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JULY 2015
ISSUE 29
PAPHOS LAUNCHES NEW PARK THE FORMER AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL PAPHOS RELAUNCHED ON MAY 31 AS OLYMPIC LAGOON RESORT PAPHOS BOASTING FOUR DIFFERENT ROOM TYPES, ALL WITH STUNNING VIEWS, FIVE-STAR DIMENSIONS AND LUXURY FEATURES.
10 QESHM AIR RELAUNCHES CYPRUS SERVICE
14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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NICOSIA
03
NAUTICAL
05
CULTURAL
07
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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GRAND OPENING FOR OLYMPIC LAGOON RESORT PAPHOS
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
Lordos Hotels Follows Steady Course Lordos Hotels’ financial results for the first quarter of the year showed a turnover of EUR786,974, attributed mostly to increased reservations at Golden Bay Hotel.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou
Golden Bay Hotel
PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
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HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607 Fax: +357 22 103670
he figures of the period were affected by seasonality which saw Golden Coast Hotel remaining closed and occupancy at Golden Bay Hotel averaging at relatively low levels. The company’s gross profit grew by EUR36,401 to touch EUR147,978 due to a turnover surge, whereas administrative expenses rose by EUR13,294 to EUR519,764. Net loss for the period swelled by EUR30,428 to EUR871,838.
WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprinters Ltd P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732 Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035 Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprinters.com
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April Brings Upward Trends in Arrivals Visitor numbers reached 201,495 in April, marking an increase of 11.3 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2014.
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ccording to data provided by the country’s Statistical Service, the volume of travellers from the UK grew by 13.3 percent, from Greece 71.8 percent and from Germany 9.2 percent. On the other hand, there was a decline of 22.5 percent in incoming traffic from Russia with the country sending 25,149 tourists during the month under review, compared to 32,430 in 2014. For the first four months of the year, inbound visitors totalled 391,483, recording a surge of 13.7 percent.
Tourism Revenue on the Rise Income from tourism climbed 15 percent to EUR65 million in March compared to EUR56.5 million in the same month in 2014.
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his was mainly a result of the 25.7 percent boost in arrivals to the island. As per data released by Cyprus’ Statistical Service, between January and March, tourism revenue increased 4.9 percent to EUR124.4 million, average spend per person, however, declined 9.7 percent, a fact that Cyprus Tourism Organisation attributes to the different profile of visitors the destination has received in recent months. JULY 2015
NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS Nature Exhibition Held in Nicosia
Leventis Gallery Turns One
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irdLife Cyprus, with the support of Nicosia Municipality, organised an exhibition entitled The 34 Wonders of the World displaying photographs by the world’s finest nature photographers, accompanied by informational English text. The inauguration of the event took place on the International Day for Biodiversity, on May 22, at Pallouriotissa Old Market and the programme ran until June 18. Presented by the well-known French nature magazine Terre Sauvage, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the Nature Picture Library in the UK, the exhibition was designed in collaboration with Agence Française de Développement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and LPO France.
Nicosia Welcomes Summer
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icosia Municipality relaunched the municipal swimming pool which will remain open until September 30 for those who wish to escape the hot summer weather while in the capital. The facility will be available on daily basis between 10:00 to 19:00 and the day passes start from EUR5 or guests can opt for seasonal tickets from EUR55. Children of less than five-year-old are allowed to enter free and large families with more than six kids are also granted free entrance. Other perks for visitors to the swimming pool include free parking spaces and aqua aerobic classes at no cost for seasonal ticket holders on weekdays.
G. Leventis Gallery has been enriching Nicosia’s cultural scene for over a year since its launch on March 25, 2014. During that time, the gallery has initiated collaborations with various art organisations and museums both in Cyprus and abroad. It has held over 10 lectures on the history of art as well as dozens of guided tours and diverse educational programmes, while its halls have been visited by over 30,000 art-lovers. In a bid to reward its loyal guests, the gallery’s management organised a plethora of events to commemorate the facility’s anniversary and mark the International Museum Day.
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Vyz ek klis Peri s a Gre onist wa pressi ed tudi -im s po t r who s in te s pain fine ar t ? s i Par
A work of Pericles Vyzantios at A. G. Leventis Gallery
Chess Event in Nicosia
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icosia Municipality supported the Nicosia Chess Tournament for Children and Youth, which was held in collaboration with the Nicosia Chess Club. Kids between the age of six and 16 competed for the trophies in five different categories. Speaking after the conclusion of the competition, Soulla Kollakidou, president, sports and youth committee, Nicosia Municipality, thanked the organisers whom, as she underlined, have created a fantastic institution that have been running for the past seven years, promoting healthy and quality ways of pastime for kids.
JULY 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS kn u o y d i D
Larnaca Seeks to Improve Its Image
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arios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, visited Larnaca and held a meeting with the city’s municipal board where they discussed various issues, such as the construction of new breakwaters and the upgrade of the town’s road network. Particular attention was paid to an upcoming study, commissioned by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, which will elaborate on sustainable mobility within Larnaca Municipality, with its total cost amounting to EUR400,000. According to the minister, the document will be used as a tool by the municipal board in claiming European regional funds. Moreover, within the same framework the municipality, with the ministry’s financial support, has undertaken the creation of new cycling routes.
Cyprus Tops European Bathing Water Sites Ranking
Kapnos Adjusts Fees and Enhances Offering
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elebrating one year of connecting services to Pafos International Airport, Kapnos Airport Shuttle announced that with the purchase of three tickets, a fourth passenger will now receive a complimentary pass. Moreover, the company also offers parents the chance to travel with two kids, and pay only for their own seats. Kapnos Airport Shuttle also transfers university students at discounted rates. In addition, the company has introduced a double-decker bus to its expanding fleet.
ll the bathing sites on the island have been deemed to be excellent in the European Environment Agency’s annual State of Bathing Water
report. Along with Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta also achieved a perfect score, placing the three countries on top of the list, followed by Greece, Croatia and Germany. All in all, 95 percent of the monitored bathing sites in the European Union (EU) met minimum standards and water quality was excellent at 83 percent of the examined destinations, an increase of almost one percentage point compared to 2013. In general, coastal beaches scored high, with close to 97 percent of EU sites accomplishing the minimum criteria, in comparison, 91 percent of lakes and rivers score at least minimum requirements.
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JULY 2015
NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS Shipping to Cross New Waters
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he Cypriot government has presented its new policy for shipping, a sector which contributes seven percent to the national economy according to Marios Demetriades, minister, communications and works, Cyprus. He underlined that the industry has followed a declining path in recent years, therefore a study conducted by Ernst & Young will be utilised in order to
revive the nautical market. “The new strategy aims to upgrade our product and keep our flag flying high, at least at current levels, by providing incentives to the private sector to attract more companies in the maritime sector of our country, with the expansion of the services we offer,” Demetriades said.
New Roof Bar at Limassol Marina
Roof Bar at Limassol Marina
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ailed as the place to be this summer, Limassol Marina’s new Roof Bar welcomes guests with an exciting menu of drinks and finger food. Located on one of the destination’s popular restaurants, the venue offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the marina. The VIP area is decorated with white and wavy fabrics, reminiscent of the smoothening waves of the sea. Renowned DJs play funky music while visitors enjoy the relaxing atmosphere just steps away from the shoreline.
JULY 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS NAUTICAL
PCCI Pushes for Artificial Reef in Polis
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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) officials held a meeting with tourism professionals in the wider Polis Chrysochous region. Headed by Andreas Demetriades, president, PCCI, the two groups discussed issues such as the creation of an artificial reef in the area as well as the formation of an underwater park available for free diving activities. Moreover, the gathering aimed to promote the further development of Latchi harbour.
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Latchi Harbour
Limassol Port Seeks Investors
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arios Demetriades, minister, communications and works, Cyprus, announced that the management of commercial activities at Limassol’s port needs to – and will – be assigned to a strategic investor as soon as possible.
Aiming to boost financial results and the turnover of the specific hub, the government embarked on the privatisation process of Limassol port at the beginning of the year with the support of advisory firm, Rothschild Group.
Limassol Port
Larnaca Marina to Cost More than EUR700 Million
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he Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is expected to go ahead with the signing of a construction deal with Zenon Consortium for Larnaca’s port and marina. Speaking after a meeting of the Communications and Works Parliamentary Committee, Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, revealed that the group had overcome funding issues and is expected to commence works on the first phase of the development this month, with the project set for completion in six years. The port will primarily cater to cruise ships, Demetriades revealed, further disclosing that overall cost is set to exceed EUR700 million.
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JULY 2015
CULTURAL MONTHLY NEWS
Limassol District Archaeological Museum
Limassol Museum Unearths Hidden Treasures
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he Limassol District Archaeological Museum hosted a unique exhibition under the theme From the Storage Rooms…, displaying various items found in the storage rooms of the institution. During the one and a half month showing, visitors had the chance to view an impressive collection of clay vessels and statues, objects used in everyday life, jewellery, tools and terracotta figurines, all of which are normally grouped on the shelves and in the drawers of the museum’s storage rooms, due to the delicate material they are made of. The exhibition was organised within the framework of the celebrations for the International Museum Day and the European Night of Museums.
Museums Get Under the Spotlight
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he Department of Antiquities and the Cyprus National Committee of the International Council of Museums supported the participation of 20 local facilities in this year’s celebrations of the International Museum Day and of the European Night of Museums with a variety of events organised throughout May. Held under the theme Museums for a Sustainable Society, the festivities invited the public to explore the relationship between sustainable development and culture, highlighting the role that museums play in the development of environmental and social sustainability.
JULY 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS Eléa Estate Recognised for Excellence
My Cyprus Insider Launched
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léa Estate was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the fourth consecutive year. The accolade that honours excellence in hospitality, is given to businesses that both meet the relevant criteria and achieves consistently positive reviews on the website which receives over 340 million visitors per month. Located in Paphos, Eléa Estate prides itself on combining traditional values and influences with modern elements.
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ublic relations agency, Action Global Communications has introduced a new bilingual travel website providing visitors, expats and locals with a key to unlock the best and most unique features of the island. Available in both English and Russian, My Cyprus Insider offers a more local and contemporary take on all aspects of the destination. “We keep [readers] continually updated on the hottest trends, most popular places of interest, and top current events to make their time here as inspiring and fulfilling as possible,” explained the concept behind the online platform Zoe Christodoulides, editor, My Cyprus Insider. In just three months, the website received over 120,000 page views and 14,000 newsletter subscribers.
Eléa Estate
Air Transport Suffers a Blow
CTO Pushes Golf Product
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he Statistical Service of Cyprus released the first quarter’s Turnover Value Index of Transport and Storage, showing that air transport on the island plummeted 95.6 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2014. Other economic activities recorded growth with water transport increasing 22.7 percent and warehousing and support activities for transportation climbing 7.3 percent. The index’s overall figures reported a year-on-year boost of 1.9 percent.
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) with the support of AEGEAN Airlines hosted a familiarisation trip for a number of leading British tour operators who specialise in golf. Participants had the opportunity to visit the island’s four major golf courses and put their skills to the test. The initiative formed part of CTO’s efforts to increase bookings and visitor arrivals during the traditionally slower winter months in order to achieve higher tourism revenues.
JULY 2015
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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
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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
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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 Paphos Launches New Park
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afos Municipality presented the Anavargos community with a remarkable infrastructure project for recreation, by opening a new park featuring special facilities and entertainment for young children. The 260m2 green area, which is equipped with game zones of high European safety standards, was funded by the municipality’s own resources and its cost reached EUR35,000.
Limassol Focusses on Wedding Tourism
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ome 30 wedding organisers from Russia, Ukraine and Moldova visited Limassol following an invitation from Elpida Media, a local wedding-planning company. The group was officially hosted by Limassol Tourism Board and had the opportunity to get to know the coastal town as a wedding and honeymoon destination. Amongst others, they also participated in a bridal fashion show and enjoyed Cypriot wine and platters with local delicacies. The Eastern European team had also the chance to experience Limassol Marina, the Medieval Castle Square and enjoy car rides with the support of Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum.
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CTO Educates Tourism Professionals
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n line with its endeavours to further improve tourism services on the island, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) held an informative seminar in Ayia Napa focussing on the sale of alcohol. Participants were addressed by Kostas Pishias, president, The Cyprus Bartenders Association, who also gave a presentation on the subject. The seminar underlined issues such as the safe consumption of alcohol, as well as the social responsibility of those involved in the industry. CTO aims to organise similar forums concentrating on the same theme, across all districts.
MICE Tourism Promoted in Frankfurt
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Cyprus Convention Bureau delegates visited Germany to present the island’s business tourism product at IMEX Frankfurt a worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. The Cypriot delegation promoted the country’s refreshed image, its upcoming projects and motivation initiatives that aim to attract new congress tourism markets. The team also used the event to foster relationships with international industry professionals and close deals with a number of private sector businesses.
IMEX Frankfurt
JULY 2015
RENDEZVOUS
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erhaps it is needless to remind everyone of the importance of tourism to this country and its complex and multiple effects as well as the beneficial impact on other sectors of the economy. I think it is enough to mention that the total impact of tourism on the national economy exceeds 20 percent of the GDP, with others estimating the figure to be closer to 25 percent. It is known that during the summer season, spanning April to October, Cyprus achieves a satisfactory level of arrivals and occupancy levels. Moreover, we often receive complaints from foreign partners about the lack of rooms rather than the opposite. As the majority of tourist destinations, our main problem is the low traffic during the winter season, from November to March. Unfortunately, in the last 13 years there has been a downward trend in arrivals during the winter months. Indicatively, during the 2012/13 winter season tourist numbers were 200,000 lower than our highest-ever.
Views & Insights ANGELOS LOIZOU Chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation
CONCERTED EFFORT Tackling the phenomenon of seasonality is a really complex, difficult and painful issue and is therefore a priority in the strategic planning of Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s board. It requires a collective effort, serious overruns, adequacy of those scarce economic resources and, above all, fine coordination and consultation between the public and private sector as well as local authorities. For this reason, we, at Cyprus Tourism Organisation, have been focussing principally on this issue. We showed increased openness and we approached our traditional markets which are declining and sought for a diverse, long-term strategic plan for our partner tour operators and airlines abroad. In this context we made serious transgressions, paying special attention to the winter season and after strenuous efforts we achieved the establishment of new air connections, thus managing to reverse the downward trend we have observed in the past 13 years. For the period from November 2014 to this March, we achieved a significant year-on-year inJULY 2015
CYPRUS HAS IT ALL, WINTER, HOWEVER, HAS DIACHRONICALLY PROVEN TO BE A CHALLENGING SEASON, ONE WHICH ALL TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS NEED TO FOCUS ON AND FIND SOLUTIONS FOR, ACCORDING TO ANGELOS LOIZOU, CHAIRMAN, CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION. crease in arrivals of almost 10 percent. The results we had are particularly encouraging as figures from the UK grew 10 percent, from Germany 22 percent, from Greece 12 percent, from Israel 67 percent, from France 43 percent and from Arab countries 63 percent. It is important to note that our efforts have a holistic approach, in terms of visibility and promotion, showcasing and developing specialised forms of tourism and enhancing quality.
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DO WE OR DO WE NOT WANT OUR HOTELS OPEN DURING WINTER?
However, in order for our efforts to have the desirable results, our actions alone are not enough. We must struggle to maintain what we succeeded and persuade airlines to maintain their enhanced programmes. COLLECTIVE CONTRIBUTION However, I believe that the contribution of other partners in the tourism industry could have been much greater. Much more needs to be done to address whatever constricts the extension of the tourist season. Our hoteliers should immediately finalise planning and agreements for the upcoming winter season. Undoubtedly, there are traps and pitfalls on the road to growth, which must be eliminated. The most important issue is the suspension of operations in hotels. The Ministry of Labour has the key in order to solve this matter as soon as possible and to find the right way out, even if an innovative solution is required. The question is simple: Do we or do we not want our hotels open during the winter months? It should be understood by businessmen in the sector that closing down the properties because some months of the year are loss-making, is a counterproductive practice that does not point to a modern economy and also fails to take into account the bigger picture and the common good. They are numerous companies that accumulate the overwhelming majority of their profits in just some months of the year but they still remain open all year round. In order to build a solid foundation for the winter season we have to overcome any defeatist approaches and phobias to take steps forward. Occasional losses are an integral part of the business cycle. There needs to be investment in order to produce an output, even if this is low in the beginning. […] Additionally, hoteliers need to approach collectively, and in a targeted way, markets from which we have established new air links, particularly in areas around airports – the catchment areas – and to undertake their own promotional activities. […] It is up to us, then, to remove obstacles in our tourism sector and to finally drive Cyprus out of its hibernation.
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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
CTO Partners with Ministry of Culture
CTO’s Short Escapes Become Popular
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ostas Kadis, education and culture minister, Cyprus, met with Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s board of directors to discuss collaborative efforts for the effective promotion of the country. The two parties reviewed ways to further strengthen their cooperation and ideas aimed at consolidating partnerships especially in the area of the island’s cultural credentials. They agreed on the creation of a committee that will undertake the task to increase the island’s visibility through cultural activities.
hort Escapes, Great Discoveries, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s initiative that targets domestic tourists, has proved to be in-demand this year. Having restarted in October 2014 and completed in June, the programme received over 5,300 bookings, surpassing the previous season’s record that stood at 4,755. As Annita Demetriadou, deputy director general, CTO, explained, the initiative aims to bring Cypriots closer to their own country and the high figures indicate that this goal has been fully achieved.
Annita Demetriadou
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Paphos Boosts Gastronomy Credentials
Limassol Seeks Improvement
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afos Regional Board of Tourism has undertaken various actions aimed at promoting and certifying local gastronomic establishments in a bid to enhance the district’s identity. After months of research across Paphos’ villages, the authority compiled a catalogue with traditional recipes, products and delicacies. Entitled Authentic Flavours of Paphos, the booklet includes 100 pages in colour showcasing agricultural produce like dairy, olive and grape goods, wines, as well as 25 local dishes which visitors can exclusively enjoy in Paphos. The book is available free of charge via Pafos Regional Board of Tourism website.
imassol Tourism Board organised an informal meeting for industry professionals working in the district. Held under the theme Meet Cyprus, Meet Limassol, the event focussed on providing useful information about the island, and particularly Limassol, concerning its history, civilisation, culture and attractions. Participants also had the chance to visit and learn about the destination’s most popular hotspots with the assistance of an experienced tour guide. The instructive session was conducted by Innovative Hospitality Education, a specialised professional training centre providing a wide spectrum of courses for members of the industry.
JULY 2015
AIR MONTHLY NEWS Cyprus Hosts Aviation Forum
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editerranean Flight Safety Foundation (FSF – MED) and the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation (JAATO) organised an international conference under the theme Aviation Training: An effective safety tool. Held with the support of the Cypriot government, the two-day event took place in Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca and aimed to disseminate information on recent developments in the field of civil aviation training; analyse its needs, gaps and challenges; present practical solutions for improving safety and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas. The conference featured speakers from several global institutions such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association, as well as a number of airlines’ senior officials.
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peaking after a cabinet meeting, Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, revealed that the government is looking to open up direct air links between Cyprus and Brussels. Efforts have already been made in the past to attract interest for the route, with the government setting a precondition to have three weekly frequencies during the winter season and four weekly services during the summer months, a lucrative offer is however yet to be submitted, admitted Demetriades. “If the route is launched as a nonprofit line, it will be subsidised by the government and therefore we will cover all costs for the airline – virtually all the losses made on this route plus a reasonable profit – as this is also allowed by the European Union,” added Demetriades.
Daily Qatar Airways Flights from Cyprus to Doha
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n a bid to meet the demand of leisure and business travellers, Qatar Airways now operates a direct daily service from Larnaka International Airport to Doha’s Hamad International Airport. “After one successful year of operations in Cyprus, we are absolutely delighted to introduce daily flights on our Larnaca route [...], which will provide our passengers with extra capacity and flexibility in
Greek-speaking Staff Onboard Blue Air
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JULY 2015
their travel arrangements and the opportunity to explore Far East, Africa, US, Australia and Middle East,” said Marimar Laveda, country manager, Iberian Peninsula, Greece and Cyprus, Qatar Airways. All flights on the Doha – Larnaca routes will be operated with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration with up to 12 seats in business class and up to 132 seats in economy class.
lue Air announced that as of June its flights departing from Larnaca are served by Greek-speaking personnel. In April, the Romanian low-cost carrier had recruited a total of 15 cabin crew members that are able to communicate in Greek and two months later the staff was deployed on the services taking off from Cyprus. According to a statement by Orthodoxou Aviation, the airline’s representative on the island, Blue Air’s aim was to adjust its offering to the needs of Cypriot travellers, reiterating the company’s commitment to the country’s principles and employ local staff to prove that Blue Ais is here to stay.
Blue Air Greek-speaking staff
Governmental Push for Cyprus – Brussels Route
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MONTHLY NEWS AIR
Wizz Air Reveals New Identity
Qeshm Air Relaunches Cyprus Service
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izz Air has launched its rejuvenated and more sophisticated identity, complete with a vibrant livery and a range of enhancements that are set to further improve the passenger experience. The airline, that operates to a number of Central and Eastern European destinations from Larnaca, celebrated its 11th birthday with a mega event in Hungary and Poland, organised by industry veteran Daniel De Carvalho, corporate communications, Wizz Air. As part of its refreshed identity, the low-cost carrier unveiled the new pink and blue livery and announced a range of enhancements, including seat allocation, upgrades to the company’s web and mobile platforms, the extension of WizzTours package holidays and new aircraft deliveries.
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ran-based Qeshm Air has reopened its Larnaca – Tehran route and added an extra service to its weekly offering. According to the airline’s representative office on the island, Orthodoxou Aviation, the recommencement of the flights is a positive development since Iran is an important destination for Cypriot businessmen. In addition, the number of Iranian tourists visiting the country is on the rise. Qeshm Air was founded in 1993 and first debuted in Cyprus in 2014 with seasonal flights between March and October.
Three Airlines Interested in Cyprus
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arios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, revealed that apart from US-based Cobalt Air, three more carriers expressed interest in obtaining a license to operate out of Cyprus. “There are three applications at the Department of Civil Aviation which are in the initial stages. There are two phases which all applications go through and these include technical as well as commercial licensing requirements,” he added. Demetriades also clarified that an airline might be successful with the methodological criteria, however a local committee will also decide on whether to grant a license based on the company’s financial sustainability.
Etihad Airways Launches New Nicosia Office
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he national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways inaugurated its new branch in Nicosia, further extending its presence in Cyprus. Reflecting its commitment to strengthening relations with its corporate and leisure guests and supporting the local travel trade, the airline transferred its local team from its Larnaca offices, where it has been operating from for the past six years. Present at the official opening ceremony was Joost den Hartog, vice president, Europe, Etihad Airways, who said, “The launch of the new offices and the relocation of our commercial team to Nicosia make sound business sense. It will bring us closer to our corporate customers and travel trade partners while also reflecting our commitment to growing our operations in Cyprus.”
JULY 2015
ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS
Aphrodite Hills Resort Scoops TripAdvisor Award
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n recognition of its consistently high level of services, Aphrodite Hills Resort has been honoured with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence. When selecting the honourees, the travel site takes into account the quality, quantity and frequency of reviews and opinions submitted by travellers over a 12-month period. “There is no greater endorsement of our hard work and efforts, than being recognised by one’s customers. This is a great vote of confidence to our business, the whole team and our continued commitment to excellence,” commented Telemachos Hassapis, general manager, Holiday Residences, Aphrodite Hills Resort.
Hoteliers Learn about Cultural Cyprus
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lpis Tourism & Hospitality Seminars continues presenting its instructive sessions at local hotels. The new programme that includes educational information on Cyprus’ culture and history, was recently presented at Alexander The Great Beach Hotel in Paphos, Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol, all properties of Thanos Hotels as well as at Capo Bay Hotel in Protaras. As Michael Demosthenous, managing director, Elpis Tourism & Hospitality Seminars, explained, the sessions help participants get a rounded knowledge of Cyprus in order to better introduce the country’s values to visitors.
Columbia Backs Pharos Chamber Music Festival
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olumbia Hotels & Resorts supported the annual International Pharos Chamber Music Festival that ran late May and early June. Now in its 15th year, the programme has established itself as one of the most prestigious annual classical music events on the island attracting over 2,000 visitors annually, and has gained international reputation for the quality of its concerts and settings. “Sharing the values for which the festival stands, it is Columbia Hotels & Resorts’ honour to be able to contribute to bringing it to fruition by hosting the musicians who [shared] their artistic perseverance and expression with concertgoers island-wide,” commented on the event Stelios Kizis, director, Columbia Hotels & Resorts.
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Aphrodite Hills Resort
JULY 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
GRAND OPENING FOR OLYMPIC LAGOON RESORT PAPHOS ow. . n k u o Did y The former Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos relaunched on May 31 as Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos boasting four different room types, all with stunning views, five-star dimensions and luxury features.
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ith a prime Blue Flag-awarded beachfront location, the property aims to take the allinclusive concept to a whole new level with a variety of food and beverage outlets. Amongst others, Royal Olympic provides a live cooking experience, Captain’s Deck serves local flavours and Kiku Japanese takes guests on an Asian trip. In addition, the hotel features the Blue Lagoon Bar as well as The Xperience Arrena, a special entertainment room.
The Classic Earns Another Distinction
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he Classic Hotel, part of G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Group, has been awarded with this year’s TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and has also been acknowledged as a top performing hotel for the fourth consecutive year by one of the world’s largest travel sites. The prestigious honour recognises accommodation establishments that consistently earn great TripAdvisor reviews from travellers and deliver excellent hospitality services to their customers.
The Classic Hotel
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CYHMA: Investing in Quality Can Save Tourism
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ccording to Cyprus Hotel Managers Association (CYHMA)’s predictions, this year’s tourism results will be satisfactory due to increased bookings from the UK and Germany, as well as other European and Middle Eastern countries. Despite early warning signs, the association estimates figures from Russia to be down by less than 20 percent. CYHMA’s statement underlines that Cyprus’ tourism sector is vulnerable and easily affected by external factors, therefore quality service is something that all stakeholders need to focus on in order for the industry to be able to carry on.
JULY 2015
TRAVEL TALK & IN FOCUS
Larnaca must compete, sustain and modernise
MICHAEL KARASAVVAS Honorary consul of St.Vincent and the Grenadines
In focus
“Larnaca, a beautiful town with potential and touristic ability, has great prospects as it is endowed with exceptional natural features and a rich historical and cultural heritage. With the new situation that is formed, Larnaca must compete, sustain and modernise all of its areas to present a tourist product and enhance the image of an integrated modern city, ready to meet the new era and demands, with an emphasis on quality. Joint effort by all stakeholders is required to achieve this goal as tourism concerns us all. Upgrading the town to emerge as a quality destination requires immediate, necessary and careful measures with no delays as the consequences are serious. The development of three-, four- and five-star hotels and the upgrade of existing accommodation are necessary to create a new product that will stand out and serve all targeted market segments. This approach will be the basis of future investments in the hotel industry.”
Who are you? I am Popi Tanta Demetriou. I have a diploma in tourism as well as a certificate of hotel administration and management from the Hotel School of Glion. I joined Louis in 1987 and for the last 19 years, I have held the position of general manager of sales and marketing for Louis Hotels covering 19 hotels in Greece and Cyprus. When did you join the industry and why? Ever since I was a kid I was working in the various theme parks my father used to run and I was always attracted to the fleur of the hospitality industry. When I was only 16 years old I took a three-week training at a five-star hotel in Limassol and this helped me confirm my strong wish to study and work in this amazing industry.
NAME:
Popi Tanta Demetriou
POSITION:
General manager, sales and marketing
COMPANY:
Louis Hotels
LOCATION:
Nicosia, Cyprus
WEBSITE:
JULY 2015
www.louishotels.com
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Meeting people and making friends from so many different nationalities, travelling and not having to do the same job every day. In the industry every day is a different challenge. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Maybe a short break to Morocco with my husband and a holiday to Kenya with the whole family. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? Cyprus’ climate, nature, history, culture, beaches as well as lifestyle and local food create a mix that caters to each traveller’s holiday expectations.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Cyprus Is Ideal for Self-catering
Waste Management Progresses Well in Paphos
Holiday self-catering shopping costs have fallen heavily across Europe according to the Post Office Travel Money Self-Catering on a Shoestring Report, which reveals that more than one in five UK holiday-makers are planning to make their trip abroad a self-catering one this summer.
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he main incentive is the perception that the British Pound will make their shopping bills cheaper and as the research corroborated, prices have plunged in all the supermarkets surveyed with double-digit percentage falls recorded in Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. Shops on the island remain expensive, UK tourists however see the benefit of local price cuts and the powerful Pound as according to the study, for British visitors the shopping basket costs 26.7 percent less this year in Limassol.
Charity Fashion Show at Aphrodite Hills Resort
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hemis Philippides, chairman, Paphos district committee, Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), unveiled that a study on the waste management programme submitted by local hoteliers in order to achieve its funding, fulfils all the necessary criteria. Therefore, the procedures are progressing as planned, he said, also noting that the initiative has received highly positive feedback. “We hope that there will be renewed interest and support from local authorities in order to materialise this innovative sustainable development programme,” Philippides added.
Demetriades: Shipping is Key Government Priority
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argarita Liasidou Foundation, which offers accommodation, protection, care, exercise, entertainment and rehabilitation to handicapped children, organised a charity fashion show with the support of Aphrodite Hills Resort. Speaking at the event, Zeta Emilianidou, labour, welfare and social insurance minister, Cyprus, emphasised that individuals with
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disabilities have the right to have access to suitable services and specialised infrastructures, special treatments, employment and education. “It is with great satisfaction we observe that in Cyprus there are over 40 special care programmes in operation that target people with disabilities and provide a 24-hour or day-care,” she added.
espite adverse economic conditions and the financial difficulties that Cyprus has been facing in recent years, the island’s shipping sector managed to maintain its competitiveness and perspectives as a result of combined efforts from the public and private sectors, said Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, at the recent East Med Marine Exhibition in Limassol. “Cyprus shipping and its sustainable growth constitute one of the main concerns and priorities of the Cyprus government,” he enthused, revealing that a recent study has proposed measures that would strengthen the Cyprus merchant fleet and shipping cluster. He also highlighted the upcoming Maritime Cyprus 2015 conference co-organised by the ministry, which will take place between September 13 – 16 in Limassol.
JULY 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...
SENTIDO Cypria Bay started its aqua fitness sessions
Anassa hosted the finish line of a local vintage car rally
Diamond expert Graff opened a branch at Limassol Marina
Children have a great time at Lordos Beach Hotel’s renovated Castle Kids Club
Etihad Airways launched its new Nicosia office
JULY 2015
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
Kids Festival in Ayia Napa
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he municipality of Ayia Napa held two summer events dedicated to its young community members and their parents. The 21st Children’s Festival and the 7th Ayia Napa Kids’ Summer Festival took place at the town’s central square, in order to commemorate
the International Children’s Day celebrated annually on June 1. Participants had the chance to engage in various activities such as crafts, painting, pottery, kneading and baking, basketball and face painting, among others.
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.
Green Commuting Comes to Cyprus
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he Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works organised the third edition of the Sustainable Mobility and Intelligent Transport Conference, an annual event that aims to inform all interested parties about developments in eco-mobility and smart transport systems, especially in Cyprus. The forum addressed urban mobility plans and public transport, with Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, stressing that developing the proper infrastructure is one of the ministry’s main priorities. “Within the next few months, we will be promoting a plan for improving the public transportation system and we hope to soon go ahead with the implementation of the first phase of the tram line in Nicosia,” Demetriades revealed.
WANDERLUST FESTIVAL Larnaca July 11 www.wanderlustfestival.info A unique electronic dance music event hosted at Larnaca’s Cyprus Tourism Organisation beach.
Cypriot History on Display 6TH CUBAMISALSA FESTIVAL
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The armed Aphrodite
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he Department of Antiquities announced the opening of the temporary exhibition Nea Paphos: 50 Years of Polish Excavations, 1965-2015, at the Cyprus Museum. Organised within the framework of the celebrations of the International Museum Day and the European Night of Museums by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, the event marks the 50th anniversary of Polish excavations at Paphos. The exhibition, which will be open until November 30, presents, for the first time, a large part of the results of half a century of archaeological investigations of a Polish mission in the city. The exhibition’s highlight is the armed Aphrodite, a unique example of this type in Cyprus.
Limassol July 31 – August 02 Top artists, quality workshops, shows and parties in a vacation week at Mediterranean Beach Hotel celebrating the Latin American culture.
PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL Paphos September 04 – 06 www.pafc.com.cy This year the festival 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.
JULY 2015