www.traveltradepublications.travel
THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING TRAVEL TRADE FRANCHISE…. MEET NEWLY-LAUNCHED TRAVEL TRADE EUROPE!
AGENTS!... ...A new hotel booking system has arrived!
Let's TRADE with Europe!
REGISTER NOW FOR FREE! traveltradebookings.com
www.traveltradeeurope.travel
JANUARY 2015
ISSUE 05
10 JANUARY 2015
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.
03
19
HERMES AIRPORTS INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC GATES
BRAVOFLY RUMBO GROUP TO ACQUIRE LASTMINUTE.COM
06
23
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
6
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
8
online
MAY 2015
ISSUE 27
PARALIMNI TO WELCOME ZOO AYIA NAPA AND THE GREEK CITY OF RETHYMNO ANNOUNCED THE COMPLETION OF A JOINT PROJECT AIMED AT DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.
04 FEBRUARY ARRIVALS RISE
05 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
02
NICOSIA
03
NAUTICAL
09
TOURISM BOARDS
10
CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
12
AIR
13
ACCOMMODATION
15
TRAVEL CHANNELS
16
IN FOCUS
17
TRAVEL TALK
18
RENDEZVOUS
19
NEWS & EVENTS
20
AYIA NAPA COMPLETES ACCESSIBLE TOURISM INITIATIVE
10
MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
he company has already been authorised to develop a golf course in the Fasouri area in Limassol. According to the project’s master plan, which has been prepared by the architecture, design, engineering and construction services company, AECOM, the development will stretch over more than a million square metres. It will include an 18-hole golf course, villas and apartments, as well as spa, restaurants and shops.
CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607 Fax: +357 22 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
24/4/2015
2
CURRENCY
Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) has welcomed the shares of Lanitis Golf Public, subsidiary of Lanitis Group of Companies, in a move set to increase Lanitis Golf Public’s accessibility for future investors.
T
ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba
COUNTRY
Lanitis Golf Public Enters CSE
1EUR=
US (USD)
Dollar
1.08
UK (GBP)
Pound
0.71
Switzerland (CHF)
Franc
1.03
Japan (JPY)
Yen
129.21
Stademos Hotels’ Profit Soars
C.C.C. Tourist Enterprises Records Profit
Stademos Hotels recorded a profit after taxation of EUR3.56 million.
C.C.C. Tourist Enterprises Public Company, partial owner of Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort, announced a net profit of EUR186,000 for 2014.
T
he owner and operator of the five-star Elysium in Paphos and the four-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol marked a significant improvement over the EUR730,000 loss registered in 2013. The company’s turnover reached EUR25.99 million, up from EUR22.75 million in 2013, while gross operating profit before depreciations amounted to EUR8.36 million versus EUR5.48 million in 2013. As a result, Stademos Hotels’ earnings per share improved to EUR0.11.
T
his comes after a EUR6.02 million loss registered in 2013. From continuing operations, share of profit of associates companies and joint ventures reached EUR582,000 versus EUR1,000 achieved in 2013, while operating and administration costs remained close to 2013’s figures at EUR69,000.
Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos Deal Signed
Claridge Public has inked a sales agreement with K.A. Olympic Lagoon Resort for the sale of the five-star Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos.
T
he consideration of the transaction amounts to EUR34.45 million, out of which EUR32.9 million relate to the sale of the land and buildings, EUR1.5 million to the furniture and fittings of the hotel and EUR40,000 to the stock. In terms of the deal, possession of the property will
pass to the purchaser on May 26 or on the date of transferring the plot through the District Land Office. The 273-room Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos, which commenced operations in 1992, is under renovations to be converted into an Olympic Lagoon Resort at an estimated cost of EUR13.5 million. MAY 2015
NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS New Policy for Nicosia’s Cultural Venues
Strovolos Hosts Tennis Event
S
trovolos Municipality organised a tennis championship in March that was held at the local sports centre. The various categories of the event catered mainly to kids and teenagers with a total of five age groups. Men teams were also formed and included adults of over 35, 45 and 55 years of age.
Famagusta Gate Venue
N
icosia’s municipal council has decided to charge a fee for the use of any of its cultural venues to whomever wishes to hire them to organise a charity function. This amount will comprise the 50 percent of the regular hiring fees for each facility. In turn, the municipality will donate the whole amount gathered to the community’s multipurpose centre or the Agkaliazo foundation. The municipality has also defined a new policy for cancellations of such events, with those called off 61 days before the function, receiving a full refund.
NCCI Meets Nicosia Mayor
T
he boards of directors of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) met with Constantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia, in order to discuss issues and measures related to the capital’s development and revival. Stelios Anastasiades, president, NCCI, commented that Nicosia’s improvement is a matter of utter importance especially at a time when many major projects have been cancelled or postponed due to the financial crisis. However, Yiorkadjis reassured that the municipality will go on with the developments planned for the old GSP stadium, the old general hospital and Eleftheria Square.
kno u o y d Di
w.
ts spor ipal ted in c i n r mu rea The e was c rea nea a r s t e o n i th tr ce eme 1 in 199 Saint D ? the Park
Nicosia Holds Orienteering Games
F
aneromeni Square in old Nicosia held its first World Orienteering Championships, which saw the participation of 250 individuals from 16 countries across Europe and the US. Held in collaboration with the International Orienteering Federation, Park World Travel, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Nicosia Municipality and Nicosia Tourism Board, the event led contestants through the city in order to locate specific spots with the aid of specially designed maps. According to Soulla Kollakidou, president, sports and youth committee, Nicosia Municipality, this was one of the most successful athletic events in the capital.
MAY 2015
3
MONTHLY NEWS
A
ccording to Cyprus’ Ministry of Interior, Consava Holdings has requested permit to launch a zoological park in Paralimni. The development will also include a café and snack bar, a souvenir shop, exhibition area, animal museum, veterinary service, large parking areas, as well as a restaurant and a church on site. The governmental authorities in charge of licensing the project are to discuss the issue and convene with local entities in order to proceed with awarding the permit.
Leptos Group Opens Dubai Office
L
eptos Group has further enhanced its global network with the addition of a new branch in the UAE. Housed in the Emirates Financial Towers within Dubai International Financial Centre, the new office enjoys a central location close to major businesses and tourist attractions. Pantelis Leptos, director, Leptos Group, and Marios Pashardis, marketing manager, Dubai office, Leptos Group, greeted and received a number of distinguished guests and high-calibre business personalities from the Arab country. As Leptos noted, establishing presence in Dubai and the wider Gulf region is of great significance for the company.
Emirates Financial Towers
Paralimni to Welcome Zoo
Ayia Napa Aims for New Centre
T
he municipality of Ayia Napa submitted to the Town Planning and Housing Department its own integrated strategy for sustainable urban development in the town’s centre. Aiming to get funds from the European programme Competitiveness and Sustainable Development 2014 – 2020, the municipality is to rejuvenate Ayia Napa’s core turning it into a year-round eco-tourist destination, through the reduction of energy spending by 35 percent by 2020 and by 50 percent by 2025. According to research completed prior to the launch of the new strategy, the town centre is now downgraded with half of the hotels and shops being closed; a fact that threatens the overall tourism product of the wider Famagusta area.
Ayia Napa Square
4
MAY 2015
MONTHLY NEWS FebruaryCertified Arrivals Rise Amathus for Its Integrated Management System
T
he Statistical Service of Cyprus announced that tourist numbers reached 50,709 in February compared to 45,227 in the same month of 2014, recording an increase of 12.1 percent. A boost of 7.2 percent was witnessed in travellers from the UK with the figure reaching 17,329. Similarly, arrivals from Greece climbed 20.1 percent.
On the other hand, a decrease of 10.4 percent was registered in visitors from Russia; with numbers totalling 3,659, compared to 4,084 in February 2014. For the period January – February, the volume of tourists to Cyprus rose 7.7 percent, with the overall figure jumping to 92,508.
Germany Has a Powerful Potential
F
ollowing meetings and feedback received at ITB Berlin, Haris Loizides, president, Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), predicted that the coordinated efforts of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the government and various tourism industry stakeholders will bring along a much-wanted recovery in arrivals from Germany this year.
“They set the base for a continuous upward path for the years to come, especially if we take in mind that the German market is active in the winter season as well. This will also help balance losses from the Russian market and will aid Cyprus lessen its dependency on this as well as the British segment,� he concluded.
MAY 2015
5
MONTHLY NEWS Zela Aviation Named GSA for airBaltic
a
irBaltic has appointed Zela Aviation as its general sales agent (GSA) for handling air passenger transportation services on an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) as well as a full-charter basis, outside Latvia. Zela Aviation will also be covering the marketing of these services. Andreas Christodoulides, chairman, Zela Aviation, commented, “It is an honour to be chosen by airBaltic as its GSA for both charter and ACMI activity. We have had a close cooperation with airBaltic over the last 18 months and we now look forward to successfully growing this exciting relationship.”
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park Honoured kn u o y d i D
ow. .
T
he sculpture park in Ayia Napa received an award from the community foundation Ammohostos Mprosta, for its innovative concept as well as the overall cultural improvement it has brought to the area. The honourary distinction was received by Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, and Kostas Koumis, vice chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation. Karousos thanked the foundation’s organising committee and assured that the municipality will continue making waves in the cultural scene of the island.
6
Ayia Napa sculpture park
r ted dese he s a il t aw Nap ries unt n the a i y A whe entu for c century, ilt the bu 14th signans apa N Lu a Agi stery? a Mon
MAY 2015
MONTHLY NEWS Health and Safety in Tourism Is a Must
C
yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) held a workshop focussing on safety in the tourism industry. The event witnessed the drafting of the first coordinating action plan which will be put into effect as of this season. Spearheaded by Xenia Loizidou, member, CTO, the initiative saw the participation of various ministry representatives, the Cyprus Police, a number of municipalities and local authorities, the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises, Hermes Airports, the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents and many more. According to official ratings, the island is one of the safest tourist destinations internationally and therefore the industry strives for constantly updating infrastructures to maintain high standards.
8
New Vision Introduced by CTO
I
n a meeting with local media, Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), emphasised that hospitality is a crucial sector for any country, let alone for an island as small as Cyprus, which heavily depends on tourism. He confirmed that CTO has strong dynamics that the new board wishes to preserve and accelerate. This can only be achieved through better internal organisation, targeted marketing and advertising, more effective collaboration with various partners and the enhancement of thematic tourism. Referring to the all-important Russian segment, he noted that for the past six years Cyprus benefitted from the outbound Russian current which, however, is now declining. The island is to be effected but not as much as other destinations, Loizou assured, referring to the close ties between the two countries which will help Cyprus maintain its appeal with Russian visitors.
Angelos Loizou spoke during a meeting with local media
MAY 2015
NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS Investor Deposits Fund for Makronisos Marina
Celestyal Cruises Starts Adriatic Itineraries
L
Makronisos Marina
A
yia Napa’s Makronisos Marina goes ahead as planned since following the permission to divide the land to be used for the project, its main investor deposited a bank cheque of EUR25 million for the benefit of Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, expressed particular satisfaction at this development stating that the submission of the bank guarantee signalled the launch phase of the ambitious project.
Bari
ouis Cruises announced that its Celestyal Cruises will tour the Adriatic Sea. As of this year, passengers of the revamped cruise line can visit some of the most important ports in the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas, including Venice, La Serenissima, where they can spend a full day and night. The routes also take guests along the Dalmatian Coast, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites Dubrovnik and Kotor, as well as Corfu, Patras and Bari. Celestyal Crystal will be sailing in October on three separate outings to the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas. Two seven-day cruises will be departing and returning to the same hub both from Venice as well as Bari, whereas a six-day cruise will leave Italy to end up in Lavrion, Greece on the last day of October.
Peninsula Villas
Limassol Marina Unveils Peninsula Villas
T
he first exclusive villas at Limassol Marina have been delivered to their owners. Hailed as the only homes of their kind in the Mediterranean, Peninsula Villas are surrounded by the sea and offer private berths attached to their garden or direct access to the beach. Owners can enjoy views of the marina or take a plunge in their own swimming pool. In addition, they can also enjoy the integrated development’s shopping and cultural facilities, all of which are now fully operational. “These villas are incredibly rare, making them a sound investment,” said Yiorgos Georghiou, director of sales, Limassol Marina. Up until April, 40 percent of the first phase of Limassol Marina’s Peninsula Villas has been sold. MAY 2015
9
MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
AYIA NAPA COMPLETES ACCESSIBLE TOURISM INITIATIVE
U
The municipality of Ayia Napa and the city of Rethymno in Greece have announced the completion of a joint project aimed at developing infrastructure and conditions of accessibility for disabled individuals.
tilising a European fund of EUR840,000 and other national resources of EUR210,00, the initiative is the result of two years’ work. Attracting tourists with disabilities is seen as a long-lasting solution to the problems of many Mediterranean resorts. According to the European Network of Accessible Tourism, 70 percent of people with disabilities are able and can afford to travel, but they are not willing to do so without finding destinations that satisfy their needs. The total turnover of this market is valued at more than EUR80 billion a year.
Cyprus Wedding Product Showcased
Limassol Holds Cultural Exhibition
L C
yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) participated at Wedding Folies in Beirut, as well as The National Wedding Show Birmingham in order to present the island’s tourist product. The organisation took part in the Lebanese expo with its own pavilion where it hosted Cypriot tour operators and hoteliers, while other companies from the island collaborated with local agents to promote their packages. Cyprus was the only foreign destination that was represented at Wedding Folies. The Mediterranean country attracts 80 percent of the outgoing wedding travellers from Lebanon. For this year, CTO expects that the volume of wedding bookings in Cyprus will outperform that of 2014.
10
imassol Tourism Board, Evagoras & Kathleen Lanitis Foundation and Cyprus’ Ministry of Education and Culture, in collaboration with the municipality of Limassol and the Holy Bishopric of Limassol, organised an exhibition titled Recto/Verso: From Byzantium to Modernism, curated by Nadia Anaxagorou. The event is taking place in the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, located behind the Limassol Medieval Castle, from March 20 – May 8. According to Tony Antoniou, chairman, Limassol Tourism Board, the exhibition serves as a showcase of the Limassol region’s rich religious and cultural heritage. “We hope that it will be embraced equally by locals and visitors looking for an exclusive experience,” he concluded.
MAY 2015
TOURISM BOARDS MONTHLY NEWS now. . k u o y Did t rcen
Paphos Promoted in Moscow
pe tors e 75 bi Som T ’s exhi rnaT e I t of M esent in ions; a r a p n en re ti t l des ch has se n a n o i i i t wth e wh figur tant gro ars? cons past ye the
P
afos Regional Board of Tourism and local industry representatives travelled to Russia to take part in the 23rd Moscow International Travel & Tourism exhibition (MITT). The Russian market has been a key segment for Cyprus for years with incoming tourist numbers climbing to 636,000 in 2014. Cypriot hoteliers at the event had the chance to be informed of the current developments in Russia and discuss this year’s prospects with local tourism stakeholders. Nasos Hadjigeorgiou, executive manager, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, commented that the challenge Paphos faces now with regards to the Russian segment is to contain the decrease of tourist arrivals, maintain accessibility through air connectivity and attract tourists from various parts of the country.
Moscow
Berlin Gets a Taste of Limassol
Limassol
I
MAY 2015
n a bid to increase the city’s appeal in the German market, Limassol Tourism Board participated in the tourism exhibition ITB Berlin. The board’s delegation distributed printed and electronic material which was also available in German, with a special emphasis given to promoting Limassol as a wedding and honeymoon destination, as well as to various activities one can enjoy in the Mediterranean coastal city. Special interest was paid to biking routes that Limassol boasts and other options, such as horse riding, water sports, marathons and agrotourism. Following various meetings held with tourism professionals, Limassol Tourism Board expects that available air seats from Germany to Cyprus will be boosted by 15 percent this year.
11
MONTHLY NEWS CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
CTO Reports Successful Winter Season
T
ourist arrivals for the period spanning November 2014 to February climbed to 230,808 signalling a boost of 3.8 percent year-on-year. According to Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s management, this is attributed to a concerted effort and initiatives undertaken by both the private and the governmental sector. In regards to the increased figures of the four months, the UK supported much of this growth with 76,517 arrivals, and the German and French segments contributed 16,019 and 4,064 visitors, respectively.
12
CTO Pushes for Hiking Tourism
Cyprus Promotes Destinations of Excellence
T
he 2nd Cyprus Walking Festival is being organised this spring by CTO and the Forestry Department. The outdoor event, which will run until May 10, features a number of outings and walking tours in Akamas, Cape Greko and Troodos national forest parks, with varying fitness levels and completion times. For walks, participants will be accompanied by licensed tour guides, and they have the option to use free transportation provided by CTO. The organisation lists hiking tourism amongst its main priorities within its promotional strategy.
Troodos
C
TO has undertaken the management and realisation of a project related to European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN), titled Promotion of the EDEN Destinations and Awareness Raising. The initiative aims to support emerging destinations and sustainable tourism. It involves an annual competition to select a promising tourist destination of excellence in each participating country, based on its commitment to social, cultural and environmental principles. From 2007 to 2013 Cyprus received a range of awards; Troodos, Agros, Vouni, Kato Pyrgos, Kalopanagiotis and Polis Chrysochous were selected as European destinations of excellence in the categories of rural tourism, intangible heritage, protected areas, aquatic tourism, regeneration of physical sites and accessible tourism, respectively.
MAY 2015
AIR MONTHLY NEWS New Airport Incentive Scheme Launched kn Did you
Germania Lands in Cyprus
ow. .
take can s r e eng e of Pass dvantag ctronic e a l e a icmat Larnak or t? o t u t a p a r i s gate tional A na Inter
G
ermania has commenced direct services between Cyprus and five key German cities. The airline now connects Paphos with Berlin, Hamburg and Erfurt every Wednesday, while flights between the coastal city and Düsseldorf are being operated on Wednesdays and Sundays. Passengers can also take advantage of the new Larnaca – Munich service every Tuesday. As Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, noted, the new flights are expected to help boost arrivals to the island. Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, described Germany as one of the main markets for Cyprus. “We believe that there is a great potential to attract much more German tourists.”
I
n a bid to enhance air accessibility and boost arrivals to the island, the Ministry of Communications and Works alongside Hermes Airports introduced a new incentive scheme for both Larnaca and Paphos international airports. The initiative, that includes six options, is being offered to all airlines and is set to increase traffic from existing markets and develop new ones, help allocate additional capacity on flights to and from the country, alleviate seasonality and improve overall connectivity between Cyprus and the rest of the world. The programme includes schemes for the introduction of multiple new routes on a three-year agreement; the launch of new single routes; the development of winter traffic; discounts on landing fees at the hubs; development through a Growth Bonus Plan on a net traffic growth for existing routes; and marketing support for the promotion of Cyprus.
easyJet Links Cyprus to Berlin
B
ritish airline easyJet has further extended its route network to Cyprus by launching flights between Berlin Schönefeld Airport and Larnaca. Flights are operated twice-weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with midday and evening departures from Larnaka International Airport. The route is served by an Airbus A319 aircraft and the flight takes around three and a half hours.
MAY 2015
13
MONTHLY NEWS AIR
Arkia Israeli Airlines Boosts Cyprus Operations
Blue Air: Larnaca and Thessaloniki Flights Boosted
B I
n response to the growing demand, Arkia Israeli Airlines increased frequency on the Tel Aviv – Larnaca route from four weekly flights to five services per week. The Israeli carrier deploys Boeing 757-300 and Embraer 195LR aircraft on the itinerary. Passengers can take advantage of carrying up to 20kg of baggage free of charge and enjoy seamless airport check-in service at no extra cost. The second-largest airline of Israel is represented on the island by Orthodoxou Aviation.
14
lue Air has added a new frequency between Larnaca and Thessaloniki, which is to be offered on Fridays throughout the duration of the summer schedule. Departures from Larnaka International Airport are scheduled at 13:45, with arrivals to Thessaloniki at 15:45. The return flight is set to take off from the Greek city at 16:30, landing in Cyprus at 18:30.
SAS Remains Committed to Amathus
S
candinavian Airlines (SAS) renewed its collaboration with Amathus Travel. The Cyprusbased company will continue as the carrier’s general sales agent (GSA) both in Cyprus and in Greece. According to the deal, Amathus Travel will also cooperate with airline representation company, Avedis Aviation, providing integrated GSA services by delivering full commercial, administrative and representation support for the entire region of Greece and Cyprus. With a proven track record and steady expansion, Avedis Aviation ensures in-depth knowledge of the local markets and is positioned to represent international carriers seeking to establish a presence in the two markets.
AEGEAN Links Larnaca and Munich
R
eaffirming its commitment to Cyprus, AEGEAN Airlines has further strengthened its presence on the island by commencing direct flights between Larnaca and one of Germany’s most popular business and leisure destinations, Munich. The Greek national carrier deploys an Airbus A320 on the route, which is being offered twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Inauguration ceremony in Munich
MAY 2015
ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS Constantinou Bros Hotels Invests in Upgrades
Crowne Plaza Limassol Enhances Offering
C
onstantinou Bros Hotels has completed the full renovation of Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel in Paphos. All of the four-star property’s rooms have been completely upgraded, with new curtains, furniture upholsteries and quilt covers. Guests will also enjoy new luxury beds in their units. Moreover, the bathrooms are newly decorated and complimentary Wi-Fi is being offered, in order to meet the needs of today’s travellers. The 600m2 Elixir Spa has also been renovated along with the public areas, and a new separate breakfast area was created serving an enriched Mediterranean buffet.
I
n line with Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ upgrades across all properties in Europe, Crowne Plaza Limassol went ahead with a range of enhancements focussing on connectivity, sustainability, as well as food and beverage options. The property is now a member of Green Engage, an InterContinental Hotels Group-wide online sustainability programme, and provides free Internet access to all guests, in rooms as well as public areas and for multiple devices, as Petros Pierides, general manager, Crowne Plaza Limassol, revealed. Moreover, the hotel has introduced Energy Essentials, a way of helping guests continue their healthy regime while on holiday. It is also offering an additional menu with Fast & Fresh options, as well as brunch by the sea for leisure weekend mornings.
Anassa Unveils Revamped Suites
A
nassa has emerged with a brand new look, boasting newly refurbished suites and a new shopping haven, Kult Boutique. The reinvented suites include garden studio suites, junior suites and villas, which are set to enhance the property’s understated and traditional at-home design. All units offer a contemporary Mediterranean vibe and a luxury-beach apartment feel, with a combination of custommade oak furniture and fittings with luxurious silks and linens in nautical blues and taupes, as envisaged by the Parisian interior designer Joelle Pleot and a team of local experts.
Anassa
MAY 2015
15
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Living Cyprus Enthralls Visitors For the second consecutive year, Larnaka International Airport organised a promotional month, offering visitors to the island the opportunity to experience unique moments from the rich cultural heritage of the country.
T Folklore performance
Nicosia Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
hroughout April, the departures area of the facility hosted scenes from the countryside. Traditional folklore songs and dances, dishes, arts and crafts – created on spot by local artists – were showcased. “Such efforts significantly contribute to the promotion of the Cypriot tradition and the tourism product of the island,” noted Andreas Louroutziatis, mayor, Larnaca. As Garrett Coogan, general manager, CTC-ARI, co-organiser of the project, added, the initiative helps send out a strong last-minute reminder of what Cyprus is all about.
Charity Dinner at Larnaka International Airport
A
charity dinner was held at the Diner Onair restaurant at Larnaka International Airport, jointly organised by Cyprus Airports (F&B), Hermes Airports and CTC-ARI, in order to raise awareness of Agios Spyridon special school for children with special needs. The event included a buffet with culinary creations and live music by Cypriot musicians and singers. The highlight of the evening came when Nefeli, a young student from Agios Spyridon, performed for the attendees and amazed them with her voice. All proceeds from the charity initiative were donated to the school, with the total amount raised being EUR6,500, in addition to other revenues which were collected from lotteries and prize draws.
CSO to Revive Larnaca’s Stadium
T St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide
N
icosia Municipality alongside the Embassy of Ireland in Cyprus honoured St. Patrick’s Day by lighting up the municipal hall, in the presence of Nicholas Twist, ambassador to Cyprus, Ireland, and Constantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia. The capital participated in the international celebrations for the first time ever with Nicosia’s centre turning green, in commemoration of Ireland’s national day.
16
he Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) aims to resurrect the old Gymnastic Club Zenon stadium and reposition it as a vital sports hub for Larnaca. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the CSO’s Sports for All programme took over the venue and held a launch event in collaboration with Larnaca’s municipal authorities. Costas Kadis, education and culture minister, Cyprus, spoke at the ceremony and commented that the revamped stadium will be an attraction for all social groups and ages, and will also further consolidate the social dimension of the Sports for All programme. Andreas Louroutziatis, mayor, Larnaca, added that sports is high in the priorities for the municipality.
MAY 2015
IN FOCUS & MONTHLY NEWS TravelMaster eHotels Launched in Cyprus
D
From left to right: Filio Dimitrakopoulou, sales director, TravelMaster eHotels; Michalis Geraris, general manager, TravelMaster eHotels, and Electra Giouri
In focus
uring a recently-held event in Nicosia, B&A, an Athens-based software house, announced the introduction of its hotel search and book online platform, TravelMaster eHotels. Exclusively designed for travel agents, the engine enables access to all major hotel providers; accommodation options ranging from budget to five-star establishments, including airport and boutique hotels, apartments and villas; competitive rates that stand out in the market; and a continuously increasing databank. Electra Giouri, sales manager, TravelMaster eHotels, said, “The platform has been designed exclusively for the professionals of tourism and constitutes in-house development product. We created a technically advanced, reliable, fast and user-friendly online platform to best service your client needs, relying on the knowledge and experience that has been gained during the 26 years of continuous presence in the tourism industry.”
Who are you? My name is Bram van Berkel and I work for TravelClick, a company supplying online systems and services to optimise direct revenue for hotels. I consult hotels on how to optimise their distribution and online marketing efforts for bottom-line impact. Originally I am from the Netherlands and now I live in Cyprus. From here I support hotels throughout Europe. When did you join the industry and why? I started working in hospitality back when I was 15 and never left. As a graduate from NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences’ International Hotel Management School I grew through operations, into revenue management and inbound sales and eventually commercial strategy.
NAME:
Bram van Berkel
POSITION:
Director of e-commerce and online marketing
COMPANY:
TravelClick
LOCATION:
Paphos, Cyprus
WEBSITE:
www.travelclick.com
MAY 2015
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? [That] you get to make a small but still very real impact on people’s lives. When they leave with a positive feeling I like to think you have brightened their day or stay a little. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Since I have only recently moved to this beautiful island I look forward to spending a few weekends discovering more of this wonderful country. Cyprus offers a perfect combination of fantastic climate, exciting terrains, history and culture, divine food and personal hospitality and I look forward to experiencing a lot more of all first hand.
17
TRAVEL TALK
We claim an investment of EUR11 – 16 million
YIANNIS KAROUSOS Mayor, Ayia Napa
SOPHIA PARASKEVA Marketing and public relations manager, Limassol Marina
“We recently submitted a comprehensive strategic plan for the town’s centre based on sustainability with economic, environmental, social and cultural criteria – aiming at the EUR117 million that the city would receive as additional revenue from tourism annually […]. We claim an investment of EUR11 – 16 million which will in turn give back EUR117 million, annually, to the Cypriot economy.”
Cyprus is an ideal holiday destination
KARSTEN BALKE CEO, Germania
“With pleasant temperatures all year round, a wide range of top-level hotels and a very good tourism infrastructure, Cyprus is an ideal holiday destination. We are very pleased that we can offer this attractive destination nonstop from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Erfurt-Weimar [Airport], Hamburg and Munich.”
I am genuinely blown away by the passion people have for their music
We […] are giving the opportunity to Cypriot passengers to travel cheap and safe
“I had no idea there was such an abundance of raw talent on home ground. Every time I watch a live performance [on BalconyTV Cyprus at Limassol Marina] I am genuinely blown away by the passion people have for their music, whether as a hobby or a full-time career. It is inspiring.”
“We want to thank the Cypriot traveller who trusted and supported us over the past seven years for our Larnaca – Bucharest flights. We, in turn, to reciprocate this love and trust, are giving the opportunity to Cypriot passengers to travel cheap and safe to other destinations, starting with Athens and Thessaloniki and we are simultaneously contributing to the creation of new jobs. With seven years of presence in the Cyprus market, we feel that Cyprus is our home.”
TUDOR CONSTANTINESCU Chief commercial officer, Blue Air
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
18
MAY 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: How has the Cypriot travel and tourism industry changed over the past years? GHEORGHE RACARU: Cyprus has always represented an important destination for Blue Air mainly due to the large community of Romanians living on the island but also due to the fact that it is a widely preferred holiday destination for Romanians. In the past few years the tourism industry in Cyprus has developed greatly and this can only make us happy and confident about our future in the country. We cannot forget that Cyprus is now one of the stars of Romanian travel agencies when it comes to holiday packages. Cyprus has a lot to offer in terms of diversity of landscape, the climate is generous and Romanian tourists can enjoy good temperatures all year round without travelling long distances. Furthermore, Cyprus is also an important business partner for Romania and for this reason you will be able to spot business travellers on our flights.
Q & A with
Gheorghe Racaru PRESIDENT, BLUE AIR
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Over the past years, a number of low-cost carriers have launched services to and from Cyprus. How do you see the lowcost segment’s status on the island now compared to 2008? GHEORGHE RACARU: The air transportation market in Cyprus has a solid and sustainable base and it has witnessed a very steady and healthy growth and there is still room for growth giving this market the chance to reach maturity. In 2004 Blue Air was launched as a low-cost carrier, but now we operate as a smart flying carrier, meaning that we offer more premium benefits to our travellers than a [typical] low-cost carrier would. Smart flying is a hybrid model between the low-cost airline model and the legacy carrier model. Our vision is to offer passengers complete visibility over all components of the price they are paying for the tickets, allowing them to buy only those services they attach value to. This gives us the comfort of selling a service of good quality meeting the requirements of each individual passenger. We consider that smart flying, the model we use today, will become more and more popular in the airline industry. This is something that can only make us feel proud. Our company has already been investing MAY 2015
SINCE ITS DEBUT IN CYPRUS SEVEN YEARS AGO, BLUE AIR HAS GROWN INTO A SIGNIFICANT PLAYER ON THE ISLAND. GHEORGHE RACARU, PRESIDENT, BLUE AIR, TALKS ABOUT THE INDUSTRY’S APPEAL AND COMMENDS THE AIR MARKET’S SOLID AND SUSTAINABLE BASE. effort and money in this model for a couple of years now in order to improve and introduce new premium services. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: This January marked another milestone for Blue Air with the launch of base operations in Cyprus. What were the main reasons behind this decision? GHEORGHE RACARU: Cyprus represents an important and strategic desti-
nation for us, and we have proven this by the continuous development of our operations from Larnaca, not only to Romania but also to Greece as of this year. Our operational base in Larnaca represents our second external operational base, the first one having been opened in Turin, Italy in 2014. Moreover, as of this summer we will increase our flights from both Greece and Romania to Larnaca. From Athens
we will offer 10 flights per week, up from seven, and from Thessaloniki we will have five flights per week instead of three services. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Following the closure of Cyprus Airways earlier this year, Blue Air was one of the first airlines to respond with the launch of additional services. How will the Cypriot aviation sector transform over the coming years and how will these changes benefit the travelling public? GHEORGHE RACARU: The Blue Air model is a model that is based on flexibility, and this has helped us a lot in taking quickly the decision to open the operational base in Larnaca in order to help the passengers that could not benefit anymore from a connection to Athens and Thessaloniki from Larnaca. We also consider that if Blue Air would not have already proven its great quality of services in Cyprus, these new routes to Greece would not have been as successful as they are today. As we always do, before launching these routes, we carefully studied the trends in the market and seeing this is something our passengers would need, we included a snack in the ticket price already; something we do not offer in general on our other routes. We listen carefully to the needs and requests of our passengers so for this reason, it is well possible that on the short and medium run we will adapt even more to the requests of the market. […] TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Blue Air is represented in Cyprus by Orthodoxou Aviation. How does working with a local company help support Blue Air? GHEORGHE RACARU: Orthodoxou Aviation is a well-reputed company and deserves this adjective to the fullest. In our industry it is vital, and I am not using this world lightly, to have a general sales agent and a trusted partner on the local market. This trusted partner in Cyprus for us is Orthodoxou Travel. We have been partners since 2008 and ever since then they have been very active in finding solutions in real time for us and in helping us get a better knowledge of the market, of our passengers’ needs and even of the cultural specificity of the region. Together, as a team, we offer our passengers the best air transportation services at the most affordable prices.
19
NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
Cyprus Represented at ITB Berlin
C
yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) participated in ITB Berlin, a business platform for global touristic offers that was held in the German city in March. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, headed the delegation and took part in meetings with higher management officials from Europe’s largest tour operators.
The Cypriot group also met with airline representatives in a bid to explore the potential of expanding their network to the island. Angelos Loizou, chairman, CTO, commented that the team visited Germany in a bid to raise awareness of Cyprus, however, tourism professionals must play also a role in offering attractive prices and packages for the island.
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 various levels of required fitness and completion time.
Cyprus Women’s Cup Held
I
n a bid to boost sports tourism on the island, Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Cyprus Football Association brought to the country a FIFA-accredited tournament for the eighth consecutive year. Cyprus Women’s Cup saw the participation of 12 national female football teams, the majority of which trained in Larnaca and Ayia Napa. The national teams of England, Scotland, Finland and the Netherlands were the official organisers of the event, alongside the local Quad Travel.
Cyprus Women’s Cup
EXPO CYPRUS
Cyprus: Haven for Cyclists
M Volkswagen Cyprus Cycling Tour
arch’s Volkswagen Cyprus Cycling Tour enriched this year’s sports calendar for the fourth consecutive year attracting a record number of bikers from Cyprus as well as various other countries . The event is annually featured in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) cycling-for-all agenda and its course is designed to be all-rounded as it offers a challenge to the competitive riders, while it can also be completed by amateur riders. The competition was held under the Cyprus Cycling Federation’s auspices and it also helped raise funds for the free services, support programmes and awareness initiative of Larnaca Anti-Drug Association.
Nicosia May 13 – 17 www.imh.com.cy Held at the Cyprus State Fair, it will be divided into multidisciplinary units, open to both the general public and businesses.
21st CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL & 7TH AYIA NAPA KIDS SUMMER FESTIVAL Ayia Napa May 24 www.ayianapa.org.cy An opportunity for kids to enjoy the beginning of summer with various activities.
Aphrodite Festival Presents Cinderella
T
he annual Pafos Aphrodite Festival will return this September with a rendition of Gioachino Rossini’s La Cenerentola, the famous opera based on Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, Cendrillon or Cinderella. Running between September 4 – 6 at the Medieval Castle of the coastal city, the show is co-produced by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
20
and French lyric organisation, Ramfis Production Avignon. The operatic version varies from the classic fairy tale of Cinderella since the element of magical intervention is removed by substituting the fairy godmother with a male character who helps the heroine go to the ball, and the mean stepmother is replaced by a vain step-father.
AYIA NAPA FLOOD & FISH FESTIVAL Ayia Napa May 31 – June 1 www.ayianapa.org.cy Loyal to the traditions and customs of the island, the festival celebrates an old Cypriot tradition alongside celebrations of the Holy Spirit Monday.
MAY 2015