JANUARY 2016 - ISSUE 35
06 MINI REPORT: HOW CAN TOURISM BUSINESSES BENEFIT EACH OTHER
MARKET UPDATE
ONE SUCCESSFUL TOURISM YEAR
15 10 Air
INTERVIEW WITH DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU
14 Accommodation 17 Travel Talk
19 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
One Successful
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Tourism Year
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic
BASED ON YEAR-TO-DATE STATISTICS UP TO OCTOBER 2015, CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION (CTO) ESTIMATES THAT TRAVELLER FIGURES EXCEEDED 2.6 MILLION IN 2015, REACHING OR SURPASSING THE LANDMARK YEAR OF 2001 WHICH WAS ONE OF THE BEST PERIODS FOR THE CYPRIOT SECTOR.
PRESS Maria Demetriadou 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
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WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel
n October alone, tourist numbers totalled 269,363, surging 7.1 percent year-on-year. Visitors from the UK, Germany and Greece registered the highest increases at 13.3 percent, 29.5 percent and 34.7 percent, respectively. For the first 10 months of 2015, arrivals touched 2.47 million, climbing 7.4 percent compared to the same period in 2014, the second best performance ever for the Cypriot tourism industry following 2001’s levels.
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TOURIST SPEND BOOSTED According to data revealed by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), in September 2015, revenue from the industry registered an impressive year-on-year growth of 17.4 percent, climbing to EUR321.1 million.
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his was complimented by a three percent boost in average expenditure per person, as well as 9.4 percent surge in per day expenses. Concerning the first nine months of 2015, income from tourism followed a similar upward path with the total figure rising 3.2 percent year-onyear, to touch EUR1.75 billion.
JANUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS NICOSIA
Nicosia Strategic Plan Presented in London
Eleftheria Square Forges Ahead
C Eleftheria Square rendering
onstruction works continue apace at Eleftheria Square as concrete has been laid on the bridge connecting the development to the old part of the city. Christos Passas, associate director, Zaha Hadid Architects, commented that through an urban intervention, the project aspires to functionally reorganise the centre and contribute towards the creation of a 21st century capital city. “We are constructing a square, a public space which architecturally connects the natural and the artificial environment and is guided by the principles of providing free access and movement to all,” Passas elaborated.
Nicosia Shows Green Face
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icosia Municipality was recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, for its eco drive governing procurements with third parties. Specifically, the municipality signed a contract to commission 13 mini buses with low CO2 emissions to connect the city centre with the suburbs. Nicosia takes part in the Covenant of Mayors, the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in their territories. Through their commitment, covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20 percent CO2 reduction objective by 2020.
Nicosia
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JANUARY 2016
onstantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia, participated in a meeting held in the UK capital by the Research centre in Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging Technologies (RISE), in collaboration with University College London. The visit aimed at presenting the development strategy of Nicosia in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as other initiatives planned in the city. Moreover, delegates sought to strengthen the destination’s competitiveness by developing new partnerships with UK-based bodies, hence the mayor’s meetings with various research and innovation agencies, to exchange views and reinforce Nicosia’s position as a smart European capital.
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MONTHLY NEWS
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CTO: Learn English in Cyprus
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n a bid to promote the island as an ideal destination for studying the English language, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) took part in The ICEF Berlin Workshop. The event, which brings together international educators and carefully screened, quality student recruitment agents at networking sessions, hosted 1,094 education agents who travelled to the German capital for three days of targeted meetings, seminars and networking with 1,077 international educators, 146 service providers, as well as 43 work and travel professionals. Overall, representatives from 98 countries participated in 27,226 prescheduled meetings.
Limassol Marina Nears Completion IMO headquarters
Cyprus Re-elected in IMO Council
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ive years after the launch of Limassol Marina, 90 percent of its residential apartments and 60 percent of the villas have already been sold, the majority of which are now also inhabited. Built on the sea with direct access to a sandy beach or private berths attached to each individual property, Peninsula Villas are hailed as the only homes of their kind on the island. As part of an integrated development, the residents are in close proximity to the heart of the vibrant city and can benefit from the commercial area’s numerous facilities and services on offer, such as a spa and fitness club, restaurants, cafés, bars and shops.
Limassol Marina
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yprus was represented at the assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London. Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, addressed the event, where the country was re-elected as member of the council for the 2016 – 2017 biennium in category C. Cyprus was chosen as a destination with special interests in maritime transport or navigation whose election to IMO will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world. Demetriades said, “International shipping is vital for the socioeconomic development of a state, especially for developing least developed and small island states.”
JANUARY 2016
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Pafos2017 to Appoint Official Merchandise Supplier
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he managing committee of Pafos2017 European Capital of Culture invited interested parties to submit proposals for designing, producing, distributing and selling merchandise based on the campaign’s core brand. Up until the end of this month, the organisation will seek bids from companies wishing to serve as a Pafos2017 official merchandise supplier for a period to be agreed between the entities.
Paphos Arrival Levels Improved
Paphos Castle
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ccording to recent data, Paphos proved to be a particularly popular choice among British, German, Austrian, Dutch, French and Polish tourists in the period between May – October 2015. Overall, traveller numbers to the district increased by up to 10 percent year-on-year. Moreover, as Pafos Regional Board of Tourism announced, the area also witnessed a considerable boost in its respective share of total arrivals to Cyprus.
DID YOU KNOW... The city of Paphos has a history which can be traced 2,300 years back?
JANUARY 2016
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MINI REPORT
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HOW CAN TOURISM BUSINESSES BENEFIT
Each Other? THIS IS A QUESTION IN THE MINDS OF MANY LOCALS, AS PAPHOS IS FACING – MORE THAN OTHER DISTRICTS – THE EFFECTS OF SEASONALITY AND THE LINGERING IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS.
MARIA KAZELI WRITES
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afos2017 European Capital of Culture collaborated with Cyins of Creativity, a non-profit trade organisation for creative and cultural entrepreneurship in Cyprus, to bring together crucial players of the leisure and tourism industry in order to explore potentials for cooperation. Through an open-air factory framework, the Mosaic Perspectives seminar gave participants the chance to collectively examine and develop innovative and creative solutions for the commercial challenges faced by the sector. During the event, speakers highlighted various aspects of the industry with particular attention paid to ways of setting up a successful business. In a project led by Marko Savić, business designer, Design for Europe, attendees were given the task to delve into the world of entrepreneurship through a carefully-designed workshop that offered useful insights analysing the classic Business Model Canvas
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2 JANNUARY 2016
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MINI REPORT
CYPRUS: TOURISM FACTS
2015:
2.5+ MILLION ARRIVALS
template. Participants coming from various backgrounds offered their own interpretations and thoughts on a start-up’s value propositions, key resources and revenue streams, while they also had the opportunity to discover the story behind the highly-controversial venture Airbnb, a community marketplace where travellers can book private accommodation around the world. Along the same lines, Benjamin Brown, policy advisor, Design Council UK, informed attendees on the significance of design for the overall image and future development of a company and cited the example of successful entities like Google and Apple that, following careful planning of how they present themselves to the world, managed to excel in their respective fields.
Specifically focussing on the tourism sector, Philippos Drousiotis, chairman, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, elaborated on the organisation’s actions for bringing holiday-makers closer to an authentic Cypriot experience. He also commented that the endeavours have been well received by various hoteliers who endorsed initiatives such as providing cloth bags free of charge to self-catering hotel apartments in order to avoid the use of plastic supermarket bags. In addition, Tasos Anastasiou, proprietor, Tasmaria Hotel Apartments, analysed the concept of all-inclusive and its effects on Cypriot businesses. With a significant number of Paphos-based restaurants and cafés shutting their doors in recent years allegedly due to the influx of all-inclusive resorts in the area, he focussed on how stakeholders can constructively work together in order to offer visitors a diversified and authentic experience. Speakers and attendees eventually found common ground; even though Cyprus is not positioned as a unique destination and even if its product needs serious improvement to be able to be comparable to international competitors backed by major tour operators, the island has the potential, and the only way forward is collaboration.
NEARLY 60%
FROM EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES
OVER 35% FROM THE UK
TOP MARKETS: UK & RUSSIA
2 JANNUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Winter Training Course for Hotel Workers
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he Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Security issued a training project for employees of hotels fully- or partially-suspended between November 2015 – March. The purpose of the project, which is operated by the social insurance services, is to provide training opportunities to hospitality staff during off-season in an effort to improve their professional skills, hence upgrade the island’s tourist product.
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DID YOU KNOW... PCCI has played an important role in the development of Paphos and today lists more than 500 members?
Ayia Napa
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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), in collaboration with Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, Cyprus Hotel Association and many other local industry professionals, held a meeting to examine the matter of seasonality in the district. Hosted at Thanos Hotels’ property, Almyra, the event dealt with issues such as accessibility, improvement of tourist product, competitiveness, promotion of the island as a winter destination and to costs faced by the hospitality industry.
Ayia Napa Supports Winter Tourism
Participants in the meeting
PCCI Discusses Seasonality
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ookings from the Russian market are on the rise during the winter season in Ayia Napa, the municipality announced. As there are 15 scheduled flights from Moscow and three services from St Petersburg arriving to the island every week, the municipality urged hoteliers to keep their premises open during winter in order to cater to tourists’ needs. In accordance, Ayia Napa Municipality prepared and distributed a list with hotels remaining operational throughout the colder months.
JANUARY 2016
Travel Trade Luxury is a worldwide luxury travel trade publication. Travel Trade Luxury is brought out monthly. It is published both in digital and printed format. Its digital readership is based on the 150,000 readers which the Travel Trade Publications platform enjoys. Readers include agents specialising in individual luxury travel, group luxury travel, travel counsellors and advisors, luxury travel DMCs and all other luxury products and services. Travel Trade Luxury is also distributed to the major travel trade exhibitions and specialised luxury shows and events. Travel Trade Luxury contains informative current news on luxury destinations and products. It also includes specialised luxury destination reports with in-depth analyses of issues related to the luxury segment.
MONTHLY NEWS AIR
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Swiss Company Offers New Flights to Cyprus
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Bern
s of the coming summer season, Hotelplan Suisse, in collaboration with affiliated company Helvetic Airways, will launch air links as well as holiday packages to Cyprus. Starting in May, the airline will offer one weekly flight from Bern to the Mediterranean island. In addition, the group is targeting the wider region with new routes also planned for Crete, Kos, Rhodes and Mallorca. Kurt Eberhard, CEO, Hotelplan Suisse, commented on linking the Swiss city to the Mediterranean saying, “We are pleased to have been able to expand our offering by allowing, not only holiday-makers in the region of Bern, but also those of central Switzerland, to enjoy a shorter and more comfortable transport.”
Blue Air to Introduce Luton Services
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elebrating one year since the launch of its business base in Cyprus, Romanian carrier Blue Air announced the launch of flights from Larnaca to London’s Luton Airport. With the thrice-weekly services commencing on April 25, Tudor Constantinescu, chief commercial officer, Blue Air, commented that the company is particularly pleased to have gained the trust of Cypriot travellers, a fact which justifies further development into the country’s aviation market. “Following the great support we had on the routes to Athens and Thessaloniki, the number of flights to the two Greek cities will grow during our summer programme,” he added, explaining that Blue Air will offer 10 – 14 weekly operations to the Greek capital and three to five to Thessaloniki.
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JANUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS Cyprus’ UNESCO Intangible Heritage Enriched
Renewed Interest in Religious Tourism
Arkatena
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he Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Culture announced that an additional eight new inscriptions have been incorporated in the country’s UNESCO national list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. These include two types of lace, the art of basket weaving and dry stone, the Limassol Carnival, the Flood Fair, Arkatena – a type of circular crunchy bread – and lastly, a type of matting made in the municipality of Kapouti. According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage refers to traditions or living expressions inherited from ancestors and passed on to descendants.
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) met with representatives of the Holy Archbishopric, various cathedrals, monasteries and the Holy Synod’s office of pilgrimages, in order to explore ways of strengthening collaboration between the authority and The Church of Cyprus. The two parties agreed to take common actions to improve and promote religious tourism in the country. Participants discussed suggestions put forward and CTO presented relevant initiatives undertaken throughout 2015, such as the mapping of 20 pilgrimage routes, the creation of a thematic guidebook and other audiovisual material, as well as the hosting of congresses and events to support the niche segment.
JANUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Big European Markets Benefit Cyprus
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rom June to August 2015, Cyprus saw arrivals from France improving 31 percent year-on-year. This according to data by European Travel Commission which also suggested a five percent increase in tourist influx to the continent, compared to the same period in 2014. As Europe was able to offset the sag in tourists from Russia, growth was fuelled by established source markets such as the UK, France and Germany, contributing significantly to the positive performance of several destinations. Overall, standout growth countries were Iceland and Romania, up 27 and 18 percent, respectively. Double-digit climb was also reported by Slovenia, Serbia, Ireland and Montenegro. In the Mediterranean, Croatia, Italy, Malta and Spain also contributed to boost demand, with surges of between four and eight percent.
Positive Perspective from the Swiss Market
Ayia Napa Monastery
Athens
Switzerland
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he municipality of Ayia Napa hailed the Ministry of Interior’s decision to approve three projects announced earlier for the coastal town. Specifically, the three EUR4 million developments that received the green light concern the restoration, enhancement and promotion of the Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery; the remodelling and regeneration of the city’s northern part; as well as the creation of an urban multifunctional park.
Outbound Tourism Declines
ACTA at Digital Travel Expo
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ccording to data provided by Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the island will welcome increased number of flights from Switzerland this year. As a result, the authority expects growth in tourist arrivals from the European destination, which will also positively affect the average per capita tourist expenditure. Compared to 2015, available air capacity from Switzerland will surge 15,500 seats or 25 percent. Most notably, two German carriers, airberlin and Germania, will both launch Cyprusbound services from Switzerland linking Zurich to Larnaca.
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Ayia Napa Proceeds with New Image
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he Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) participated in Digi.travel 2015 EMEA Conference & Expo, held at Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens. The event presented the trends and the hottest issues in digital marketing and distribution for the industry, as the Europe, Middle East and Africa region is deemed as one of the most dynamic in inbound and outbound tourism. The association was represented by Vasilis Stamataris, vice president, air matters, ACTA, who took part in a roundtable discussion on new opportunities in air ticket distribution.
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ased on the results of Cyprus’ Statistical Service survey, in October 2015, 83,689 residents of the island returned from a trip abroad, compared to 108,819 in the corresponding month in 2014, recording a 23.1 percent decrease. The biggest decline was witnessed in trips to the UK with 61.8 percent fewer Cypriots travelling to the European destination. Moreover, a reduction of 6.6 percent was observed in outbound tourist flow to Greece.
JANUARY 2016
MONTHLY NEWS
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Cyprus Concluded ibtm world Participation
Enhancing Cypriot-German Relations
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yprus Convention Bureau alongside Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) took part in ibtm world in Barcelona. The delegation, headed by Michalis Metaxas, tourism director, strategy department, CTO, held more than 100 pre-arranged meetings with international buyers such as event organisers, tour operators and major airline representatives. Previously known as EIBTM, the exhibition is a leading global event for the meetings and events industry, held in the vibrant Spanish business and tourism destination, delivering a focussed environment, thought-provoking professional education and networking for exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors.
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tudents of the Higher Hotel Institute (HHIC) hosted an evening dedicated to the German cuisine, where dignitaries as well as other tourism and hotel industry stakeholders from the European country had the chance to taste the flavours of their homeland in Cyprus. The special event was jointly organised by HHIC and the German embassy in Cyprus, in the context of the Month of the German Language held for the fifth year in association with Goethe-Institut.
Cyprus Historic and Classic Car Museum
Classic Car Museum Moves to New Grounds
C DID YOU KNOW... The museum donates a portion of the entrance ticket proceeds to local charities?
JANUARY 2016
yprus Historic and Classic Motor Museum relocated to more spacious 3,000m2 premises in Limassol to benefit from better facilities. The automobile museum allows its visitors to admire an eclectic collection of classic vehicles from the last century whilst highlighting the cultural importance of the industry’s development. The oldest car in the compilation is a Ford T roadster from 1912 which has had 102 years on the road, whereas the newest exhibit is a collectable piece from 2004. The establishment also offers a classic car rental service equipped with a personal driver, ideal for weddings and tours of the city.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Louis Nausicaa to Join Family Life Collection
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Louis Nausicaa
ouis Hotels announced that its Protaras-based property, Louis Nausicaa will become a member of TUI’s Family Life. Joining the collection, Family Life Louis Nausicaa Beach will have a fresh, good-as-new feel, following an extensive makeover throughout the summer which will see almost every element of the resort transformed. The renovation programme addresses design, décor and facilities to produce a fully altered family holiday destination for all ages. Spread across 21,000m2 overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the hotel is ideally set to accommodate the features of the family-oriented group of properties which also includes establishments in Turkey, Greece and Spain.
Columbia Beach Resort Unveils High-tech Treatments
The King Jason Paphos
Louis Hotels Recognised
Columbia Beach Resort
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olumbia Beach Resort’s Hébe Spa has welcomed Elemis BIOTEC Facials to its collection of treatments, marking the first establishment on the island to own the machine. The spa’s fully-trained therapists can now deliver eight new, highly-effective, super-charged facials to reboot cellular performance, enhancing the skin’s ability to repair, renew and re-tone. Combining hands-on approach with innovation, the new offering boasts micro-current aesthetic technology, galvanic rollers, oxygen therapy, ultra-sonic peels and LED light therapy, which collectively lift facial contours, rid the skin of impurities, reduce signs of tiredness, visibly plump fine lines, gently exfoliate the skin and calm redness.
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ouis Hotels celebrated the winning of Travelife Gold Awards that recognises properties’ performance in managing their social, environmental and economic impact. To gain the much-coveted certification, hotels must meet not less than 10 criteria. The company added another feather to its cap after bagging a Thomson 4T Overall Gold Award which was presented to The King Jason Paphos in recognition of the hotel’s score over the past one year. Guest satisfaction averaged at 97.5 percent, the highest ever for the group.
JANUARY 2016
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RENDEZVOUS
UK market is in full swing due also to the strong British Pound, which mitigated the drop from Russia. In general, the year was slightly above [2014], with an additional pick-up towards the end of the year due to the unfortunate event of the airplane crash in Sharm El Sheikh.
Q & A with
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Has Limassol been affected by the decline in demand from Russia?
DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU GENERAL MANAGER, ST RAPHAEL RESORT
LEADING ONE OF LIMASSOL’S FINEST ACCOMMODATION OFFERINGS, DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU, GENERAL MANAGER, ST RAPHAEL RESORT, ELABORATES ON HOW THE CITY HAS TRANSFORMED OVER THE YEARS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SHOWCASE THIS SHIFT TO EVEN MORE TRAVELLERS.
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: How would you describe 2015 in terms of guest numbers and what are your expectations for this year? DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU: In general, 2015 was a very unpredictable year. There was the dramatic drop in the value of the Russian Rouble that evoked predictions for a decline of over 35 percent from the Russian market, which fortunately did not materialise. In general, the Russian market did show a drop, however, this was more of a magnitude of 18 – 20 percent. In addition, on the positive side was the fact that the JANUARY 2016
DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU: Limassol has been severely hit by the acute drop from the Russian market, thanks to that many hotels solely rely on this segment. On the positive side, however, we were able to reduce the impact of this market, given the excellent relation the hotels have with the tour operating partners in Russia, as well as the offers that they were able to put through the market. The final drop of Russians was in the magnitude of 20 percent.
ent market segments, cosmopolitan, and with a wonderful beach front, it is also an all-year-round destination with many facilities and services on offer. One of the biggest challenges that Limassol has to overcome is the tourism market oligopoly. I feel that we are hooked on a dominant geographical region, and that we need to be able to add other markets [to the mix] in order to [mitigate] seasonality, as well as unpredictable events. Moreover, I believe that there are additional tourism sectors, such as sports, golf, medical as well as conference tourism, that could be augmented or kick-started here in Limassol. This would definitely reduce seasonality and increase occupancy during the shoulder and winter months. Further-
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What are the hotel’s priorities for the year? What markets are you focussing on and what steps are you taking to attract new visitors? DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU: We will be focussing on geographically increasing the continental European and UK market share of the hotel. In addition we will be taking a closer look at online travel agencies and the MICE segment, to ensure that we receive our fair share from these segments as well. We will be also looking at the local market, both at the individual as well as the corporate level, as we feel that the Cypriot market is getting out of the crisis and will be having more money to spend on events and functions. Finally, we will get more active in the wedding segment in order to ensure that we achieve an increase. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What are the challenges that Limassol has to overcome in order to attract a bigger share of arrivals? DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU: Limassol is the best destination on the island. It is perfectly located, ideal for many differ-
St Raphael Resort
more, we must invest in the area of weddings. This is an important market segment that Limassol is just scratching the surface of, and it could generate a lot of income from high-spending guests. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What is needed to enhance Limassol’s image? DEMETRIS DEMETRIOU: Considering the fact that Limassol is an excellent destination, perhaps one of the best in the Mediterranean Basin, there is lack of awareness [of the city]. Limassol has positively transformed itself over the past five to 10 years and is still doing fabulous improvement works. People who visited Limassol in the past 10 years will see a different destination now. This is the message that has to go out and this is the awareness that we will have to build.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
Amathus Bags Green Award
Four Seasons Hotel Cyprus
Amathus Beach Hotel Cyprus
Four Seasons Receives Facelift
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our Seasons Hotel Cyprus announced broad renovation plans, with the property remaining closed until March 31 in order to undergo an extensive redevelopment which will transform its accommodation units and public areas. Upon completion, the hotel will welcome guests in a brand new reception and lobby area, while in the rooms, new furniture and soft furnishings, fixtures, fittings, lighting and bathrooms will create a total new look. In addition, fresh in-room technology as well as a new dining concept will be introduced. Commenting on the changes, Nick Aristou, executive director, Four Seasons Hotel Cyprus, said, “As always, these developments are our response to guest feedback and market trends, as we anticipate the wishes of our valued guests.�
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DID YOU KNOW... Amathus Beach Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World?
mathus Beach Hotel Cyprus was honoured with the Green Hotel of the Year accolade at the European Hospitality Awards in London. The management firmly believes that a fully-integrated sustainability programme must do more than just improve hotel performance, therefore, the team embarked on numerous green initiatives to establish the property as an ecologically conscious resort and a leader in such projects in Europe. Highlights of these endeavours include an advanced central geo-exchange and heat recovery system the exploits the sea water for heating and cooling purposes. Additionally, a desalination plant is also used for water supply and irrigation.
JANUARY 2016
PRESIDENT, CYPRUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
“Over the past years, we have been overwhelmed and thrilled by all the great reviews from our guests, particularly on TripAdvisor. What is even more pleasing for us is that the majority of our guests speak incredibly highly about the staff; how friendly and helpful they are, how they are able to create a feel-good atmosphere throughout the hotel day and night, and how fast they react to your requests. This is what good hospitality is all about [...].”
Our tourism sector has weaknesses we need to overcome “We owe not to remain complacent and recognise that our tourism sector has weaknesses we need to overcome. Our old hotel units, high cost of services, seasonality, lack of infrastructure, absence of sufficient air links and other negative aspects smear Cyprus’ tourism image. The sun and the sea are not enough anymore to manage to attract more quality tourists, which is our goal. Cyprus needs additional and more effective resources in order to surpass the two million tourists benchmark.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel
JANUARY 2016
HONORARY CONSUL TO CYPRUS, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
ANTIGONE HERACLIDOU
CHRIS ARISTIDOU PHIDIAS PILIDES
GENERAL MANAGER, ELIAS BEACH HOTEL
Our guests speak incredibly highly about the staff
MICHAEL KARASAVVAS
TRAVEL TALK & WHO’S MOVED
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A successful brand offers [...] a strong competitive advantage “The consumer trusts familiar brands, which give a sense of security and guide him as to the quality or product expectations and the price when choosing a hotel. A successful brand offers the hotelier a strong competitive advantage over other ‘anonymous’ hotels. That is not simply due to the well-known brand name that the hotel has but also the mechanism that supports the brand, like reservation systems and sales networks.”
ANTIGONE HERACLIDOU is the new officer of the Nicosia Tourism Board, the non-profit company whose main tasks are to promote and develop the capital’s industry and to refocus governmental and private sector efforts towards the implementation of actions in key strategic areas. Heraclidou’s duties include organising cultural, business and sport events and conferences, working with professionals from the tourism and cultural sectors, as well as lobbying for the promotion of the city as a versatile and unique destination. She has a doctorate in history from the University of London and her previous experience includes posts with the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and European University Cyprus.
Heraclidou’s duties include organising various events
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
BEST GASTRONOMIC LOCATION IN CYPRUS ANNOUNCED
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NEW PARK IN SOTIRA
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n the context of the European Destinations of Excellence initiative, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) recognised two regions on the island for their gastronomy credentials. The top spot was awarded to Pitsilia region and the second place to Xeros-Diarizos Valley in Paphos. The winning destination is known for the manufacture of traditional products such as fragrant rosewater, ham, sausage, sioutzioukko, lountza, many different kinds of sweets and jams, liqueurs and breads. Annita Demetriadou, deputy director general, CTO, commented that gastronomy is considered a cultural expression which travellers are seeking to experience unique culinary experiences and for this reason it is becoming globally one of the biggest trends in the tourism industry.
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he municipality of Sotira will soon welcome a new multisports park which is to include tennis, basketball and football courts, a skateboarding area, bicycle track, as well as an outdoor playground with fitness equipment. Giorgos Takkas, mayor, Sotira, said that the council has approved the project which is to feature a pioneering design to bring a new aesthetic to the community. “With this project we will create a unique and innovative square for Sotira, since it will be a place that combines outdoor activities for all ages, and nature will play a dominant role,� he added.
LEPTOS SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
Cyprus International 4 Day Challenge
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ver 250 runners of various ages and standards from all over the globe participated in the 11th edition of the Cyprus International 4 Day Challenge, which was sponsored by Leptos Estates. The annual event once again attracted competitors from the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, the US, Canada, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Malaysia as well as from across Cyprus. The highlight of the programme proved to be the 11km hill run on the second day and the half marathon multi-terrain run on day three, both of which took place in the Akamas nature reserve. Apart from Leptos Estates, the race was also supported by Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, among others.
JANUARY 2016
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PHOTO ALBUM
A Gingerbread House was set up at Hilton Cyprus
Lygia Vasiliou was named employee of the month at Almyra
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Hotelplan Gesch채ftsf체hrer Workshop was held at Capo Bay
Cyprus Tourism Organisation union of employees offered EUR1,352 worth of medical equipment for refugee relief efforts in Greece
JANUARY 2016
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A Christmas charity bazaar took place at Larnaka International Airport
The Mall of Cyprus welcomed Christmas with its friends
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
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CYPRUS WELCOMES OLYMPUS MAN TRIATHLON
CINDERELLA
Olympus Man Triathlon
Limassol January 2 www.alphasquare.com.cy Alpha Square presents this play, adapted and directed by Andreas Araouzos. The classic tale of Cendrillon by Charles Perault features plenty of humour and sensitivity.
LEFKOSIA LOOP FESTIVAL Nicosia January 05 – 06 www.louvana.com.cy Celebrating its fifth birthday, the event is hosting 10 acts, its largest line-up to date, with artists from Cyprus, Greece, England and Poland.
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ikin’ Cyprus hosted the island’s first-ever Olympus Man Triathlon. The race began early morning with athletes awaiting behind the starting line to begin the 109.5km journey. Kick-starting the competition, racers dived into the sea surrounding the area of Kato Pafos for a 1.9km swim. The next leg of the contest had participants mount their bikes and pedal for an 86km cycle ride to Troodos Square. The event saw each member of the race pass the finishing line running. The one to break through the champions’ ribbon and be ultimately declared as the winner, was Marian Cosmin Constantin, having finished in six hours, 15 minutes and 43 seconds.
EUROPEAN VISION IN ACTION ON THE ISLAND
LIMASSOL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON LIMASSOL April 10 www.limassolmarathon.com A special year for the marathon as it will celebrate its 10- year anniversary, with 2015’s event having hosted 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators.
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ithin the framework of the National Program of Cyprus for the European Year for Development, a photographic exhibition entitled European Vision in Action was held island-wide. The event was aimed at raising awareness of improvement and its dimensions, as well as the vision and actions of the European Union in regards to international development. The exhibition, that featured works of nine Cypriot artists, was first presented in Larnaca and later also travelled to Limassol and Nicosia.
JANUARY 2016