SEPTEMBER 2015
ISSUE 31
CYPRUS: TOP CHOICE FOR GERMANS AND RUSSIANS LOUIS HAS UNDERTAKEN THE MANAGEMENT OF KING ALKINOOS HOTEL IN PROTARAS; A MOVE WHICH IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE PROFITABILITY.
06 VIEWS & INSIGHTS WITH YIANNIS KAROUSOS
11 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
02
NICOSIA
03
NAUTICAL
04
AGENTS
05
TOURISM BOARDS
10
VIEWS & INSIGHTS
11
AIR
13
ACCOMMODATION
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TRAVEL TALK / WHO’S MOVED
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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RENDEZVOUS
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NEWS & EVENTS
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LOUIS TAKES OVER KING ALKINOOS HOTEL
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic
Nicosia’s Malls Sold to South African Investor Following extensive negotiations, Shacolas Group sold Shacolas Emporium Park and The Mall of Engomi to the South African Atterbury Group for a net consideration of EUR194 million.
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aving established a local branch, Atterbury Cyprus, the company now owns the land and buildings which include The Mall of Cyprus, Annex 3, Annex 4, IKEA and The Mall of Engomi. All the relevant subsidiaries of Shacolas Group, namely Woolworth (Cyprus) Properties, Ermes Department Stores, ITTL Trade Tourist & Leisure Park and Woolworth Commercial Centre, sold all of their shares in the two developments. Under the deal, if Woolworth Properties decides to sell the 10,890m2 land next to The Mall of Cyprus in the next two years, Atterbury Group will be the preferred buyer.
PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Savvas Kammitsis 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
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Tourism Revenue Surges According to data collected by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, for the first four months of the year, tourism-related revenue climbed 1.4 percent to EUR254.8 million, whereas in 2014 the figure stood at EUR251.4 million.
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n April alone, income from tourism stood at EUR130.5 million compared to EUR132.9 million in the corresponding period of 2014, recording a decrease of 1.8 percent. This year, tourist arrivals saw a yearon-year improvement of 13.8 percent between January and April, with visitor numbers reaching 391,482.
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H1 Tourist Arrivals Exceed One Million After a decade, incoming traveller numbers to Cyprus once again broke the one million threshold in the first half (H1) of the year.
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or the six-month period, influx of tourists registered a year-on-year growth of 5.7 percent, reaching 1,035,898 visitors. In terms of feeder markets, the most notable increases were recorded from Israel, Greece, Germany and the UK, with figures rising 49, 42, 25 and 14 percent, respectively. Despite the fact that in June inbound arrival levels declined 1.5 percent, the month was the second best for the island’s tourism industry on record, with 337,000 visitors. SEPTEMBER 2015
NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS Nicosia’s Rural Attractions Enhanced
New App for Nicosia Visitors
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he Nicosia District Administration and Gouri’s community council partnered to open a folk art museum. Visitors can admire exhibits that relate to the lives of rural residents of the past decades. Among others, one can see an olive mill, tools used by shoemakers and beekeepers, and other traditional professions. Gouri’s folk art museum was co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the total cost amounted to EUR390,000.
Traditional weaving in Cyprus
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hileas Guides launched a new easy-to-use and free-todownload mobile application; a complete guide that includes all known sights, places of interest and businesses in the Cypriot capital. The app caters to the needs of locals and tourists alike, featuring nine main categories ranging from the fire department to kiosks in remote areas, and is a practical way to organise one’s day. All the information is stored inside the application, making it accessible in places without Internet connection. The software is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Nicosia Becomes an Open-air Stage
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s it was the case in July and August, Nicosia Municipality is holding a series of cultural events until the end of September in a bid to revive the city’s municipal garden. Yiannos Stavirinides, head of strategy and communications, Cooperative Central Bank, which is one of the main sponsors of the initiative, commented, “It is with great pleasure we accepted the invitation to support this innovative idea which will convert the municipal garden of Nicosia into an art park, ballroom, sports and cinema arena, a large open-air restaurant with music, enriching the capital’s cool and breezy nights.”
Phileas Guides Nicosia Application
Nicosia Witnessed Growth in Past Years
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n a recent meeting, the municipal council of Nicosia evaluated the development of the historical city centre and the policy of providing financial and other incentives to new businesses within the city walls. The municipality deemed that exempting new entrepreneurs from the obligation to buy their respective parking lots was extremely successful. During the past three years, the municipality focussed on the revitalisation of the area by promoting and encouraging the resumption of trade and other activities, and after many years of efforts the historic centre of Nicosia has witnessed unprecedented growth, in the midst of an economic crisis.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS NAUTICAL Limassol Marina Turns One
Ayia Napa Marina Progresses
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Makronisos Marina rendering
n a joyous atmosphere, Limassol Marina celebrated its first year of operations with live music and activities for visitors along the destination’s promenade. Throughout the year, the development attracted an average of 3,000 daily visitors. The combination of living, yachting, dining, shopping, fitness, leisure and cultural facilities, paired with a variety of attractions on offer, is driving traffic in all seasons. Andreas Christodoulides, CEO, Limassol Marina, commented, “We are very pleased with the results to date and by the way the local community has embraced this project. There is still a lot to look forward to.”
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M. Makronisos Marina, the developer of the 600-berth marina in Ayia Napa, is seeking to appoint contractors for the construction of marine works, infrastructure, essential buildings, dry stack and port facilities. The company invited those interested to apply through a formal expression of interest. The project will be developed on the western edge of Ayia Napa, on a thin coastal strip between the Ayia Thekla chapel and the Makronisos peninsula. It will feature a variety of commercial, residential and governmental projects centred around a new modern facility.
Celebrations at Limassol Marina
Larnaca Marina to Get New Investor
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he Cypriot government announced that Zenon Consortium failed to fulfil its commitments for the development of Larnaca’s port and marina, therefore the project will no longer be handled by the group. The cabinet assigned the venture to the consortium in 2010, in a bid to turn the city into the main point of entry to the island for cruise tourists. In its statement, the government emphasised that it will proceed with actions that will ensure the materialisation of the city’s port and marina upgrade, as originally planned.
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Zenobia Enhances Cyprus’ Image
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he activities and celebrations successfully organised by Larnaka Tourism Board to showcase the Zenobia shipwreck have managed to attract positive attention to the city. During the Artificial Reefs Management – Prospects and Benefits for Diving Tourism conference, it was reiterated that the attraction is a unique habitat that has contributed significantly to the enrichment of Larnaca’s marine biodiversity. Furthermore, its benefits to the country’s economy are equally important, and as Jonathan Wilson, managing director, Dive-In Limassol, a representative of Cyprus Dive Centres Association, confirmed, Zenobia contributes more than EUR14 million to the national economy.
SEPTEMBER 2015
AGENTS MONTHLY NEWS Pilot Study Reveals Impact of Tourism
Top Kinisis Appointed as Germania’s GSA
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uropean carrier, Germania, has chosen Top Kinisis Travel as its general sales agent (GSA) in Cyprus. Since March, the airline has been operating scheduled flights to Larnaca from Munich and to Paphos from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Erfurt and Hamburg. Its network covers 140 international destinations in Eu-
rope, North Africa and West Asia. Germania is one of the longest established airlines in Germany with a 30-year-long history and since 2014, it has been also a member of the International Air Transport Association.
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he Travel Foundation, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), examined the impact of 60,000 TUI Group customers who visited eight hotels in Cyprus in 2013. Among the key findings were that the positive economic and tax benefits are by far the greatest impact exceeding the negative environmental and social costs. Moreover, the most significant social benefit identified was associated with on-thejob training experience, with an upper estimate of EUR6.2 per guest night which highlights the tourism sector’s significant role in developing skills of the Cypriot workforce. Finally, work placements yielded the highest social impact per person.
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m is co ble TUI sustaina and t to n e lopm ious deve or ts var tect p sup ts to pro ? y ec proj odiversit bi
SEPTEMBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS Cyprus Remains Top Choice for Germans and Russians
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ccording to a survey by Trivago, Cyprus’ popularity as a tourist destination improved by 26.7 percent compared to 2014. The study, which analysed searches on the website between April 1 – July 19, revealed that the biggest trend is the growing demand from German and Russian visitors. In addition, the largest interest for holidays to the island was exhibited by Greek and UK nationals, representing 34 and 32 percent, respectively, of the overall demand. Trivago allows users to compare hotel prices from over 200 booking sites for more than 700,000 properties worldwide, with more than 80 million travellers taking advantage of this every month.
Cyprus Acknowledged as Responsible Tourism Destination
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or the first time ever, Cyprus is included in the list of finalists for this year’s World Responsible Tourism Awards, to be held at World Travel Market in London. A total of 37 entities from 20 countries – including Cyprus Tourism Organisation – have been chosen across 12 categories, recognising achievements from animal welfare campaigns to accessible tourism practices. “The organisations in the list really prove that responsible tourism is viable and can be successful in all types of tourism, from niche to mainstream. These organisations are the shining stars of responsible tourism,” commented Justin Francis, founder, World Responsible Tourism Awards.
British Enjoy Cheap Holidays in Cyprus
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ith the British Pound at an eight-year high against the Euro, hotel search website Trivago analysed the average hotel room cost in both currencies in July, showing that prices increased in Euros and decreased in Pounds, compared to July 2014. As a result, travellers within the Eurozone can expect to pay up to 15 percent more for their accommodation, whereas those from the UK can spend up to 21 percent less. Hotel prices are cheaper by an average of GBP22 (EUR31) per night compared to 2014, when they had touched GBP104 (EUR146). As for the Euro, travellers can expect average savings of EUR98 during a seven-night stay.
Boosting the Cypriot Countryside
T Responsible Tourism Winners in 2014
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he Cypriot House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, held the workings of the Rural Parliament in a bid to draft a concrete plan for the development the island’s countryside. The launch ceremony was addressed by Yiannakis Omirou, president, House of Representatives; Nicos Kouyialis, agriculture, rural development and environment minister, Cyprus; and Μichael Dower, joint coordinator, European Rural Parliament. At the event, a working group discussed issues such as cultural heritage, education and popular culture, agriculture, the environment and renewable energy, rural tourism and entrepreneurship in the countryside. SEPTEMBER 2015
MONTHLY NEWS Reduced Stay Affects Tourism Income
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espite improved arrival figures registered in May, which rose 4.9 percent year-on-year, tourism income for the month was 3.1 percent lower, compared to May 2014. According to Cyprus Tourism Organisation, this was mainly due to a 7.6 percent reduction in per capita expenditure, which was attributed to a 10.3 percent decline in average length of stay. As per the authority’s statement, the downfall in the specific metric was observed across all main feeder markets, such as the UK, Russia and Germany, and is an international tendency which is not specific to the island.
ECC Informs about Passenger Rights
Getting Closer to the Casino Launch
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he House of Representatives passed into law the bill for licensing a single integrated casino
resort. Following this, KPMG issued an economics alert providing detailed information on the outcomes of the development, noting that the law will promote tourism growth, capture economic benefits and attract capital investment to Cyprus. It also revealed that the project’s premises shall include, inter alia, the casino and a five-star hotel of international standards offering at least 500 luxury rooms. The integrated casino resort may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the minimum age for admission to the gaming facilities shall be 21.
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he European Consumer Centre (ECC) Cyprus, in collaboration with the European Commission Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers as well as the Cypriot government, held an event at Larnaka International Airport to educate the public on the rights of passengers travelling by air. ECC is part of a Europe-wide network of all the ECCs which cooperate closely to help settle complaints between consumers and traders based in different European Union countries.
ETC: Cyprus Continues Recovery
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yprus recorded a 10 percent increase in international arrivals during the pre-summer months, as shown by data compiled by the European Travel Commission (ETC). According to ETC, the island was among those destinations that witnessed double-digit rises in demand ahead of the peak travel season along with Iceland, Montenegro, Romania, Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. Based on the report, the Europe-wide development was boosted by strong figures from the German, Dutch, French and Italian outbound markets.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS Loizou: Cyprus Still Does Well
Paphos E-guide Remains Popular
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ccording to Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, the city’s electronic tourist guide continues to be widely popular, having received 80,000 visitors in the first five months of the year. The software, created in collaboration with Swedish company arrivalguides. com, is available in three languages and includes details of the district’s main municipalities, attractions, beaches, tourist accommodation units, shops and events.
Paphos harbour
peaking at the annual general meeting of the Cyprus Hotel Association, Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, said that this year has been a challenging one due to the downturn of the Russian segment, however tourist arrival numbers grew 9.6 percent year-on-year in the first five months. He added that data for the 2014-15 winter season was also encouraging, with increased visitor figures from the UK, Greece, France, Austria, Ukraine and Israel. Loizou concluded recommending that, “Visitors should be encouraged to enjoy the authentic and diverse options of the island, gaining as many experiences as possible. We need to give them this chance and we need to excel when compared to other destinations.”
CTO Marks World Taxi Driver Day kn u o y d i D
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prus n Cy to i s r drive wed Taxi not allo e the d e i ar e ins ress smok e or add ns to l o vehic al questi rs? on me pers ir custo the
Mobile App Informs Tourists about Beaches
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yprus’ Oceanography Center, with Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s participation, has developed the SeaMobile application which aims to better inform travellers and recreational users by providing dedicated marine data and weather forecasting services. The main goal of the project was to offer access to oceanographic data and facts via mobile devices to people who live, work and play by the sea. The software is particularly useful for domestic and incoming tourists who can benefit from beach information, detailed weather forecasts and location maps.
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n the occasion of the World Taxi Driver Day, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) underlined the importance of the profession for the country’s tourism industry, since cab drivers are the first point of contact for individual travellers and the ones who shape a tourist’s first impressions. In a bid to enhance services, CTO is making efforts to educate those employed in the sector whose number currently amounts to around 1,500. Moreover, the authority has issued a set of rules for taxi drivers, as well as a leaflet with the indicative distances between cities and applicable charges.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
Incentive Tourism Product Highlighted in UK
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s part of Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s efforts to increase awareness of the island’s upgraded conference and incentive offering, the authority’s UK branch participated in The Meetings Show held in London. Local suppliers that joined CTO at its stand included Thanos Hotels, AyiaNapa-based Adams Beach Hotel, the five-star GrandResort Limassol and Event Makers DMC. Now in its third year, the exhibition welcomed 550 global exhibitors and saw over 12,000 prescheduled appointments with buyers from the UK, Europe and the US. On the second evening, CTO participated in the annual summer party jointly hosted by over 17 overseas convention bureaus.
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Tourism Board Releases Price List
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n line with its mission to keep consumers and tourists informed, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) compiled a list of actual prices for products offered at a total of 155 different food and beverage outlets. The businesses included in the catalogue, as well as the prices mentioned, are approved by the organisation. In addition, through a dedicated Vacation Guide, CTO’s website enables tourists and locals to learn about their rights and obligations while holidaying.
Protecting Tourists Is a Priority for CTO
Larnaca Wedding Tourism Profile Raised
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) coordinated a group meeting with representatives of embassies and other foreign missions on the island to discuss issues related to the safety of tourists visiting Cyprus. Held at Filoxenia Conference Centre, the event welcomed delegates from Ireland, India, Austria, China, Israel, Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Serbia. Attendees were introduced to the action plans drafted by CTO, which are divided into six thematic units relating to alcohol overuse, bathing and beach safety, transportation, road accidents, theft and hospitalisation.
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he tes t omo special r p CTO on of a ine for L ti crea m Help ? s s i r r e l Tou travel
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or the fifth consecutive year, Larnaka Tourism Board and the town’s municipality, in collaboration with Israel-based tour operator Natan Uretsky, organised a mass wedding ceremony in the city centre. At the Medieval Castle square, some 70 couples and around 200 guests joined the celebrations, which gave a huge boost to Larnaca’s touristic image since the event was broadcast by various media channels. The newly-weds were mostly Russian and Israeli nationals who arrived at the coastal city’s port from Haifa and were welcomed by locals dressed in traditional Cypriot costumes.
SEPTEMBER 2015
RENDEZVOUS
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yia Napa is the strong card of the Cypriot tourism since it makes up for more than 30 percent of guest nights on the island, while its share of tourism revenue – which sums up to EUR2.1 billion – is even higher. Unfortunately, previous governments never actively acknowledged the importance of tourism and for this reason did not invest at all in this industry, which meant the abandonment of Ayia Napa. At the same time, they ignored the vitality of Ayia Napa in Cyprus’ tourism and economy. It is a fact that a bad year for tourism in Ayia Napa usually has negative chain reactions across Cyprus’ tourism sector. Similarly, a successful tourist season for Ayia Napa has proven to have positive side effects across the region and the country’s economy. Our area was abandoned by the
Views & Insights Yiannis Karousos MAYOR, AYIA NAPA
Just as it was exploited immediately after 1974, Ayia Napa can do the same today in order to restart the economy. Any government investment will have multiple and rewarding benefits for the Cypriot financial sector.
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AYIA NAPA HAS EXCELLENT PROSPECTS
decision-makers and development has come only through private initiative investments. As a result, we have an excellent hotel sector, but unfortunately a moderate – or maybe even poor – tourism industry, precisely because of the lack of major infrastructure projects by the state, which would improve the tourist experience and bring repeat visitors. Because of its uniqueness, the specificities and demand that exist, Ayia Napa has excellent prospects for both the extension of the tourism season and the increase of overnight stays. With the right moves and the appropriate development projects, Ayia Napa could very easily increase its contribution to our economy, through tourism income, by at least EUR300 – EUR400 million a year. Projects such as the restoration and enhancement of the medieval SEPTEMBER 2015
monastery and its transformation into an archaeological museum, the creation of a research and educational centre, the second phase of the seafront, the thematic environmental park, the recreation venue, the extension of the port’s pier to host cruise ships, and the upgrading of our sports centre are key projects which need to go ahead.
“ JUST LIKE IN 1974, AYIA NAPA, THE FLAGSHIP DESTINATION OF THE CYPRIOT TOURISM, CAN GREATLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE REVIVAL OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY.
ANY GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT WILL HAVE MULTIPLE AND REWARDING BENEFITS
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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS Cyprus Promoted on German Railway
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) is luring passengers of Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company to the island through a campaign which will see large posters marketing the country being featured on two wagons. Running throughout the winter season and for a whole year, the initiative is a joint collaboration between CTO’s Frankfurt branch and a local tour operator. The advertisements, which are 10.9m long and 1.86m high, will be placed on the first wagon of each train and will carry the message ‘Next destination: Dream holiday. Cyprus, an island for all seasons’.
Increased UK Bookings for Ayia Napa
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iannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, expressed optimism for the future of the region's tourism industry, since bookings from the UK market appeared to have improved throughout the summer season. “This is expected to bring in revenues of around EUR6 million [and it] is mainly due to the recent geopolitical developments in various neighbouring Arabic countries, which resulted in travellers shifting their attention to safer tourist resorts like Ayia Napa,” Karousos said.
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Strong Religious Tourism Credentials
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n the framework of developing and promoting religious and pilgrimage travel, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) participated in the International Conference on Religious Tourism: Fostering Sustainable Socioeconomic Development for Host Communities, held in Bethlehem, Palestine. Organised by the World Tourism Organization, the initiative dealt with global trends shaping religious tourism and the development of competitive products and experiences, as well as the challenges and opportunities for the development and promotion of religious tourism routes. Moreover, it analysed innovative approaches to tourism management at religious sites, balancing heritage preservation and tourism development; and promoting the participation of host communities and enhancing the socioeconomic benefits of religious tourism at a local level.
CTO Sponsors Ambulance at Ayia Napa Square
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n line with its commitment to ensure safe holidays for all visitors to the island, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) financed the operation of an ambulance service at Ayia Napa square which was available daily from 19:00 to 07:00, until the end of August. The initiative was the result of a collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and the feedback received from tourists, locals and tourism professionals alike was very positive.
SEPTEMBER 2015
AIR MONTHLY NEWS Qatar Airways Celebrates Success
Online Parking Reservation at the Airports
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n the occasion of Qatar Airways being honoured with three of the top aviation accolades at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards and having been acknowledged as the Airline of the Year, the carrier hosted an event to share this success with journalists and local media member in Cyprus. The company presented its credentials as well as its business plan for further development in Cyprus. Some lucky attendees collected presents offered by the airline and a winner received an open ticket to use to any of Qatar Airways’ 140 international destinations.
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ravellers flying out from Larnaca and Paphos can now easily book their parking slot in advance. The new electronic reservation system, available via Hermes Airports’ website, offers a variety of options to the user, including the choice between covered and uncovered spaces, linked services like lounge facilities, as well as tickets for the express lane for a speedy passage through the airport’s checking points. By booking online, travellers can also save up to 30 percent off normal fees. The service guarantees an easy, fast and safe online payment process through a mechanism which fully meets all international standards and conditions for safe online purchases.
Cyprus to Enhance Air Connectivity
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ince May 2014, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works has been implementing its new strategy regarding Cyprus’ air connectivity which includes a concrete action plan with multiple axes. This was reiterated during a public consultation where the ministry reaffirmed its goal to achieve the liberalisation of bilateral air agreements with various countries and remove all existing limitations relating to the number of designated airlines, frequencies, aircraft types and loads. To date, among other actions, the government has reached or is nearing agreements for linking Cyprus to Bahrain, Oman and Egypt, and has begun negotiations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Cuba, and Uzbekistan.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS Larnaca Encourages Tourists to Use Buses
Ayia Napa: Benefits to Beach Lovers
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uring August, travellers to Ayia Napa enjoyed free parking at all of the municipality’s beaches, as well as at the harbour park-
Hala Sultan Tekke
ing site. The move came as a reward for the loyal visitors the town receives all year round, as Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, said. He explained that as the new operator of many bathing sites across the municipality’s reach, the city council launched several initiatives to benefit tourists, one of which was the issuance of a EUR50 annual pass which gives holiday-makers the chance to use an umbrella and two sunbeds every time they visit any beach in Ayia Napa.
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arnaka Tourism Board and ZΙΝΟNAS Buses have prepared a new revised brochure with the main and most popular bus routes, aiming to help visitors to the city find their way around easily and encourage them to use public transport. Itineraries start from the Phinikoudes promenade, Voroklini tourist area as well as Pyla, and features famous attractions such as Larnaca Salt Lake, Lefkara, Skarinou, Zygi, Athienou and Pervolia. The document also features routes to and from Larnaka International Airport and the city centre or Dhekelia.
Paphos: Enhanced Biking Opportunities
Cyprus Bids on Diving Tourism
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s of this summer, Paphos’ adventure tourism product is enriched with a new offering since Bikin’Cyprus Adventures has opened a specialised bike station in the area. Nasos Hadjigeorgiou, executive manager, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, expressed his pleasure at the development and commented, “Paphos has all the necessary ingredients to be established as an adventure destination for hiking, mountain biking, triathlon, climbing, archery or diving. Our mission is to assemble this puzzle and promote the region effectively.”
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n the occasion of the Zenobia Week activities, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) aimed to strengthen the island’s position as a diving tourism hotspot in the Mediterranean, taking into account that the country features calm waters, artificial reefs and a variety of diving centres. In a relevant statement, CTO’s board expressed hope that through collaborations with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Cyprus Ports Authority, Cyprus Sports Organisation and the Cyprus Dive Centres Association, the destination’s diving product will be enhanced and more tourists will choose Cyprus for their underwater adventures. SEPTEMBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS
Mediterranean Boosts Product Offering
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editerranean Beach Hotel, Limassol has introduced new additions in a bid to ensure guest comfort at all levels. Karavi Syndicate Room, a purpose-built facility for small executive functions, has been enhanced with a new 70-inch multiboard touch screen which can be used to add an interactive experience to any presentation. Moreover, the hotel now boasts a revamped Aura Presidential Suite reflecting its beachside location, airy ambience and elegant design. The unit now includes furniture of superior quality and new design elements like solid parquet flooring and wooden panelling, which create a distinctive classic and earthy atmosphere.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Annabelle Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Elysium Promotes Wellness
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ember of Thanos Hotels, Annabelle commemorated its 30th birthday with a five-minute video which presented the property’s main highlights since inauguration, through historical black-and-white snapshots and press coverage. Since opening on July 22, 1985, Annabelle has continuously grown and strived to establish itself as a classic hotel offering Cypriot hospitality, and boasting peaceful and understated interiors, caring service and five-star luxury.
Annabelle
aphos-based Elysium presented a unique wellness scheme, carefully designed by its professional nutritionist, executive chef and spa manager to help guests detoxify and achieve a healthy and fresh state of wellbeing. The programme includes a personalised nutritional assessment session which takes into consideration individual clinical and dietary history, as well as anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, metabolic age, body fat, visceral fat, percentage of body water, body mass index and basal metabolic rate. Following that, Elysium specialists undertake the preparation of a personalised and balanced full-board menu for a set three-, five- or sevenday period – or even longer if required.
Golf Tournament at Aphrodite Hills
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phrodite Hills Resort has successfully completed its second Senior Open team event which took place at Aphrodite Hills Golf Club and was once again sponsored by Achilleas Jewellery. The fully-subscribed Achilleas Senior Team Cup 2015 comprised teams of four players including visitors from over 10 different clubs, who made this year’s contest even more spectacular. Participants won numerous raffle prizes, ranging from spa treatments, dinner for two at a local tavern and a Kouklia village agriculture trip. As for the thriumphant team, each member collected a Tom Carter wristwatch, provided by the official sponsor.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
LOUIS TAKES OVER KING ALKINOOS HOTEL Louis announced that it has undertaken the five-year management of King Alkinoos Hotel in Protaras; a move which is expected to increase the profitability of the group from 2016 onwards.
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he agreement, which has been entered into in an arm’s length transaction, provides for a fee paid to the managing company, calculated as a percentage of the gross operating profit. The complex, which comprises 76 sea-view apartments overlooking the popular Fig Tree Bay, will undergo an extensive transformation, and is set to launch in summer 2016. The cost for the full renovation of King Alkinoos Hotel will be borne by the owning company.
RYA Docks on Anassa’s Shores
New Venue at Napa Plaza Hotel
Sunrise Gardens Opens Its Doors
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apa Plaza Hotel welcomed a new hotspot with the opening of Ritual Lounge Soma, which is located next to the property’s main pool. The venue offers a place for relaxation with oriental elements like sofas, pillows, shishas, candlesticks and light fixtures setting the tone, and the turquoise colour being spread throughout. Guests can enjoy cocktails that celebrate all flavours and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, coconut and rose. They can also taste sushi bites while listening to the deep house tunes of the resident DJ.
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Ritual Lounge Soma
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nassa became the only hotel in the Eastern Mediterranean to offer RYA courses to guests. Run by Latchi Watersports Hotel, the programme has been created to offer sailing enthusiast, adrenalin-seekers and holiday-makers an educational experience with an array of fun activities and challenges tailored to the individual. By ensuring thrilling adventures and safety, instructors aim to help participants build their confidence whether they are experts or novice sailors. Children also have the choice to join private or group classes, where they start with a practical training before getting on the deck.
Sunrise Gardens
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unrise Hotels has added a new property to its portfolio, namely Sunrise Gardens Hotel, previously known as Sandra Hotel Apartments. The project is situated in the centre of Protaras, only 200m from the popular Sunrise beach. Following a major refurbishment that spanned six months, it has been transformed from a self-catering property into a modern hotel which features 130 units, including 24 family rooms and four sea-view suites. The hotel also offers a rich variety of food and beverage options, as well as three outdoor pools, a gym, a supervised kids’ club and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
SEPTEMBER 2015
TRAVEL TALK & WHO’S MOVED
The casino operation […] enriches our tourism product
NICOS ANASTASIADES President, Cyprus
PANAYIOTIS HADJIPANTELIS
“The parliament’s adoption of the legislation that allows the casino operation in Cyprus and determines its operating conditions constitutes a further step in the government’s huge effort to make the country an investment centre. The casino operation in Cyprus was a longstanding demand of all tourism and economy stakeholders; it enriches our tourism product, firmly puts our country on the tourist map and creates the conditions for new jobs.”
Cyprus launches a new era
HARIS LOIZIDES President, Cyprus Hotel Association
“With the law [which licences the creation of a casino on the island], Cyprus launches a new era, in which its tourist product is enriched by a development that is – for the first time in its history – not based on the country’s natural beauty. With this step we set a firm base which will support the sector’s efforts to improve competitiveness and prolong the tourist season.”
Panayiotis Hadjipantelis has been elected unanimously as the new chairman of Hermes Airports. Hadjipantelis has been serving as a member of the board of directors since the foundation of the company. During the board’s meeting, Rik Joosten, a long-standing director of the entity, was also appointed vice chairman of the board, whilst Petros Liasis, senior manager of legal affairs was named secretary of the company. Hadjipantelis takes over the helm from Iacovos Iacovou, who has served as chairman of the board of directors since July 1, 2011.
Hadjipantelis is the new chairman of Hermes Airports
SEPTEMBER 2015
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Successful Sailing Event in Cyprus In mid-July, the Cyprus Sailing Federation organised a popular competition in the sea area of the Cyprus Sports Organization Sailing Centre in Limassol.
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he event featured two classes; Laser Standard men and youth men under 21, as well as 470, men/mixed, youth men, youth mixed, under 21, championships. Good weather conditions contributed to an excellent three-day tournament, marked by the intense effort of the athletes. The Cyprus Sailing Federation was established in 1972 and its first meeting was held in 1978. The organisation’s first objective was to participate in Moscow’s Summer Olympics in 1980 and this was achieved with a seven-member team.
Motor Vehicles Banned from Ayia Napa Centre
Free Transport Day
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he Ayia Napa municipal board decided to go ahead with permanent road closures and the pedestrianisation of the Ayia Mavri area as well as the town’s centre. Following a meeting of the authority with local businessmen, shop owners and other community establishments, Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, announced that the municipality is to restore the area in order to achieve its upgrade and turn it into a modern touristic centre which will offer unique moments and experiences to visitors.
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he Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works celebrated the completion of five years since the launch of the new public transport system and claimed July 24 as a free ride day. As a result, passengers using the regular as well as the intercity lines were entitled to use the buses at no cost. On the occasion, Intercity Buses, the company that handles the express routes between all Cypriot districts, announced that in its five years of operations, some eight million passengers used its services.
SEPTEMBER 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What is the positioning of Cyprus’ tourism sector in the national economy? ANNITA DEMETRIADOU: Tourism has been one of the most important sectors of the Cypriot economy since the 1980s with a high direct and indirect contribution to the GDP and employment compared to other European Union (EU) member states. As such, the sector has been one of the major pillars supporting the effort of the economy towards recovery following the 2013 crisis. The significant growth of the sector fuelled by a rapid increase in tourist arrivals and revenue during the 1980s and 1990s before reaching peak figures in 2001, has been followed by a period of relative stability. Excluding the two exceptional performances in 2000 and 2001, during which arrivals approached 2.7 million in each year, the number of tourists visiting Cyprus since 1999 has generally fluctuated around the 2.4 million mark. […] The tourism market is very concentrated and dependent on the UK and Russian markets, with around 60 percent the tourist arrivals from these countries. […] Hence, having realised the risks posed by the tourism sector’s over-dependence on two markets, targeted activity has been initiated towards the diversification of Cyprus’ tourism market mix. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What are the strategic objectives for making Cyprus a sustainable tourism destination? ANNITA DEMETRIADOU: CTO aims to strategically develop Cyprus as a sustainable destination. Our efforts towards this goal are clearly reflected both in the Cyprus tourism strategy objectives and our everyday activities. After undertaking a comprehensive situational analysis of our tourism sector, we have set the following strategic priorities: lengthening of the tourist season; improvement of occupancy rates of hotels; development of a multidimensional, qualitative experience; offer of alternative forms of tourism; improvement of the service quality in the tourist industry; and development of tourism infrastructure projects. These objectives are achieved within a framework of a sustainable development which respects the natural and human environment, while maximising the benefits to the national economy SEPTEMBER 2015
Q & A with Annita Demetriadou
ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL, CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
protection, and conservation and promotion of cultural heritage]. Recognising the role of special interest tourism to increase our competitiveness and to establish Cyprus as an all-year-round destination, we set our priorities for niche market segments [such as conference and incentive; health and wellness; rural and nature; cultural and religious; sports; cycling; golf; diving; weddings and honeymoons; gastronomy and wine; as well as learning tourism]. These segments add value, strengthen Cyprus’ competitiveness and, in many cases, involve a clientele with high purchasing power. Considerable effort has been devoted in the establishment of specialised associations in order to be more effective in our efforts for development, in building synergies and promoting every special interest product. […] TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What is the relationship between improving quality and capturing niche markets?
CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION (CTO) IS APPLYING A STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE, QUALITY AND INNOVATIVE TOURISM PRODUCT AND ANNITA DEMETRIADOU, ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL, CTO, ELABORATES ON ITS PROSPECTS. and society and protecting the environment. Regarding the local communities, economic growth and increased commercial and social activity are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life of our local population, as well as on all aspects of their social and cultural activities. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Does Cyprus have any strategy to diversify its product and improve its competitive
advantage? ANNITA DEMETRIADOU: Cyprus is definitely not just a sun and sea destination anymore. […] We accordingly aim to attract special interest market segments in order to improve the market mix and our image as a destination. These special interest products definitely have a positive contribution to all three pillars of sustainability [which are economic development, environmental
ANNITA DEMETRIADOU: Fundamental knowledge and international market intelligence show that there is a direct relation between upgrading quality and capturing niche markets. In other words, special interest product providers who wish to successfully attract niche markets have to set high-quality operational specifications, to develop high-value product and to carry effective marketing activities which highlight the first two elements. Additionally, information which concerns the profile and the desires of every niche market is expected to generate more fruitful conclusions about quality aspects regarding the product. At the same time, intense regional and global competition in the niche market business intensifies the need for high standards and quality assurance. In practice, most niche markets require specialised infrastructure of high standard, service quality, professionalism and well qualified personnel; elements which CTO means to provide and sustain. Additionally, because CTO knows that high-quality products and services improve the image of the destination, stimulate demand and attract bigger numbers of special interest tourists, more quality tourism and bigger revenue, its activities are therefore towards that direction.
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NEWS & EVENTS Cyprus to Be Showcased in Dubai
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yprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism will represent the country at Gulfood, one of the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality shows. The event, which will be held in Dubai between February 21 – 25, 2016, is being organised for the 25th year and has a well-deserved reputation amongst exporters for delivering spectacular return on investment. In its relevant announcement, the ministry invited any interested companies to apply in order to accompany the trade mission.
Local Herbs Celebrated in Platres
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latres held the seventh annual conference and exhibition on aromatic and therapeutic herbs of Cyprus. The event, which was free for attendees and visitors, included sessions with botanists of the Cyprus Herb Society, yoga lessons from Akasha Centre, a documentary on lavender, as well as a musical evening under the stars with the sounds of Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra.
EVENTS WINE FESTIVAL Limassol August 27 – September 06 limassolmunicipal.com.cy The festival was first organised in 1961 and has been since established as an event of merrymaking and fun.
KYPRIA Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos September 02 – October 09 www.kypria.org.cy A parade of cultural events for ballet, theatre and music lovers, with groups from the Czech Republic, Israel, the UK, Greece and Cyprus.
PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL
CTO Highlights Cyprus’ Beauty
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) announced the results of a national student contest, themed Our Cyprus… Is Worth Visiting, held through Pinterest. The main goal of the competition was to get students acquainted with the tourist image of Cyprus, boost their confidence in the national tourist product and familiarise them with the use of Internet. The winners were pupils from the Agios Spyridonas Primary School in Nicosia, who were rewarded with a field trip to Kakopetria and a guided tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis.
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.
5TH ROCK FESTIVAL
Sotira Celebrates Tradition
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otira Municipality organised the fourth annual traditional festival of the community, aiming to bring its citizens closer to the cultural heritage and traditions and customs of the island. The three-day event included a lecture by the widely-popular musicians Michalis Hadjimichael and Loucas Zimaras on folklore music, a Cyprus-themed evening, as well as a traditional dance fair.
Paphos Sets Up Wine Association
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t a recent meeting of the winery owners of the Paphos district, participants founded the Paphos Wineries Association which joined the ranks of Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The new entity aims to put forward and find solutions for the problems of wine makers in the area and participate in European Union programmes that will contribute to the upgrade of wine making and promotion of related products. In addition, it will represent the sector in business forums and various exhibitions abroad to enhance Paphos’ image as a wine region.
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Limassol September 05 www.stl.com.cy Organised by the Limassol Co-operative Savings Society, the event features bands like The Coop Band, Tiflopontikes, 1st Floor Band, Vyronas Potsos, Lazerock, Prospectus .
FIRST INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANCIENT GREEK MUSIC Limassol September 25 – 27 www.terpandros.com The Cyprus Ensemble of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments, Terpandros presents this celebration of Greek music and culture, through a series of lectures, workshops and concerts.
SEPTEMBER 2015