Travel Trade Cyprus March 2015 by Travel Trade Publications

AGENTS!... ...A new hotel booking system has arrived!

MARCH 2015

ISSUE 25

BLUE AIR: OPERATIONAL BASE IN CYPRUS FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR AYIA NAPA MUNICIPALITY ORGANISED A TOURISM CONFERENCE WHICH FOCUSSED ON WAYS TO DEAL WITH SEASONALITY IN THE TOWN’S WIDER AREA.

14 INTERVIEW WITH MARIA ZAVROU

19 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

NAUTICAL

TRAVEL AGENTS

MINI REPORT

AWARDS

TOURISM BOARDS

AIR

TRAVEL CHANNELS & IN FOCUS

ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL TALK

RENDEZVOUS

NEWS & EVENTS

AYIA NAPA HOLDS SEASONALITY CONFERENCE

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

Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos Sold for EUR34.5 Million Claridge’s board of directors accepted a proposal submitted by K.A. Olympic Lagoon Resort, whose shareholders are Kanika Hotels and Amathus, for the sale of Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos and two apartments at Apollo Heights for EUR35 million.

PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos

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 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

24/2/2015 COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1EUR=

US (USD)

Dollar

1.13

UK (GBP)

Pound

0.73

Switzerland (CHF)

Franc

1.07

Japan (JPY)

Yen

135.70

he value of the hotel and its contents has been agreed at EUR34.5 million. The price was determined by reference to its value before the commencement of the renovations for its conversion into an Olympic Lagoon Resort, the cost of which is estimated at EUR13.5 million. Claridge cited its outstanding loan debt, which amounts to EUR32.3 million, and the failure to secure the total amount needed for financing the renovations among the main reasons for the transaction.

Positive Surge in Visitors Witnessed in 2014 According to data provided by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, 2014 tourist arrivals to the island totalled 2,441,239; registering a marginal increase of 1.5 percent compared to 2013 when travellers reached 2,405,390.

n December 2014, visitor numbers were also boosted by 3.7 percent yearon-year and amounted to 56,863. An increase of 5.1 percent was witnessed in tourist arrivals from the UK, while the rise in Greek holiday-makers climbed 9.1 percent. The Russian inbound figures were not so positive since there was a decrease of 12.5 percent, which translated to a mere 4,956 visitors from the Eurasian country.

Revenue Falls in October 2014 As per the latest data by Cyprus’ Statistical Service, revenue from tourism reached EUR217.1 million in October 2014, recording a decrease of 12 percent when compared to EUR246.6 million in the corresponding month of 2013.

or the period January – October 2014, proceeds from tourism were estimated to have reached EUR1.91 billion, also registering a year-on-year drop of 3.6 percent, since the corresponding figure for the same period in 2013 climbed EUR1.99 billion. Notably, tourism arrivals and average length of stay, as well as expenditure per day and per person, all contributed to the negative outcome since all metrics presented a similar decline. MARCH 2015

NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS

Visitors to Nicosia on the Rise

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Works Start at Eleftheria Square

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ois Builders contractors have already moved into the Eleftheria Square project site and have set up equipment that will allow the company to launch the development. Nicosia Municipality announced that its priority from here onwards is to make sure the deadlines are met and that the city will soon boast a new face that will change its image for good. The project is financed by the European Union by 85 percent.

Nicosia

uring the holiday season, a large number of locals and tourists visited the old town of Nicosia, and more specifically Makarios Avenue, where a number of festive activities were held. Between December 2014 and January, the bridge near the old municipal hall, linking the old town with the city’s commercial centre, was crossed by more than 169,000 individuals, a year-on-year boost of five percent. The daily average figure reached 4,572 visitors. On December 21, 2014, a total of 14,387 people crossed the bridge, marking the season’s highest number. Moreover Nicosia’s Christmas Avenue witnessed a 36 percent growth in popularity in 2014, with 270,683 people visiting the venue.

NCCI Calls for Projects in Nicosia

epresentatives of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) held a meeting with Socrates Hasikos, interior minister, Cyprus, in a bid to promote the development of infrastructure projects in the capital. NCCI’s board of directors underlined that Nicosia needs a major boost and suggested ways to achieve that, such as the redevelopment of the old GSP site, the construction of a cultural centre and the utilisation of the old Nicosia General Hospital. Hasikos mentioned that the government initially will look to low-cost solutions for the capital’s rejuvenation and, depending on available funds, will later promote an overall upgrade of Nicosia’s centre.

MARCH 2015

MONTHLY NEWS Eléa Estate Encourages Beginners

léa Estate hosted a golf open day for beginners to introduce them to the many social and physical benefits of the sport. The programme proved to be a success with six ladies signing up for the beginner’s course, with the aim to be able to play on the course after just eight weeks of training. Eléa Estate’s Junior Academy has also recently returned, with 20 children learning the basics of golf. Their training was focussed on techniques in the first week, after which they were able to put their skills to the test on the Eléacourse. Estate

Greece Remains Popular for Cypriots

Ayia Napa to Revitalise Town Centre

Athens

he municipality of Ayia Napa has put forward a plan which is aimed at securing European funds for the revitalisation of the town, thus turning it into a green tourism destination. Among others, the survey presented by the municipal council suggests the utilisation of the medieval monastery to revive religious and cultural tourism, as well as the construction of a theme park and a municipal garden. The arrangement eventually seeks to increase annual overnight stays to 150,000 and winter tourism arrivals by 10 percent by 2020. Ayia Napa targets a growth valued at EUR117 million in terms of annual tourism income for the state.

n increase of 25.5 percent was registered in the trips that Cypriot residents have taken to Greece in 2014. This means that a total of 451,780 Cypriots have visited the Mediterranean country. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, 1.21 million residents of the island returned from a trip abroad throughout 2014; compared to 2013 this signals a surge of 8.4 percent. In December 2014 alone, Cypriot outbound travellers amounted to 93,617. The second most popular destination for residents of the country was the UK, with outgoing figures exceeding 286,000.

Ayia Napa Square

MARCH 2015

NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS Ayia Napa Marina Welcomes New Investor

aguib Sawiris, chairman, Weather Investments, concluded a deal with representatives of the consortium in charge of Makronisos Marina, which makes the Egyptian businessman a main shareholder in one of Ayia

Napa’s major projects. The EUR220 million development, which is expected to begin this year and be concluded over the course of three years, will feature villas, apartments and a luxury hotel.

Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, underlined that Makronisos Marina is a project which will enrich the island’s tourism product and is aligned with the government’s new tourism strategy.

EUR160 Million Sales at Limassol Marina

ince the project’s launch, 80 percent of the apartments at Limassol Marina have been sold, valued at some EUR160 million. Reflecting the development’s broad international appeal, the buyers represent 13 different nationalities from all over the world. Further raising the destination’s profile, Peninsula Villas are nearing completion with the first phase, 40 percent of which has already been sold, scheduled to be unveiled this month.

Louis Cruises Signs MoU with Maritime Institute

memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed in Piraeus, by Zacharias Siokouros, president, Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean, and George Koumpenas, vice president, operations, Louis Cruises. Under the terms of the deal, the Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean and Louis Cruises are to enhance the ongoing cooperation, collaboration and alignment between them, in the fields of research and development on new innovative technologies for ships and maritime training.

MARCH 2015

MONTHLY NEWS

Fasouri Watermania Waterpark

Fasouri Watermania Waterpark Shows Social Face

asouri Watermania Waterpark, in collaboration with Carob Mill Restaurants, Alpha Mega Hypermarkets and Limassol General Hospital, organised a blood donation initiative at its premises. Held under the theme, Live, Love, Donate, the day saw the participation of a large number of volunteers, including employees of parent company Lanitis Group of Companies and Alpha Mega Hypermarkets, as well as clients of the aqua park.

Cyprus Second in Demand for Tourist Nights in the EU

Kapnos Adds Free Wi-Fi

apnos Airport Shuttle has enhanced its offering with a new service. Passengers can now enjoy free Wi-Fi access on the majority of the company’s vehicles. “In recent years we have made significant changes to our coaches to ensure we are delivering the highest safety and quality service every time [passengers] travel with us. We are proud to announce the introduction of free Wi-Fi onboard most of our fleet,” commented Pampos Kapnos, general manager, Kapnos Airport Shuttle.

ccording to data collected by Eurostat, in 2014 Cyprus recorded the second highest share of nights spent by non-residents. Accounting for 94 percent of total demand amongst the other 27 member states of the European Union (EU), foreign visitors to the island spent a total of 13.1 million nights in the whole year. Cyprus was only preceded by Malta, which registered the highest share of nights at 96 percent, while Croatia, Luxembourg and Greece completed the top five. In absolute figures, Spain with 260 million and Italy with 184 million overnight stays recorded the highest number of nights spent by non-residents in their tourism accommodation establishments.

MARCH 2015

TRAVEL AGENTS MONTHLY NEWS Amathus Certified for Its Integrated Management System

mathus Corporation announced that it has been accredited by IQNet and Cyprus Certification Company for its integrated management system (IMS) with the ISO9001:2008, ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007. The recognition covers both Amathus Corporation for airline representation and sales and marketing, as well as Amathus Travel for the provision of travel services.

As Chrysostomos Kallis, management representative, Amathus Corporation, said, IMS applies to all facets of business and levels of excellence will only improve over the long term with committed employees. “The IMS certification shows just how far we will go to ensure the best quality for all of our clients and we are proud of what we have achieved,” added Christos Christou, CEO, Amathus Corporation.

Hala Abu Dhabi Partners with Cypriot Tour Operators

Hala Abu Dhabi’s preferred sales agents

ala Abu Dhabi, the destination management division of Etihad Airways, has entered into agreements with Xenos Travel and Top Kinisis Travel to promote Abu Dhabi as a stopover destination for passengers transitting in the UAE capital. The deals are two of 45 signed by the UAE-based company with key tour operators to expand the reach of the airlines’ Stopover in Abu Dhabi initiative, which allows travellers to break their journeys in the emirate. “Our expanded partnerships will increase tourism traffic into Abu Dhabi by showcasing the emirate as a vibrant holiday destination and offering generous incentives to visitors,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways.

MARCH 2015

MONTHLY NEWS now. . bly k u o y Did was probahus

Limassol Municipality Engages Citizens

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US-based Real Estate Company Invests in Cyprus

ealty Group International (RGI) announced plans to expand into Cyprus, through an alliance with local company Antonis Loizou & Associates. James Chaderjian, consultant, RGI, justified the move saying that along with the hydrocarbon industry and the tourism sector, which is being greatly highlighted on the island, due to the state-of-the-art developments such as the marinas, golf courses, commercial buildings, multifamily and single family residences, the super casino will be a significant deal in the region. “There is nowhere else like this except for Monte Carlo and a project as such will dwarf it in comparison. The casino resort will be something Europe and the Middle East cannot experience anywhere else, except for in Las Vegas,” he said.

Limassol

imassol Municipality held three separate consultation workshops, where it engaged the town’s citizens and organisations into a fruitful dialogue. The municipality aimed to source suggestions which could help the community secure European funding for the period up to 2020. Based on European criteria, Limassol’s western suburbs have been shortlisted as areas suitable for sustainable urban interventions in order to upgrade them. Limassol Municipality actively promotes suggestions for use of European funds by preparing the programme Limassol 2020 and applying participatory processes, that has a large appeal.

Karousos: Drastic Measures for Tourism Needed

iannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, predicted that the political and financial situation in Russia is to have a serious impact on Cyprus’ tourist industry, resulting in EUR300 million losses in tourism revenue. In his statement, Karousos warned all stakeholders and hoteliers in particular, to cut loose from their overreliance on the Russian market, in order to avoid the negative consequences. Addressing the government, he suggested to focus on the Scandinavian and the Swiss segments, as well as Cyprus’ neighbouring Israel and Lebanon, or even the UAE, to attract fresh tourists and mitigate the effects of the Russian economy’s recession.

MARCH 2015

AYIA NAPA SEASONALITY CONFERENCE MINI REPORT

SUMMER PARADISE OR WINTER HAVEN

For a second consecutive year Ayia Napa Municipality organised a tourism conference which focussed on ways to deal with seasonality in the town’s wider area.

iannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, delivered the opening speech of the one-day forum, underlining that through the event, the municipality aims to present a new dimension in facing seasonality. This will be achieved, he said, through applicable, functional and low-cost solutions towards this direction, some of which are the involvement of local communities, the showcasing of their potential and increasing their active contribution. As the congress organiser, the municipality had also set the target to maintain or even strengthen the sense of contribution at local and regional level in order to initiate debate and reach selected solutions which will be implemented in a pilot form all-year-round, except the summer season. Moreover, it looks to introduce a control group to oversee the evolution of the plan. Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), who was

“

CTO IS AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROLONGING THE TOURIST SEASON

MARCH 2015

also a speaker at the conference, mentioned that increasingly more and more Europeans travel to countries with a milder climate and sunshine during the winter months, since they prefer a beach holiday rather than destinations that offer the opportunity for recreation. He underlined that in the past seven years, the number of European tourists – mainly British, Germans, French and Scandinavians who take on a winter getaway, has increased by 50 percent, an indication that off-season holidays are gaining an important market share. According to Loizou, CTO has taken this seriously in the past years and developed a range of initiatives and collaborations with all relevant stakeholders. The workshop held by the organisation in 2013 under the theme Prolonging the Tourist Season and Facing Seasonality, and which saw the participation of the governmental sector, local authorities and associations, was a launch pad for further discussions and decisive actions. CTO forwarded the findings of the workshop to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism and has taken on the coordinator’s role in realising the goals. CTO has continued its efforts and has undertaken various initiatives in order to attract investments focussed on four main objectives, as Loizou remarked, citing the actions taken for that purpose. Firstly, for improving Cyprus’ acces-

sibility in the winter months the open skies policy was applied which saw the launch of flights from Israel, Ukraine and Russia, amongst others. Secondly, for enhancing competitiveness, local businesses need to remain open in the winter months while also managing to be profitable and for this CTO put forward ways to reduce their expenses and fees. Thirdly, for improving the national tourist product the organisation announced actions that were meant to enhance Cyprus’ attractiveness. In this framework, it organised and funded cultural events, religious routes, wines routes, traditional local festivals and much more. Lastly, for promoting the island as a winter tourism destination, CTO managed to secure a fund of EUR325,000 from the European Union to be spent in the coming winter season for marketing Cyprus. The promotional campaign is expected to launch in the second half of the year. Loizou declared, “I want to assure everyone that CTO is aware of the im-

portance of prolonging the winter season and is doing everything possible to eliminate this problem.” Ayia Napa is currently faced with this immense challenge, as Karousos pointed out, since this year other factors also contributed to worsening seasonality. One of those is the devaluation of the Russian rouble, as well as the increasing popularity pof the all-inclusive concept. Karousos stressed that the specific scheme is negatively affecting local businesses, while at the same time there is lack of tourist activities during the winter months. The conference followed a similar gathering organised in 2014 which focussed on the all-inclusive model and speakers also included Polys Kallis, former chairman, Cyprus Hotel Managers Association; Werner Gronau, professor, University of Applied Sciences Stralsund, Germany and Richard Sharpley, professor, University of Central Lancashire, UK. 

Ayia Napa monastery

MONTHLY NEWS AWARDS

ETIHAD AIRWAYS AND AIRBERLIN HONOUR TRAVEL PARTNERS UAE national airline, Etihad Airways and its affiliate, airberlin held a special night for their partners in the travel trade industry in Cyprus. Guests included travel agents, government representatives and members of the local media, at the event that aimed to acknowledge an excellent collaboration throughout the years. Under the sounds of jazz, guests enjoyed a cocktail party as well as a photo exhibition presenting destinations where both carriers fly to. The event concluded with a ticket draw.

Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, Christoforos Orthodoxou, Susanna Sciacovelli

Susanna Sciacovelli, Peter Neven, Stella Stylianou, Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi

Charalambos Michael, Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, Irini Grammenou

Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, Akis Kelepeshis

Andreas Constantinides, Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, Mary Kammitsi

Abdelrahman Al Suwaidi, Constantinos Herodotou

MARCH 2015

TOURISM BOARDS MONTHLY NEWS

New Attractions in Ayia Napa

Larnaca Winter Activities Heat Up

Paphos Coastline Is Now Safer

ight more artists have contributed sculptures to the ever-growing collection of Ayia Napa Sculpture Park. Visitors to the site can now enjoy the works of internationally renowned names, including Vladan Martinovic from Serbia; Hani Khatib, Hillel Roman and Eyal Assulin from Israel; Konstantinos Dousis from Greece, Jacob Neulinger from Austria, Janine Kortz-Waintrop from France and Gadadhar Ojha from India, living in France. Adding to the value of the newly displayed additions, the artists created their sculptures on the spot.

MARCH 2015

isitors to Larnaca have been enjoying an array of activities during the colder winter months. One of the most welcomed developments in the coastal town was the creation of new Boules (Pétanque) on the Foinikoudes strip, with players enjoying the popular game every day. Larnaka Tourism Board also organised various complimentary programmes, including village excursions, tours, traditional activities, beach gymnastics and music, amongst others, allowing travellers to discover different parts of the island. Larnaca also continued to make a name for itself as a sporting destination with a range of prestigious competitions coming up, and the soon-to-open Larnaka Amphorae Snorkelling Park is set to further enhance its destination as a snorkelling hotspot.

n line with Pafos Regional Board of Tourism’s efforts to keep the town safe for all locals and tourists, the board announced that from this year three jet skis will be available to the lifeguards patrolling Paphos’ bathing sites. According to the statement, the suitable functioning of and safety at local beaches is a priority for Pafos Regional Board of Tourism. The purchase of the lifesaving watercraft was jointly funded by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the municipalities of Polis Chrysochous, Paphos and Neo Chorio.

Paphos Travels to Israel, London and Sweden

n a bid to further promote the city to its priority markets, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism was present at a number of exhibitions in February. Between February 9 – 10, Paphos was showcased in Israel in an effort to lure couples looking to wed abroad. Meanwhile, the city’s presence was also felt at London’s Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show. In the British capital, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism members promoted the sport image of the coastal town and underlined events such as the annual international triathlon marathon. Lastly, Paphos’ offering was put forward by various local hoteliers at Grekland Panorama held in Stockholm.

MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS Limassol Assists Local Hotel Industry

Paphos to Boost Diving Image

imassol Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, is bidding to assist local hoteliers and has launched courses for unemployed youngsters who want to be trained as assistant cooks or bartenders. Courses began in January and are expected to run by the end of March, whereas tuition is offered free of charge. Innovative Hospitality Education has undertaken the responsibility to train the participants at the facilities of Columbia Plaza.

n a bid to reinforce its reach and boost expertise, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism has teamed up with the local branch of Cyprus Dive Center Association. The two parties have collaborated in past years, but as of recent the Cyprus Dive Center Association is a member of Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, which aims to enhance the city’s image as a destination enjoying ‘blue growth’. The immediate priorities of the coalition are to enrich and expand artificial reefs in the area, to create marine parks for snorkelling, to promote diving tourism and to improve Paphos’ marine tourist product.

Travel Industry Gets Acquainted with Larnaca’s Beauty

Choirokitia neolithic settlement

arnaka Tourism Board held an informative tour for staff of various local hotels, travel agents and other industry-related individuals. Themed Get to know our charming region, the event gave the chance to all participants to visit many attractions of the city and see them through the eyes of a tourist. Larnaka Tourism Board’s initiative aimed at educating all stakeholders, especially people who come into direct contact with holiday-makers, about the city and how to promote it properly. Participants visited various picturesque sites in the Larnaca region like Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Tochni, as well as the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia.

MARCH 2015

MONTHLY NEWS AIR Blue Air Opens Operational Base in Cyprus

lue Air has inaugurated its new operational base in Cyprus, offering direct flights from Larnaca to Athens and Thessaloniki with plans to add further routes in the near future. The Greek capital is being served seven times a week, while Thessaloniki is connected to the Cypriot town three times a week, complementing the Romanian lowcost carrier’s existing three-weekly flights to Bucharest.

British Airways Increases Flights to Larnaca

AEGEAN Airlines Increases Summer Routes to Cyprus

ritish Airways has announced its summer flight schedule from London’s Heathrow Airport to Larnaca, with an increase in the number of services from seven to 13 per week. The route will be operated daily, except for Saturdays, on Boeing 767 and Airbus 320 aircraft. “At a time of uncertainty in the Cypriot aviation market, British Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to Cyprus by recognising the island as an important destination for UK holidaymakers,” said Freddie Stier, commercial manager, Cyprus and Greece, British Airways. She added that the carrier looks to support the strong business and trade links between the island and the UK, facilitating those ties further in the future.

Heraklion

EGEAN Airlines is to launch new direct routes from the UK to Larnaca and Heraklion. Flights to Larnaca will depart from Heathrow Airport daily as of March 29, while services to Heraklion will commence from Gatwick Airport on June 21, with up to six frequencies a week. AEGEAN Airlines will also renew its summer schedule to Athens from Birmingham and the once seasonal flights from Manchester Airport to Athens International Airport are now an all-year-round service.

AEGEAN Launches Larnaca – Tel Aviv

aking advantage of the deregulation of traffic rights to Israel and in accordance to its commitment for dynamic growth of its presence in Cyprus, AEGEAN Airlines introduced direct flights between Larnaca and Tel Aviv. For the duration of its winter schedule, the carrier will connect the two cities three times a week, while with the start of the summer schedule, the company will begin daily nonstop flights between Larnaca and Tel Aviv, adding significant capacity and options. AEGEAN Airlines will operate four Airbus A320 aircraft from its Larnaca base, while the number of destinations connected directly with Cyprus will increase to 14.

MARCH 2015

AIR MONTHLY NEWS Bulgaria Air Enhances Links to Cyprus

Gulf Air Boosts Larnaca Service

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ulf Air will has increased its Bahrain – Larnaca service to six weekly frequencies. The enhanced operations offer three direct weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, alongside three weekly connections via Kuwait operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Ahmed Janahi, chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, commented, “We are pleased to further facilitate passenger movement and make travel to and from Larnaca even more convenient with this schedule enhancement that allows our passengers from both Bahrain and Kuwait easier access to this popular Cypriot destination.”

rom March 26, Bulgaria Air is to increase the frequency of its flights to Larnaca. The move is in addition to the airline’s regular operations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The new service will offer an afternoon connection between the Cypriot city and the Bulgarian capital, with the outbound flight reaching Larnaca at 20:30. The carrier operates regular services from Sofia, Varna and Bourgas to 28 major destinations in Europe and the Middle East, as well as charter and business flights upon request to more than 100 other cities.

AEGEAN Upgrades Facilities in Larnaca, Athens and Thessaloniki

EGEAN Airlines has started the year with upgraded airport services and new amenities at airports in Larnaca, Athens, and Thessaloniki. Passengers can now enjoy a new public lounge at Athens International Airport, complete with tablets and self check-in kiosks which also allow for obtaining baggage tags. In addition, with families in mind, the carrier has installed new baggage drop-off counters at all three locations, exclusively for those travelling with children below the age of 12.

MARCH 2015

TRAVEL CHANNELS

AEGEAN Supports Cyprus As of March 30, AEGEAN Airlines will operate four Airbus A320 aircraft from Cyprus, while the number of destinations connected directly to the island will increase to 14.

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s regards to direct links with Greece and seven other countries, total yearly capacity will exceed 1.5 million seats. More specifically, with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer schedule, as of April, connections between Greece and Cyprus is to be boosted with more frequent flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, and the introduction of a direct service between Athens and Paphos. The new summer schedule also includes direct routes to Heraklion and Rhodes, while direct operations to Mykonos and Santorini will be added in July and August respectively. Direct flights from Cyprus to Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heathrow Airport, Paris, Munich, Rome and Milan, have already been introduced.

In focus NAME:

George Zamboglou

POSITION:

General manager

COMPANY:

E Hotel Spa & Resort

LOCATION:

Pervolia, Larnaca

WEBSITE:

www.hotel-e.com

Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Paves the Way

hanks to Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, on January 26 Mario Stasis, Christos Omorphos, Chrysostomos Christofi and Mikaela Chronopoulou received their degree certificates from Steven Haberman, dean, Cass Business School in London, before setting off for new career paths at Coca-Cola and PwC, among others. Stelios Philanthropic Foundation donates 10 one-year scholarships annually at this prestigious graduate university college.

Who are you? My name is George Zamboglou and I am the general manager of E Hotel Spa & Resort in Pervolia, Larnaca. When did you join the industry and why? I joined the industry in 2002 immediately after my studies in the UK. I was always fascinated by the hospitality industry and the challenges that it has. It is an industry that broadens your horizons both as an individual and as a professional. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? I would not be able to choose. Every aspect is a favourite. From travelling, to food and wine tasting, contracting with large tour operating companies, online marketing; all are a favourite for me. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I always loved the French Riviera, so hopefully this summer I will get the chance to revisit it. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? Cyprus combines everything that a holiday-maker seeks for, either this is hiking, pilgrimage, diving or cycling. Cyprus for me is a mosaic of holiday experiences. MARCH 2015

ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS New Designer Boutique at Anassa

Columbia Beach Resort Doubles with TripAdvisor

uests with a desire for designer clothes and accessories will soon be able to shop at Anassa’s very own Kult Bou-

tique. Spanning 300m2, the outlet will offer a unique and regularly changing collection of ladies’ and men’s ready-to-wear items from some of the most renowned fashion houses, including Prada, Miu Miu, Bottega Venera, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent and Jimmy Choo, amongst others. The boutique, which will open this spring, has been envisioned by architectural and interior designer, Paolo Giachi, who is behind many of the world’s leading fashion establishments, from the Louis Vuitton and Fendi stores in Florence to the Smythson shops in New York and Los Angeles.

Columbia Beach Resort

Stademos Hotels Receive International Distinctions

Free Wi-Fi at Mediterranean Beach Hotel kno u o y d Di

Mediterranean Beach Hotel

h Beac ean r dry n a r fou iter Med l boasts ms, one e o t r o t o dicated H e tmen trea hich is d es? l w p u f o to co

MARCH 2015

olumbia Beach Resort has been included in Cyprus’ top 25 hotels and top luxury hotels at TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards. The leading hotels list has been compiled based on the reviews and opinions of millions of TripAdvisor users around the globe. “We are delighted to be recognised and awarded twice this year by TripAdvisor and we would like to sincerely thank our valued guests for their review, which are not only of the utmost importance to us, but also the very reason we have been awarded,” commented Anthea Vikis, marketing manager, Columbia Beach Resort.

ailed as two ideal destinations that offer guests excellent service and unique moments of luxury and relaxation, Elysium in Paphos and Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol, both members of Stademos Hotels, have been honoured by TripAdvisor. The largely popular travel website honoured the two properties for their achievements in 2014, presenting them with the prestigious Traveler’s Choice Award and the Certificate of Excellence, following rave reviews and visitor experiences which guests posted on the site.

n line with the management’s ongoing efforts to provide guests with utmost comfort, Mediterranean Beach Hotel has upgraded its wireless Internet access to enable guests to stay connected with their family, friends and colleagues during their stay. The free, high-quality Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, in all public areas as well as in the rooms, and on as many devices as guests wish. The four-star Limassol property’s team is also working on several other plans to ensure that families, holiday-makers and businessmen alike enjoy their stay with peace of mind.

TRAVEL TALK

MICHAEL FISCINA Owner, Realty Group International

Properties in Cyprus are about to be red hot

Our company is here to stay

“Investors who purchase property totalling EUR300,000 are eligible for permanent residency with visa-free travel throughout the European Union and now, through Realty Group International, this includes Americans as well. These factors and a real estate market that is still reeling from the recent financial downturn, are the reasons why properties in Cyprus are about to be red hot.”

“We are particularly happy for developing our network and creating a new base in Cyprus. I want to emphasise that our company is here to stay and will continue to do what it has been doing well since 2008; transferring Cypriot passengers safely to their destinations. Our target is to assist the local community and for this we will create new job positions, for cabin crew members as well as pilots and technicians. After seven years operating in the Cypriot market, we feel like Cyprus is our home.”

GHEORGHE RACARU CEO, Blue Air

Alternative forms of tourism are essential for sustainable tourism

MICHAEL KARASAVVAS Honorary consul, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Cyprus

“The government’s successful tourism policy and planning is helping the industry grow and is clearly demonstrated by the creation of an integrated casino resort which will provide significant opportunities for Cyprus’ tourism sector. The development of alternative forms of tourism, is the essential ingredient for sustainable tourism development, in order to achieve a longer tourism season [...]. This investment in facilities, infrastructure and services will benefit and contribute greatly to the welfare of the population.”

Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares

ROBIN KIELY Head of communications, Ryanair

“Cyprus customers can avail of [the] Ryanair rescue fares. [...] Cypriot consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their flights even earlier on our improved website and great new app [...] and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.”

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

MARCH 2015

RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Why should someone choose Cyprus and not other destinations for rehabilitation or post-surgery treatment? MARIA ZAVROU: Medical tourism is a fast-developing industry that combines medical and wellness treatment with a vacation. Cyprus is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Cyprus is a modern country, a member of the European Union (EU) since 2004, with its European culture and civilisation that is stretching back to antiquity, it has more to offer than all-year-round sunshine, alluring beaches, vineyards, historical sites and family-oriented culture of the generally open-hearted and communicative people.

Q & A with Maria Zavrou BOARD MEMBER, CYPRUS, KPMG

TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What are the main advantages of Cyprus as a medical tourism destination? MARIA ZAVROU: Healthcare in Cyprus is of a very high standard and is recognised by the World Health Organization as being of the same level as developed countries, such as the UK and the US. Cyprus attracts 2.4 million tourists every year, an increasing number of which are medical tourists. One of Cyprus’ greatest assets is its human capital. Most of the island’s doctors and physicians were trained at world-recognised medical schools mostly in Germany, Sweden, the UK and the US, thus providing a valuable range of knowledge, experience and innovation. The English language is widely spoken throughout the island and a large number also speak Russian, German, Italian, French and Arabic. Also, the island’s spas provide holistic wellness using the broadest range of popular techniques for the mind, body and soul including mineral spas and hypnotherapy centres. Moreover, Cyprus has a unique variety of 674 healing herbs that can offer you an amazing experience during a local treatment. Summarising, the main advantages of Cyprus as a medical tourism destination are; human capital and personal contact; modern, well-equipped technologically-sophisticated hospitals and clinics; high-level hygiene, patient safety and security; perfect telecommunication and transportaMARCH 2015

tion infrastructure with regular flights from Europe, Middle East and Africa; confidentiality; ideal weather conditions for post treatment recuperation [and many more]. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Which medical treatments offered in Cyprus are the most popular? MARIA ZAVROU: All kinds of treatments are available in Cyprus. Based on statistics, the most popular medical treatments of interest to international travellers are check-ups and diagnostic tests, dentistry and plastic surgery, wellness treatments, phototherapy, cosmetic surgery, cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery and climatotherapy treatment. Moreover, the implementation of the European Directive for Cross Border Health Care in 2014, now allows free movement of 450 million patients across the EU and a healthier competition under the umbrella of our national health service which is to be implemented in full by 2016. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: How is Cyprus’ medical tourism status being enhanced internationally?

WITH UNLIMITED SUNSHINE AND THE COUNTRY’S INTERNATIONAL PROFILE RAISING, MARIA ZAVROU, BOARD MEMBER, CYPRUS, KPMG, A GLOBAL NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL FIRMS PROVIDING AUDIT, ADVISORY AND TAX SERVICES, DISCUSSES WHY THE ISLAND IS IDEAL WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL TOURISM.

MARIA ZAVROU: The sustainable Destinations Global Top 100, an initiative of TravelMole.com, VISION on Sustainable Tourism, Totem Tourism and Green Destinations awarded Limassol and Paphos in December 2014, with prestigious tourism awards [that raise Cyprus profile as a medical destination]. The basic selection criteria included the cleanliness of seawater, biodiversity of the regions and environment, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, lack of air pollution, low noise levels and quality of tourist information. Limassol has been chosen as one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise, regarding accommodation, gastronomy and activities in the area. The Paphos district was awarded a gold medal for the quality of its coasts, and selected as one of the top 20 most clean, green and in harmony with nature, sustainable tourist destinations. Cyprus has been one of the world’s best loved holiday and retirement destinations and is now one of the countries leading the drive to open up medical tourism and wellness treatment.

NEWS & EVENTS Cultural Winter Activities Continue in Ayia Napa

A Ayia Napa monastery

yia Napa Municipality is pushing ahead its cultural endeavours with several events taking place as part of its Cultural Winter initiative, which is held in collaboration with Cyprus Tourism Organisation. January saw three such events which included a music performance by a folklore local group and the Ayia Napa dancing club, a violin and piano recital featuring various Cypriot artists, as well as a musical tribute to the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. The municipality’s cultural initiative will run until the end of March and entrance is free for the public.

Limassol Marina Welcomes BPY

lue Point Yachting (BPY) shop is now open at Limassol Marina. With a wealth of knowledge in the field of pleasure boating, BPY offers clients a choice of mega yachts, yachts, cruisers, power and sailing boats, with maintenance and technical service to suit all.

Operations are based in both Cyprus and Lebanon, and include major brands such as Azimut Benetti Group, Sea Ray and Elan Sailing. BPY is also the official dealer of Kohler generators, Gianneschi pumps and blowers, and Seabob water toys in Cyprus.

AGIA NAPA CULTURAL WINTER Ayia Napa Until March 26 www.ayianapa.org.cy Cultural events in the Ayia Napa area including music, folklore dances and classical music recitals.

FUGUE – MYSTERY – DANCE Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia March 11, 12 & 13 www.cyso.org.cy The programme opens with Cypriot composer Andreas Moustoukis’s work Octana, followed by a rare opportunity to enjoy the accordion performing one of Bach’s most fascinating harpsichord concertos.

VOLKSWAGEN CYPRUS CYCLING TOUR Paphos March 17 – 29 www.cyclingcy.com A three-day road cycling-for-all event that will take place for the fourth consecutive year.

Legion Run Returns to Cyprus

Legion Run

EVENTS

his year’s Legion Run promises to be bigger, better and different. The event, which will take place on April 4 in Dali, will cover five kilometres with around 18 obstacles of mud, fire and barbed wire, challenging both body and mind. Following the completion of the challenge, participants will enjoy live music, food and games. “After a successful tour in Southern and Central Europe, which made us wiser and more creative, we are returning in Cyprus for the premiere of [this year’s] tour,” said Antonis Alexopoulos, communications director, Legion Run, adding that the aim is to provide a lifetime experience.

LIMASSOL MARATHON Limassol March 29 www.limassolmarathon.com Fully accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, the Limassol Marathon is a flat course which follows the Mediterranean coastline.

Seasonality Discussed at Ayia Napa Event

ourism experts from the national and international scene gathered together at the 2nd Ayia Napa Tourism Conference to chalk out a road map to effectively combat seasonality. As Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, noted, large international events and the extension of the traditional tourist season could help alleviate

the challenge, while international professors highlighted the need the upgrade the Cypriot tourism product offered during the winter months. Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, reinforced the tourism body’s commitment to taking actions towards this direction with the constructive contribution of all stakeholders.

MARCH 2015