will include joint tourism packages and cruises, as well as working towards enhancing the maritime connection between the countries for the transfer of both cargo and passengers and initiating cooperation on maritime education and training. JUNE 2015


MONTHLY NEWS Five Markets Rescue Cyprus in Q1

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ccording to data compiled by Cyprus Statistical Service, the island’s top five markets in terms of tourist arrivals in the first quarter (Q1) of the year included the UK, Greece, Russia, Germany and Israel. The five segments made up 70 percent of the total figures, which reached 189,987. The number of British that visited Cyprus in the first three months of the year

amounted to 70,812, or 37 percent of the overall arrivals. The second place was secured by Greece which sent 24,124 tourists, and the third by Russia with the volume of holiday-makers climbing to 16,313. The number of German travellers rose to 11,750 and lastly, Israel completed the top five with 9,796 visitors. Other markets that showed good potential were Austria, Poland and Sweden.

Cyprus Breakfast Served in All Hotels

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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative and UK’s The Travel Foundation have joined forces to implement a common initiative to serve true Cypriot breakfast across all hotels on the island. Supported by the Cyprus Hotel Managers Association, the project aims to spread in all accommodation facilities in the country in a bid to diversify the local tourism offering through authentic products and the real tastes of Cyprus. This was attested by Annita Demetriadou, deputy director general, CTO, who suggested that gastronomy has a great historic and cultural importance for Cyprus. According to Demetriadou, seeking authentic experiences is a modern trend, thus hoteliers should strive to make the Cypriot breakfast institution work, for their own benefit.

JUNE 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS

MARCH ARRIVALS GROW 25 PERCENT The results of a passenger survey conducted on behalf of Cyprus’ Statistical Service, showed that tourist volumes reached 97,479 in March.

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ompared to 77,533 in the same month of 2014, this marked an increase of 25.7 percent. A rise of 35.5 percent was registered in the number of travellers from the UK, amounting to 41,149. Visitors from Greece surged 50 percent touching 10,557 and Germans who came to Cyprus climbed 14.6 percent in March. On the other hand, a decrease of 3.4 percent was recorded in arrivals from Russia, with the figure standing at 7,855.

SELAS Releases New Travel Guides

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apping and travel expert, SELAS has published the new editions of its travel books in both English and Russian. The production of the Travel Guides of Cyprus follows an extensive on-the-spot research that covered the most popular areas of the island. Visitors and locals alike will find useful information on the most significant must-visit places of the country, along with exclusive photos and detailed maps of all the main towns.

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JUNE 2015


NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS

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SC Cruises will redeploy MSC Fantasia in the Mediterranean, while the previously operated MSC Divina will be sailing in the Caribbean. The 3,274-passenger MSC Fantasia will offer Mediterranean cruises with seven ports of call in seven days from Genoa. The itinerary includes visits to Cannes, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Ajaccio, Naples and La Spezia. The ship was initially planned to be deployed in Northern Europe, where now passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of MSC Musica.

MSC Fantasia

MSC Cruises Reinforces Commitment to the Mediterranean Region

New Jewellery Shop at Limassol Marina

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imassol Marina welcomed another exquisite addition to its shopping area with luxury jewellery brand, Graff opening its first store on the island. The launch of the outlet at the waterfront development formed part of the company’s European expansion drive. Since its establishment in 1960, Graff’s global portfolio has grown to over 50 stores. Throughout its rich history, the brand is said to have handled more diamonds of notable rarity and beauty than any other jeweller. The shop’s opening is the latest in a myriad of developments at Limassol Marina, hailed as the country’s first superyacht marina.

JUNE 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS

Top Kinisis and Xenos Team Up with Blue Air

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new strategic collaboration has been announced between Romanian low-cost carrier, Blue Air and two major tour operators on the island. Top Kinisis Travel and Xenos Travel chartered a total of 48 flights to the Greek destinations of Kavala, Chania, Preveza and Skiathos, which will be operating throughout July and August. In terms of the deal, passengers are allowed to carry a 20kg luggage free of charge and enjoy cold snacks and beverages onboard Blue Air’s chartered flights. The airline has been operating between Larnaca and Bucharest since 2008 and as of this winter season it will also offer daily services to Athens and Thessaloniki.

Sotira to Turn Green

Paphos Gets Ready for Winter

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iming to produce zero waste, Sotira Municipality has started implementing and participating in programmes that will turn the town into a sustainable community by 2016. The municipality has initiated a new collaboration with Green Dot whereby recyclable materials will be collected from door to door. According to Georgios Takkas, mayor, Sotira, this step will help enhance environmental awareness while also reducing garbage disposal taxes. In addition, the municipality will take part in a new scheme, called Pay as you throw which aims to control waste volumes of each citizen through special bags supplied, making tax payments fairer for each resident.

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afos Regional Board of Tourism is already preparing for the winter season, coordinating meetings between the municipalities, hoteliers, as well as other tourism players in the region. The ultimate goal of the authority is to establish Paphos as a year-round destination and based on early indications, the management of Pafos Regional Board of Tourism firmly believes that this is achievable through improved accessibility and new dynamics.

Paphos

JUNE 2015


Top Kinisis Supports Culture

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ISSUE 05

JANUARY 2015

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.

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.

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BRAVOFLY RUMBO GROUP TO ACQUIRE LASTMINUTE.COM

HERMES AIRPORTS INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC GATES

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IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE CRUISING TOURISM BOARDS ACCOMMODATION AIRPORTS AIR RENDEZVOUS AGENTS TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO’S MOVED PHOTO ALBUM NEWS & EVENTS

online

ISSUE 23

NICOSIA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT GOES AHEAD

NIKI SERVES ATHENS

IN THIS ISSUE 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

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NAUTICAL NEWS

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AIRPORTS

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TRAVEL AGENTS

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TOURISM BOARDS

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ACCOMMODATION

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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RENDEZVOUS

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INTERNATIONAL / IN FOCUS

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NEWS & EVENTS

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TROODOS TO ACQUIRE EUROPEAN STATUS

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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS

Ayia Napa Welcomes Another Piece of Art

Paphos Targets Domestic Tourists

Polish Agents Get to Know Paphos

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Yiannis Karousos (left) and Christos Askotis

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yia Napa Sculpture Park got another addition to its collection with two artists turning a mere rock into a work of art. Ceramist Christos Askotis and painter Loizos Sergiou joined forces to create an original natural sculpture which tells the story of the particular rock. The two artists were honoured by Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, for their inventive and contribution to the town’s cultural scene.

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afos Regional Board of Tourism took part in the TAXIDI exhibition organised annually by the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents in cooperation with Display Art. Following a campaign targeting domestic visitors for the Easter break, the city’s local authorities and hoteliers participated in the expo with the aim to present Paphos and entice travellers through informative material and attractive accommodation packages. Pafos Regional Board of Tourism relied heavily on promoting the city as a cultural hotspot especially after the announcement that September will see the enactment of Gioachino Rossini’s opera La Cenerentola, at the 17th Pafos Aphrodite Festival.

Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos

The Polish group

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afos Regional Board of Tourism, in collaboration with Cyprus Tourism Organisation, local hoteliers and tour operators, hosted a group of 40 Polish travel agents in the city in order to promote the destination. The familiarisation trip gave the European team a chance to experience Cypriot hospitality and food, and get acquainted with the city’s tourist infrastructure and visit places of interest across the district.

JUNE 2015


RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Germania has recently started operating to Cyprus connecting the island with five German cities. What was the main incentive for the company to launch flights to the country? KARSTEN BALKE: We are always looking for new and interesting destinations to sustainably expand our route network and to provide a wider range of destinations to our customers. With Cyprus being one of the most beautiful islands in the Eastern Mediterranean, we are very pleased to offer six direct flights per week from Germany. With the new route, Germania takes up one of the most exciting destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Along with Larnaca, which Germania has commenced in March from Munich, Paphos is a great addition to the network out of Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Erfurt and Berlin. We are also pleased to offer Cypriots

Q & A with Karsten Balke

For the coming months we are hoping to establish a sustainable growth and maintain our routes during the coming winter season. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Which markets or segments do you expect to cater to? KARSTEN BALKE: Cyprus offers a unique and year-round beautiful destination that caters for all holiday types. The island is great for family holidays, couples and adventurous visitors who

CEO, GERMANIA

OUR EXPERIENCE FROM THE ROUTES TO PAPHOS AND LARNACA HAS SHOWN THAT WE HAVE A RELIABLE PRODUCT the possibility to explore some of the most beautiful German cities like Munich and of course the German capital, Berlin. All flights can be booked via [our website] and our Cypriot general sales agent [...], Top Kinisis Travel. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: How has demand been since the first Germania aircraft’s landing on the island in late March? What are your predictions for the Cypriot market? KARSTEN BALKE: With the inaugural flight [just a few months ago], it is still too early to tell how demand will develop over the coming months. However, our experience from the routes to Paphos and Larnaca has already shown that we have a reliable product that caters well to our customers’ needs and we are confident that in the months to come, the route will perform in a similar fashion. JUNE 2015

Germania crew members

WITH THE INBOUND GERMAN MARKET PICKING UP, KARSTEN BALKE, CEO, GERMANIA, COMMENTS ON THE COMPANY’S DECISION TO LAUNCH A NUMBER OF ROUTES TO BOTH LARNACA AND PAPHOS AND TAKE UP ON ONE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN’S MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS.

Germania aircraft

would like to experience the beautiful landscape and its ancient buildings. With our routes to the island we hope to attract people who are not just interested in cultural experiences but also like to go for hikes, enjoy the wide range of food and wine and relax at Cyprus’ beautiful beaches. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: With direct services to Cyprus also offered from nearby Cologne, do you see a competition on your Düsseldorf route? KARSTEN BALKE: We believe that the growing interest in Cyprus as a destination is a confirmation that we are meeting the demand and requirements of the market. Paphos being located on the western part of the Island, the cultural heart of Cyprus can now be quickly and conveniently reached from Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, including Cologne.

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MONTHLY NEWS AIR

Transavia Links Cyprus and Amsterdam

Monarch to Fly to Larnaca

Qatar Airways Increases Larnaca Operations

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ransavia has commenced operations between Amsterdam and Larnaca and Paphos. The Dutch low-cost carrier, a member of the Air France-KLM Group, will offer direct flights between Larnaca and the capital city twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, while the scheduled services on Thursdays and Sundays will have a stopover at Pafos International Airport. All flights are being carried out in codeshare with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, enabling passengers to travel from the island via Amsterdam to a plethora of destinations worldwide. As Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, noted, the Netherlands holds important opportunities and development prospects for the Cypriot tourism industry.

onarch will operate scheduled services to a number of popular holiday destinations, including Larnaca, during the next winter season. Sun-seekers will be able to travel with the airline from Birmingham to the Mediterranean town, or choose other sought-after hotspots. According to Marjan Schoeke, head of network development, Monarch, the new routes offer greater options to both sun-seekers and ski enthusiasts. “For our most popular winter destinations, we have made our flights more frequent and are offering flighttimes that are more convenient,” concluded Schoeke.

esponding to the continuous rise in passenger demand, Qatar Airways will operate additional services during the busy summer months. Starting June 3, Qatar’s national airline will offer daily flights between Doha’s state-of-theart Hamad International Airport and Larnaca. The extra frequencies will be offered up until October 24, when the route will revert back to its regular schedule. Reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to developing access to popular leisure and business destinations, Akbar Al Baker, group CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “Our most current frequency increases in the Middle East and Europe will provide our passengers with more flexibility and choice when it comes to planning their travel for both themselves and their families.”

Qatar Airways

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JUNE 2015


AIR MONTHLY NEWS

CTO and AEGEAN Promote London Route

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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s London branch and AEGEAN Airlines held an event to highlight the carrier’s London – Larnaca route to local tour operators and travel agents. On behalf of the Greek airline, Lynda Betsch, country manager, UK, AEGEAN Airlines, expressed satisfaction over the support received by the Cypriot expatriates living in the UK. She also reinforced the company’s commitment to providing high-quality services at affordable prices along with attractive seasonal offers.

Cobalt Air Comes to Cyprus

Jet2.com Lands in Larnaca

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S-based Cobalt Air has expressed interest in commencing operation to Cyprus, Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, confirmed. According to Demetriades, the American company’s impending arrival is a positive development for the country and the ministry will do everything in its capacity to boost connectivity to and from the island. Cobalt Air currently awaits approval and once all permits are obtained, the carrier is expected to launch services in October.

JUNE 2015

et2.com has further expanded its reach on the island by launching services from Glasgow and Newcastle to Larnaca. Offering allocated seats and 22kg of luggage, flights commenced on May 06 and May 27, respectively. The two routes are being operated once a week, adding to the airline’s existing Cypriot network which includes twice-weekly operations to the two British cities from Pafos International Airport. Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, explained, “The strengthening of the air connectivity between Cyprus and Britain is a key element in the effort to recover the tourist arrivals from the UK to Cyprus.” Porter described the UK as a popular destination amongst Cypriots who visit the country for holidays as well as educational purposes.

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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION C.C.C. Tourist Enterprises Records Loss

Football Academy at Olympic Lagoon Resort Agia Napa

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C.C. Tourist Enterprises, partial owner of Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort, announced that the company’s financial results for the year 2014 have improved yearon-year, with the group registering a loss of EUR67,463, compared to a loss of EUR6.1 million in 2013. The final consolidated results of the company differ from the expected figures forecasted earlier in the year, due to fixed assets written off since they will no longer be utilised following the seaside property’s full renovation and reopening.

Four Seasons Unveils Ungraded Facilities

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Café Tropical

oung football fans will now get the chance to play their favourite sport while on holiday at Olympic Lagoon Resort, Agia Napa. Comprising three age groups, from three to six-year olds, from seven to 11-year-olds and over 12-year-olds, the academy provides a five-day course, complete with certificate and acknowledgement of progress and performance. From Monday to Saturday, with a break on Wednesday, participants will enjoy professional trainings at no extra charge. The programme forms part of the management’s endeavours to continuously enrich entertainment options for the whole family.

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our Seasons Hotel Cyprus has reopened its outdoor dining areas at Café Tropical and Koi Lagoon, offering guests more space and an even more relaxed environ-

ment. In preparation for the busy summer season, Café Tropical’s outdoor area has been completely reinvented, to ensure that visitors make the most of the exciting line-up of theme nights and entertainment programmes. New wooden decks have been installed and high ceilings have replaced the pergolas to create a more modern, shaded yet light and breezy setting. When the sun sets, the entire lagoon comes to life with warm glow of creative lighting.

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JUNE 2015


ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS

Thanos Delights Swedish Foodies

Tsokkos: Loss Despite Boosted Revenue

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hanos Hotels invited 30 individuals including of journalists, editors and travel agents in Stockholm to showcase the best of the company’s culinary offering. The event, hosted by Aveqia, began with an outline of what the Cypriot hotelier and Paphos have to offer with special emphasis on the destination’s landscapes, beaches and, nonetheless, its people. In addition, Thanos Hotel’s food and wine culture was also explained and demonstrated with dishes being created, tasted and devoured by the attendees. The company’s chefs cooked up a feast in front of the guests, who then had the chance to try to recreate the dishes.

Stockholm

JUNE 2015

Negative Figures at Paphos Amathus

King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort

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ollowing requests from shareholders, Claridge Public, one of the owners of Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel publicised the financial results of the property for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. According to newly released data, the hotel was unprofitable throughout the specific period with losses before taxation amounting to 9.38, 7.77 and 8.36 million, for the three years, respectively. Turnover was 11.93 million in 2011; it was maintained at the same level in 2012 at 11.69 million before it dropped to 9.97 million in 2013. Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel was sold in 2014 and is expected to be unveiled as Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos this month.

sokkos Hotels’ board of directors examined and approved the final group results for the 2014, which indicated a loss of EUR313,236 compared to profits of EUR1.32 million in 2013. The negative figure is a result of the foreign exchange decline registered in the year, which reached EUR783,111. Despite the overall outcome, the company’s revenue for the period under review was close to EUR46.8 million, a growth of 10 percent over 2013.

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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

Cyprus Hotel Association Focusses on Domestic Tourism

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n a bid to attract local travellers to its member properties, Cyprus Hotel Association has issued its domestic tourism brochure featuring reduced rates. The document includes an extensive list of 111 accommodation establishments in all districts, ranging from organised hotel apartments and holiday villages, to two-, three-, four- and five-star hotels. The material is available in electronic format on Cyprus Hotel Association’s website, on Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s pages, as well as in printed version.

Larnaca Welcomes New Hotels

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host of new and diverse properties are gearing up to open their doors to guests in the Larnaca region, both in the city centre and the rural

areas. St. Elena Boutique Hotel, which features a spa and swimming pools in a central location, Mikes Kanarium Hotel in the heart of the Saint Lazarus area, as well as The Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel and Lokal Hotel combining a traditional building with a new one, are already operational. According to Larnaka Tourism Board, further openings are expected later this year, including a former city property, as well as Josephine Hotel which will boast rooftop views of the promenade.

St. Elena Boutique Hotel

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JUNE 2015


TRAVEL TALK & IN FOCUS

HESTER BRUIJNINCKX Vice president, sales, Transavia

In focus NAME:

Ioannis Giakoumidis

POSITION:

Executive chef

COMPANY:

Columbia Hotels & Resorts

LOCATION:

Limassol

WEBSITE:

www.columbiabeach.com

JUNE 2015

We believe very strongly in this route

“We are very glad to offer scheduled services four days a week between Larnaca and Amsterdam. It is a pleasure to welcome Cypriot people on board and offer passengers an attractive price. We believe very strongly in this route which we want to retain and grow further in the future.”

What initially sparked your interest in food? I grew up cooking at home, so my appreciation for food was deeply ingrained from an early age. I still fondly recall waking up early, just as dawn was breaking, to make it down to the local market in time to catch the fishermen who had just docked with their fresh catch of the day. Are you happy with what you have achieved so far? I joined Columbia Hotels & Resorts as chef de cuisine in 2008 with a very clear goal in mind: to share with these beautiful touristic entities what I had learnt about fine dining. I helped to shape and redirect the properties’ culinary concept, initially towards molecular food preparation, and thereafter towards Italian gourmet. At the core of whatever I do are healthy, fresh ingredients, and the awareness of our guests’ palettes, how one’s experience from childhood to adulthood in different countries and environments can nuance their understanding of food, of what to like, and what not to like. […] And now, taking the helm as executive chef, what are you focussed on doing? I suppose in moving forward I want to focus even more on inspiration; that is, calling to arms our team members, invigorating the trust and respect amongst us, and ensuring that the high standards that we set for ourselves are not only met, but surpassed. A chef’s work is never done, and we embrace and welcome this challenge.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

Tennis Lessons at Anassa Taking advantage of the Cypriot sunshine and the management’s commitment to sports activities, Anassa is hosting the Sunball Tennis School this summer.

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efore or after heading to the beach, guests will have the chance to learn to play tennis, improve their skills or eliminate mistakes on the hotel’s tennis courts. Hailed as the largest European initiative of its kind, operating in 10 countries, Sunball Tennis School’s coaches hold international training licenses and speak a variety of languages. From beginners to tournament players, tennis enthusiasts of all ages can join the lessons and test their skills in various competitions.

Free Guided Tours at the Cyprus Museum

Pafos Zoo Welcomes Baby Lemurs

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here are five new reasons to visit the island’s popular zoo this summer. Pafos Zoo has recently welcomed five new baby ring-tailed lemurs, two of which were born within days from each other. The birth of the new animals reinforce the success of the facility’s ongoing breeding project, which has over the years helped significantly expand the zoo’s animal collection much to of the delight of the visitors.

Maltese Rock Band Gets Inspired by Cyprus

P Exhibits at the Cyprus Museum

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icosia Tourism Board is offering free guided tours at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, in an effort to sparkle tourist interest for the island’s capital city. The complimentary English service is available to individual visitors every Tuesday and Friday between 10:00 – 11:15 and 12:00 – 13:15 and every Wednesday between 16:00 – 17:15. In addition, on every first Wednesday of

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each month additional tours are being offered from 17:30 – 18:45. The initiative, which will run until the end of the year, is being provided free of charge as part of the regular entrance fee. The tours are a result of a joint collaboration between the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association and the Department of Antiquities.

opular Maltese band, Red Electrick enjoyed a holiday in Cyprus to find creative ideas for the next album. “We decided to change scene and come to Cyprus for a short fun break,” said Peter Borg, lead guitarist, Red Electrick, praising the island for its inspirational scenery and extraordinary experiences. During the trip, which was supported by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the musicians enjoyed the warm hospitality of traditional agrotourism accommodation at Cyprus Villages in Tochni and explored the Troodos mountain region, Paphos, as well as the Akamas Peninsula. “Complemented by natural beauty and friendly people, Cyprus is a treasure trove of Mediterranean history spiced with Eastern influences,” added Jonas Delicata, bassist, Red Electrick.

JUNE 2015


PHOTO ALBUM

Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...

Elias Beach Hotel held its annual May charity fete

Capital Coast Resort & Spa took part in TAXIDI exhibition and offered free accommodation to a lucky competition winner

Nicosia Municipality accepted a donation on behalf of the Lebanese embassy to the Agkaliazo foundation

JUNE 2015

Annabelle’s pastry chef and his team prepared some French éclairs available at the hotel’s lobby

The Mental Health Services organised a charity event at Asty Hotel, Nicosia with various activities for kids

Bamse and Lille Skutt are waiting for new guests at Louis Althea Beach

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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS

Boating Fair Held in Limassol

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he sixth Cyprus Fishing – Boating & Outdoor Activities Fair, organised by the Cyprus Fishing Magazine and Limassol Municipality, was held in late April at Limassol Marina. The event, that started six years ago, is hailed as the biggest and the most specialised exhibition about the sea sector, fishing and boats and gathers people from all around the island who love and care about marine life and activities in Cyprus.

Second Sculpture Symposium in Ayia Napa

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yia Napa played host to an array of events in the context of the second sculpture conference organised in the popular coastal town. The celebrations included musical and theatrical shows, art exhibitions as well as lectures, held both indoors and outdoors at Thalassa Municipal Museum. Entrance to all performances was available to the public free of charge.

Ayia Napa Sculpture Park

Elias Beach Hotel Supports Cancer Patients

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he Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf ), a non-governmental volunteer organisation, held its May charity bazaar at Elias Beach Hotel in Limassol with parent company Kanika Hotels & Resorts being a co-organiser. According to Philippos Patsalis, health minister, Cyprus, the event has become an institution within the Cypriot society, and Pasykaf has undertaken a heavy task of informing the public and raising awareness about cancer patients. “Artists, authors, athletes, organised groups and other institutions of our society; we all affirm our support carrying the message forward that we are able to reduce the risk of cancer and cancer can treated,” said Patsalis.

KATAKLYSMOS FAIR Larnaca May 29 – June 03 www.larnaka.org.cy A folklore festival that features traditional dance shows, music and other events to mark the occasion of the Christian Pentecost.

AYIA NAPA FLOOD & FISH FESTIVAL Ayia Napa May 31 – June 01 www.ayianapa.org.cy Loyal to the traditions and customs of the island, the festival commemorates an old Cypriot tradition alongside celebrations of the Holy Spirit Monday.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANCIENT GREEK DRAMA Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia July 01 – 30 www.greekdramafest.com Held for the 19th consecutive year, the event presents five plays, produced by Cypriot as well as foreign teams and national theatres.

Russian Cultural Days in Limassol

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o honour Russian culture and traditions, ΤΡΑΚΑΣΟΛ Cultural Centre is playing host to a series of events under the Russian Cultural Days initiative. The facility, which continues to play an ever-increasing role in Limassol’s cultural scene, dedicated May and June to special events which are sure to enthrall art aficionados. From opera and pantomime shows, to piano and circus performances and art exhibitions, the programme, also supported by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, is set to appeal to guests of all ages.

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PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL Paphos September 04 – 06 www.pafc.com.cy This year the show presents La Cenerentola by the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini in co-production with the French lyric organisation Ramfis Productions Avignon and the participation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

JUNE 2015


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