OCTOBER 2015
ISSUE 32
JULY BRINGS HEALTHY RISE THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP ANNOUNCED ITS FIRST PROJECT IN CYPRUS. RADISSON BLU HOTEL & RESIDENCE, LARNACA IS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN 2017.
05 FAMAGUSTA TO WITNESS IMPROVEMENTS
14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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NICOSIA
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NAUTICAL
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TOURISM BOARDS
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ACCOMMODATION
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IN FOCUS & TRAVEL TALK
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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CYPRUS TO WELCOME REZIDOR
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
AEGEAN Carries Five Million In the first half of the year, AEGEAN Airlines’ consolidated revenue touched EUR403.6 million, four percent higher than in the same period in 2014.
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ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic
n addition, the total number of travellers carried rose 15 percent to five million, as the company invested in new fleet and more capacity, increasing frequencies on existing routes and adding new global destinations. International passenger traffic surged 20 percent, with Athens being the main driver with a 26 percent growth. Traveller numbers on the carrier’s domestic network climbed 10 percent. Dimitris Gerogiannis, managing director, AEGEAN Airlines, commented, “We focussed our investments on our main hub in Athens, as well as our regional bases in Crete, Rhodes and Larnaca. Despite competitive intensity on our main base […] we have managed to deliver healthy financial results, validating our expansion strategy.”
PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Savvas Kammitsis
Profit Skyrockets for Salamis Tours
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
Salamis Tours’ gross profit for the first six months of the year surpassed EUR4.07 million, a dramatic improvement compared to the figure reported for the same period in 2014 which stood at just below EUR3 million.
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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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et profit for first half of the year exceeded EUR1.5 million, versus a loss of EUR10,586 registered in 2014. The company has slightly decreased its fixed assets such as property, vessels, plant, equipment and intangible items, and its current assets increased by more than EUR2.2 million.
Top Kinisis Profitable in H1
Top Kinisis Travel registered a turnover of almost EUR15 million in the first half (H1) of the year, compared to EUR11.5 million in the same period in 2014, representing an increase of almost 30 percent.
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he group’s gross profit margin stood at 8.16 percent compared to 9.31 percent in H1 2014, while its administration expenses rose by EUR108,467 to EUR907.117. According to an official statement, the board of directors is satisfied with the results, considering the fact that in spite of the economic recession, the company remained marginally profitable. It also expects that the year-end outcome will improve compared to 2014, however an eventual prolonged economic crisis in Greece might have an impact on the annual performance. OCTOBER 2015
NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS Iranian Art Adorns the Capital's Cultural Scene
Getting to Know Nicosia through Technology
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A painting by Fakhreddin Mokhberi
ity of Nicosia is a new mobile application available in Greek, English and Russian, which provides all the necessary information one needs to know about the capital. Through the software, developed by Dot.Cy, users can access Nicosia Municipality’s latest announcements and be up to date with events held throughout the city. Other features include a list of upcoming developments as well as the destination’s main attractions. In addition, a map of Nicosia with special reference to museums, art galleries, parking areas and many more, is also available. The application can be downloaded free of charge to mobile devices using the iOS, Android or Windows operating systems.
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he Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Centre Pallouriotissa Old Market hosted, for the first time in the island’s history, paintings by the famous Iranian artist Fakhreddin Mokhberi. Held under the auspices of Constantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia, the exhibition enabled locals and tourists to learn more about the culture of the Middle Eastern country by displaying portraits as well as depictions of the state’s natural landscape and traditions.
City of Nicosia app
Nicosia to Welcome New Museum
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icosia Municipality applauded the cabinet’s decision to launch an international architectural competition for the construction of the New Cyprus Museum. The move comes soon after a relevant proposal by Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus. According to the municipality, the new facility is necessary in order to preserve and highlight the 8,000-year-old civilisation of the island and it will eventually become a development pole for the capital.
OCTOBER 2015
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MARKET UPDATE
Lanitis Golf Reduces Shareholders’ Loss Lanitis Golf, the owner of 1.6km2 land in Limassol, announced that for the first six months of the year, the company’s loss dropped to EUR151,489, down from EUR160,768 in 2014.
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he net assets value of the business decreased marginally year-on-year to EUR61.47 million. The firm has been granted the final official government license for the development of Limassol Greens Golf Resort and aims to create a contemporary integrated leisure and residential community project that includes luxurious villas and apartments, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Cabell Robinson, a golf club, spa and sports centre, as well as commercial and retail facilities.
Limni Resorts Records Loss Cyprus Limni Resorts & Golfcourses, the owner of about 3.3km2 land in the Limni and Kinousa area, has recorded a loss of EUR494,250 for the first half of the year, slightly higher than in the corresponding period in 2014 when the amount stood at EUR485,619.
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espite the fact that the company has minor revenues from agricultural activities, the negative figures relate to operational expenses for the maintenance of immovable property. In the same statement, the entity notes that money spent for consultancy fees, construction works, financing costs and other expenses related to the development of Limni Bay, an integrated mixed-use resort, are capitalised in the balance sheets and are not treated as expenses.
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Limni Bay villa
OCTOBER 2015
MARKET UPDATE
Increased Turnover, Reduced Profits for Louis As per the consolidated financial statement for the half year ended June 30, Louis achieved to boost its income by 1.3 percent to EUR91.79 million, compared to EUR90.59 million in the same period in 2014.
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perating profit before interest, taxes, depreciations and hotel rents, however, dropped 11 percent to EUR14.97 million; a decline mainly attributed to the results of the two subsidiaries, Louis Cruises and Louis Hotels. Due to the fact that the company is actively present in the Greek market, annual financial results are expected to be largely affected by the Mediterranean country’s economic instability, as well as the group’s loan restructuring provisions.
July Brings Healthy Rise Cyprus’ tourism regained its strength in July with an 8.5 percent year-on-year increase in visitors influx, according to data compiled by the country’s Statistical Service.
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uring the month under review, the number of tourists totalled 414,527, compared to 381,955 in July 2014. A surge of 22.5 percent was recorded in arrivals from the UK with figures climbing from 127,152 in 2014 to 155,813 this July. Rises of 65 and 55.5 percent respectively were also registered from Israel and Greece with over 15,000 individuals entering Cyprus from each of the two countries. On the other hand, numbers from Russia declined 17.6 percent, from Sweden 1.5 percent and from Norway 12.8 percent. For the period between January and July, arrivals reached 1,450,427 compared to 1,361,794 in the corresponding period in 2014, marking an improvement of 6.5 percent.
OCTOBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS NAUTICAL Demetriades: Maritime Training Is Investment, Not Expense
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igh-quality maritime education and training should be on top of the national agendas of all maritime nations, emphasised Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, at the official signing of an agreement between the University of Nicosia, the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the Maritime Institute of the Eastern Mediterranean and Intercollege for a maritime academy. As Demetriades pinpointed, in the last decade the shipping industry has on several occasion warned against an impending shortage of qualified labour onboard CY-REGION-flagged ships. “The availability of skilled human resources is at the very core of economic growth and employment […],” the minister stressed, underlining that even in times of world economic turmoil, maritime training should not be considered an expense but an investment.
Limassol Marina Boasts 10,000m2 Boatyard
Limassol Port Revitalised
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ocated just behind the showroom, Limassol Marina’s extensive boatyard is fully operational, offering an array of services. Complete with a well-stocked chandlery, the facility is served by a 100-tonne travel lift, a 40tonne trailer and slipway, and it provides a hard standing area of just over 10,000m2. To ensure utmost convenience to residents and owners, the boatyard is supported by a dedicated team of marina attendants, all experts in maintenance, light repairs and other services.
W Limassol Marina boatyard
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ith Limassol Port’s new passenger reception area set to be soon completed, the facility is expected to welcome even more tourists this season. Authorities aim to achieve practical and operational efficiency in order to guarantee a positive first impression of the city and Cyprus as a destination. Enhancing the image of the coastal location, Limassol Tourism Board constantly organises special events upon the arrival of cruise ships, giving visitors the chance to get in touch with the local culture, enjoy Cypriot folklore music and dances, and traditional drinks. Every year, the port receives more than 200,000 travellers who reach Cyprus’ shores in large cruise vessels. OCTOBER 2015
NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS
Jet Ski Dock Installed at Limassol Marina
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roving once again its commitment to meet all needs of its visitors, Limassol Marina recently welcomed its first jet ski dock, installed by the development’s expert marina supervisors and attendants. The team at Limassol Marina is available around the clock. Staff members’ usual duties span regular boat checks and maintenance, marina sweeps, arrival and departure assistance, provision of support services, like refuelling and oil pump-out, as well as a boatyard and technical services.
Superyacht at Limassol Marina
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imassol Marina welcomed yet another superyacht, reaffirming the project’s status and growing appeal on the international stage. Exuding elegance and luxury, the floating sensation has spent several months on the island, displaying its classic undertones and exclusive interiors. Hailed as the first superyacht facility in Cyprus, Limassol Marina has been attracting a string of visitors since its opening thanks to its 650 berths and manager and operator, Camper & Nicholsons’ initiatives.
OCTOBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS AEGEAN Supports Cypriot Youth
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aving completed 10 years of operation in Cyprus, AEGEAN Airlines enhanced its dynamic presence in the country by taking another important step. With the aim to relieve family budgets and support Cypriot students studying in Greek universities, the carrier launched Supporting the Youth, a new programme that includes the sponsorship of 1,600 tickets for 50 individuals. Originally introduced in Greece in 2014, the initiative targets freshmen of the current academic year and the evaluation of applications will be based mainly on socioeconomic criteria, as well as the grade of admission at the establishment.
Cypriot Embassy Opens in Saudi Arabia
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he Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the government of Saudi Arabia agreed to establish a Cypriot embassy in Riyadh, and appoint Nicos Panayi as the island’s diplomat in the Middle Eastern country. A representative of the Kingdom was recently accredited to Cyprus after almost 50 years, as in June, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, received the credentials of Essam Ibrahim Bait Almal, ambassador to Cyprus, Saudi Arabia. Anastasiades commented, “Saudi Arabia is a priority partner for Cyprus because of its leading role in the Muslim world and the Middle East. In recent years, our two countries have been working to improve the framework for promoting trade and economic relations between them. Negotiations for a Double Taxation Agreement began in 2014. The potential between us is considerable and has to be further explored.”
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Riyadh
2, 0km 2 9 6 , ,149 is 23 At 2 Arabia as i ig Saud es as b tim yprus? C
OCTOBER 2015
MONTHLY NEWS KPMG: Cyprus to Lure Young and Female Golf Aficionados
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ith the number of golf enthusiasts on the rise across Europe, Cyprus has the potential to attract even more golfers, according to KPMG’s recently released report. Based on data, from those visiting the island for its golf credentials 69 percent are men, while women and juniors account for 23 and eight percent, respectively, leaving room for future growth with a keen focus on young and female golf fans. Continent-wide there are currently 4,178,754 registered and an estimated 3.5 million nonregistered golfers, the majority of which are based in England and Ireland. KPMG’s report was pointed out by Minthis Hills, one of the most popular destinations on the island among golfers.
Successful Excavations at Chlorakas-Palloures
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he Department of Antiquities and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works completed the first season of excavations at the Chalcolithic site of Chlorakas-Palloures. The works have been executed by Leiden University’s team consisting of 24 members with a wide range of specialisations. Located in Paphos region, Chlorakas-Palloures is one of the best known excavation locations with the most famous Chalcolithic artefacts being picrolite cruciform figurines. This year’s campaign included the creation of a 3D model of the site, executing geophysical research with a ground penetrating radar, and the excavation of five trenches in one of the plots over which the site extends. The remains of four Chalcolithic round houses were unearthed, along with a plethora of other findings.
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OCTOBER 2015
MONTHLY NEWS Cyprus Introduces Export Helpdesk
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n line with its effort to support Cypriot exporters, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism has launched a new service, the Export Helpdesk. Through the country’s commercial hubs which are operating abroad, the newly-introduced initiative offers assistance to Cypriot businessmen, allowing them to penetrate new markets in an easier and more efficient way. The government expects the service to become a valuable tool on the island’s business scene, one that will further boost Cyprus’ image abroad and open up new opportunities.
Cyprus among Safest Countries in the World
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ccording to ValuePenguin, a New York-based intelligence provider for consumers, Cyprus ranks as the fifth safest country out of 107 states, both as land of residency as well as a holiday destination. The island made it to the top five along with Switzerland, Singapore, Spain and Japan. As the report underlines, Cyprus appeared high on the list, being ranked 21st overall in national police personnel, with 466 officers per 100,000 citizens, while it also came 22nd regarding thefts, with 111 instances per 100,000 people. In addition, in the small countries category with a population of less than five million, the Mediterranean destination finished first, with Ireland, Iceland, Costa Rica and Luxemburg following closely.
OCTOBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS
Itinerary Proposals for Paphos Day Trips
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aking into consideration the needs and preferences of free independent travellers, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, in collaboration with a number of specialised partners, has created personalised day trip suggestions. The initiative, which will see the launch of a total of nine alternatives, aims to enable visitors to the city, to discover a larger spectrum of unique experiences. For this reason, day trips cover themes such as archaeology, legends and traditions, meeting locals and the city, countryside and natural landscapes, wine and gastronomy, religion, as well as Akamas’ flora and fauna.
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Paphos Enters Funding Race
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n a bid to secure European Union resources for the development and upgrade of the city’s tourism product, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism has submitted four proposals in the past few months for funding projects which mainly concern cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, research and innovation. The initiatives in question include CHERISH, SMART – DEST, CHRISTA and COSME TOUR which are expected to contribute more than EUR655,000 to the destination’s treasury and will see Paphos working with other European countries such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Croatia, Italy, Austria and Greece.
Ayia Napa Promotes Cypriot Hospitality
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yia Napa inaugurated a number of new cultural routes in the town’s area in order to revive unique Cypriot traditions. According to Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, the municipality strives to enrich the tourist experience and a series of newly-launched events will now help visitors get acquainted with local customs and traditions. “In such a simple way, we offer tourists the opportunity to take home with them, aside the sun and the blue sea, a bit of Cypriot history and culture as well,” said Karousos.
OCTOBER 2015
MONTHLY NEWS Wine Festival: Another Successful Year
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elebrating its 54th anniversary, Limassol’s popular annual event, the Wine Festival took place in late August. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, who was present at the programme’s inauguration, noted that wine has always been a reference point for the country and an integral part of its culture, as Cyprus was the first wine producer in the Mediterranean region and the second worldwide and the excellent drinks produced on the island managed to maintain their uniqueness and reputation up to this day. According to Lakkotrypis, today more than 50 wineries operate across the country and the government achieved to secure EUR1.2 million funding for 12 of them in 2014 and this year alone.
Medieval Times Restored in Ayia Napa
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yia Napa will revive the old ages by staging the 10th Medieval Festival which will run between October 10 – 17, in the popular coastal town. The event will be officiated by Costas Kadis, education and culture minister, Cyprus, who will also deliver the opening speech. The festival will include various group parades, bringing to life the spirit of the medieval era, and will also host international teams of street theatre artists from the Netherlands, Germany, Belarus, Ukraine and Italy.
OCTOBER 2015
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MONTHLY NEWS
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n a recent visit to Famagusta, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, proclaimed the launch of projects worth EUR95 million in the district, with developments due to commence by year-end or early 2016. Amongst others, Paralimni Municipality will also greatly benefit from the initiatives as the plans include the upgrading of Pernera Avenue, the redevelopment of the town’s centre with pavements and extra parking spaces, as well as the creation of a kids’ club and a museum. In addition, the communities of Derynia and Sotira will also welcome enhancements. Anastasiades revealed that Avgorou has plans for an amphitheatre and Sotira is preparing the ground for the construction of a cultural centre and a library.
EUR64 Million Worth of Projects in Larnaca
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Famagusta to Witness Improvements
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la f Ha ue o naca q s o r m The an in La most Sult ong the places is am ant holy ? rt impo of Islam
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n line with the government’s aim to enhance infrastructure across the island, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, announced developments worth EUR64 million in Larnaca district. Upcoming projects include beach protection measures in Oroklini, such as breakwaters, the improvement of the Larnaca fishing shelter and a solid waste management programme which will stretch from the Phinikoudes promenade to Makenzie beach. More ventures are to ameliorate the coastal destination’s various municipalities, including Dromolaxia, Aradippou, Athienou, Lefkara, as well as the communities of Oroklini and Zygi.
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OCTOBER 2015
ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS
CYPRUS TO WELCOME REZIDOR
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ocated seven kilometres from Larnaka International Airport, the upper-upscale property will offer 105 rooms and serviced apartments, a restaurant and bar, club lounge, a pool bar on the fifth floor, a spa and health club, conference room, themed restaurants and cafés, as well as exclusive shops on the ground level. According to Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, the development marks a significant step in the island’s financial recovery and will pave the way for further local and international hotel investments. “Our entry into Cyprus provides an excellent opportunity for us, and Larnaca is a major city which fits well with our Radisson Blu strategy,” explained Neumann.
Larnaca
The Rezidor Hotel Group announced its first project in Cyprus. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Larnaca is already under construction and is scheduled to open in 2017.
Columbia Beach Resort Honoured for Philanthropy Efforts
Thanos Hotels Backs Turtle Conservation
OCTOBER 2015
Turtle at Thanos Hotels
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olumbia Beach Resort has been recognised with The Couture Travel Company’s Award of Excellence and Philanthropy. In collaboration with Sparks, a charity dedicated to promoting children’s health, the luxury holiday provider and its hotel partners work to ensure a meaningful contribution to medical research year after year. The resort offered a four-night stay gift voucher to the charity’s Rick Wakeman Golf Celebrity Classic, Concert and Gala Dinner, which was attended by some 180 high-profile individuals. Elaborating on the property’s efforts, Anthea Vikis, marketing manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts, noted, “Providing hospitality with heart extends far deeper than simply safeguarding our direct guests’ experiences: it is not merely at the core of what we do as a touristic entity, but of who we are.”
Louis Hotels Prepares for St. Elias Resort
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hanos Hotels is playing its part in protecting the environment by being an active participant of the Cyprus Turtle Conservation Project. The company has declared its support for the initiative and its team members will help in any way they can to monitor and protect hatchlings. In recent years, major steps have been taken in Cyprus to ensure the existence of these small reptiles in the long term. Areas such as Lara Reserve are now protected under the fisheries law to allow the turtles to reclaim their home. The nationwide conservation project aims to manage nesting beaches, human activity and monitor the island’s turtle population.
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he popular Ayios Elias Village in Protaras is expected to reopen its doors on May 1, 2016, as an all-inclusive resort with a brand-new face. Situated on a green hillside overlooking Protaras bay, the property will be renamed as St. Elias Resort. The renovation plan includes a full and complete facelift of all the 150 rooms and public areas, the construction of a 200m2 pool with Jacuzzi, the addition of two water slides to the existing pool, which will be also fully renovated, and a spa area comprising a gym, sauna, steam bath and treatment rooms. As the company prepares for the new opening, it takes pride in recent awards from Tripadvisor, Zoover, Travelife and Thomas Cook all of which recognise the excellence and quality of The King Jason, Paphos; Louis Imperial Beach, Paphos; Louis Phaethon Beach Hotel, Paphos and The Royal Apollonia, Limassol.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Almyra Presents Elite Training Camps
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lmyra, a Design Hotels member is attracting fitness enthusiasts, striking a perfect balance between a boutique hotel and a boot camp. The 189-room family-run resort is located on the coastline of Paphos, and plays host to a year-round series of triathlon and swimming camps, where each of the sessions is led by world-class coaches and athletes. Whether looking to escape the monotony of the gym or simply to improve personal fitness, Almyra’s training camps are offering a unique alternative, combining a luxurious holiday with an intense sports programme.
Almyra
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Healthy Breakfast at Anassa
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n a bid to offer health-cautious guests more alternatives to the traditionally popular items, Anassa has introduced a new breakfast concept. Led by David Goodridge, executive chef, Anassa, the initiative includes a new energy section with a wide selection of fruits, homemade jams and an array of succulent breads, croissants and other pastries, all baked at the hotel. Focussing on being more healthy, the concept produces dairy and fat-free foods, and guests can complete their meals with a variety of vegetables, grains, nuts and oats.
Healthy breakfast at Anassa
New Villas from Aphrodite Hills Resort
Columbia Draws Attention to Healthy Choices
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ollowing the success of the completion, delivery and sale of the first 10 front-line sea-view villas of Alexander Heights phase one, Aphrodite Hills Resort has launched the sale of the next 10 estates at phase two. At 120m above sea level, the two-storey buildings with landscaped gardens and large infinity-edge swimming pools will enjoy uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea. Construction of the second stage of the project began in September with works due to be completed by March 2017. Meanwhile, the Alexander Heights apartments and junior villas of phase one have been completed and delivery to the purchasers has already commenced.
Columbia Beach Resort
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ommitted to its wellbeing approach, Columbia Beach Resort held a special night at the end of August to celebrate the benefits of healthy dishes under the dim light of the full moon. The hotel’s creative team of chefs composed a menu focalised around items that feed both body and soul at the dedicated Full Moon Dinner, which was organised under the theme Eat. Love. Live. Each component of the sixcourse degustation menu embodied a different emotion or spiritual state, such as love, intelligence, courage, imagination or passion, based upon the ingredients used in giving life to the dish.
OCTOBER 2015
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IN FOCUS & TRAVEL TALK
We are delighted to be working with Quality Group
NAME:
Alessio Pitzalis
POSITION:
Head chef
COMPANY:
Columbia Beach Resort
LOCATION:
Limassol, Cyprus
WEBSITE:
www.columbiaresort.com
WOLFGANG NEUMANN President, The Rezidor Hotel Group
“[In launching Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Larnaca,] we are delighted to be working with Quality Group which is an established developer in Cyprus, and SunnySeeker Hotels as the renowned third-party hotel management company, and we thank them for this opportunity to introduce the only branded hotel to the city.”
What sparked your interest in the culinary world? I grew up in Sardinia which has a rich history of fishing and agriculture. Of course, readily available fresh ingredients and a family that loves to cook meant that I got to hone my skills from a young age. Having worked at both stand-alone restaurants as well as accommodation establishments, what can you say of the rhythm in a hotel kitchen? I feel that there is more freedom in hotels from a culinary perspective. The environment is more open, and breeds experimentation. Perhaps it is because hotels famously cater to guests from all around the world. It is wonderful for chefs, because it means that a hotel’s team of chefs can really draw on its varied experience, and unite to create an identity; the soul of the kitchen. What is your impression of the Columbia family? I am loving every minute of it. The team of chefs is great, and I particularly like my boss, Ioannis Giakoumidis, executive chef, Columbia Beach Resort. I am also intrigued by the restaurant offerings here, from gourmet Italian to traditional Cypriot, and international: there is something for everyone. So far, I have worked extensively in the Apollo Taverna – which is rusticity incarnate, using bold, traditional flavours – and I am slowly getting to know my way around the gourmet Italian Bacchus kitchen as well, which is focussed on refined flavours, delicacy and culinary charm.
OCTOBER 2015
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
CTO Follows UNWTO’s Lead Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) took part in the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s second conference on destination management in the Mediterranean region.
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eld in Budva, Montenegro under the theme Quality: The Key Driver for Success in the Mediterranean Destinations, the event created a collaborative platform on which the participating regions jointly explored the process of enhancing competitiveness and achieving a high-quality visitor experience. Annita Demetriadou, acting director general, CTO, represented Cyprus and gave valuable insights in a session titled Product Development, Diversification and Innovation: A Strategic Approach for Developing Sustainable, Quality and Innovative Tourism Products.
Conference Unites Overseas Cypriots
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he opening ceremony of the 18th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, and the Executive Council Meeting of Young Overseas Cypriots was held at Filoxenia Conference Centre, in Nicosia, in late August. With the support and cooperation of telecommunications provider, Cyta, the ceremony was also broadcast live online via Cytanet Live Streaming on the website of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Paphos Turns to Film Industry
Larnaca to Host New Campus
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ecognising the importance of providing services to filmmakers and the multiple benefits this can bring to the local economy, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism has set up the Pafos Regional Film Committee. The main aim of the new entity is to provide help and support to both Cypriot as well as international moviemakers who are interested in producing and filming their TV or cinematographic works in the district. The committee will play host to crews and provide them with necessary contact information to local professionals, hotels and other accommodation options, and will also facilitate entrance and filming in popular tourist hotspots, airports, ports as well as archaeological areas.
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iming to prepare experts in the field of oil and gas, the University of Cyprus is setting up a Hydrocarbon Research Institute and a Department of Chemical Engineering for Hydrocarbons. Spreading across 54,000m2, the new campus will be housed at an existing facility in Larnaca. The move is being deemed vital for the coastal city as it will revive and further improve the local economy. As Constantinos Christofides, rector, University of Cyprus, pinpointed, the choice of the location is ideal, and the university will respect and cherish the green spaces of the area.
University of Cyprus
OCTOBER 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...
Ayia Napa promotes tradition on the streets
Elpis Tourism & Hospitality Seminars awarded Elysium’s chef Marios Perikleous for promoting traditional Cypriot cuisine
Belgian fans came to watch their national team play against Cyprus and were hosted at Asty Hotel
OCTOBER 2015
Music producer and DJ Marcus Schulz got his own star on Ayia Napa's square of celebrities
Two Swedish couples were honoured for visiting Ayia Napa 26 times
British celebrity chef Paul Hollywood joined Thanos Hotels’ turtle conservation project
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NEWS & EVENTS Simon Brown Introduces Cyprus to UK Audience
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he High Commission of Cyprus organised an event in London to promote the tourism and culture of the Cypriot countryside through the photographs of the widely-known artist, Simon Brown. Held in conjunction with Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the exhibition showcased the villages, churches and the people of the island that has become a source of inspiration for the photographer. As Euripides Evriviades, high commissioner to the UK, Cyprus, noted, the unique images of rural Cyprus bring visitors closer to an authentic experience and present the island as a social and cultural destination.
EVENTS 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.
Contemporary Dance Comes under the Spotlight TOUCH OF SOUL
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yprus’ Ministry of Education and Culture in collaboration with Rialto Theatre will be hosting the 16th Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform. Organised between March 18 – 20, 2016, the annual event’s next installment will focus on original contemporary dance creations of non-commercial type, which have not been presented in
the country or abroad yet. Important figures of the global modern dance scene are being invited to the festival to exchange views with performers and the audience. Apart from its main programme at Rialto Theatre, the festival will include a bouquet of parallel events, performances and discussions at various locations in Limassol.
LEMESIA
Summer Workshop in Lefkara
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n line with its endeavours to promote and safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of the country, Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO organised a summer workshop for artists and creators in Lefkara in early September. Focussing on the village’s traditional local art of embroidery, the initiative targeted students and graduates of visual and applied arts, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, illustration, ceramics, as well as interior, fashion and graphic design. During their four-day stay, participants had the chance to learn from with the tourist hotspot’s lace makers and cooperate with them on new projects.
Lefkara lace
CTO Promotes Unknown Locales
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) held a competition for those involved in the local tourism and gastronomy field, in order to choose the island’s European Destination of Excellence. The contest aimed to highlight and promote non-traditional tourist hotspots that offer authen-
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Nicosia October 12 www.presidency.gov.cy Under the auspices of Andri Anastasiades, first lady of Cyprus, the performance promises to touch the depths of the soul, by travelling in time through live music and dance.
Limassol October 16 – 15 www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy One of the most important international sporting celebrations in Cyprus, the event is organised for the 17th year by Limassol Municipality.
BEETHOVEN: COMPLETE WORKS FOR VIOLONCELLO AND PIANO - PART I Nicosia October 31 www.ledramusic.org Péter Somodari and Nicolas Costantinou revive Beethoven’s pioneer work which combined piano and cello. The classical composer’s sonatas are representative of his three periods of artistic creation.
tic travel experiences based on their local gastronomy. In addition, the initiative draws attention to the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist locations and supports and recognises those working towards to social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.
OCTOBER 2015