FEBRUARY 2016 - ISSUE 36
10 02 MARKET UPDATE PAPHOS MARINA GETS GREEN LIGHT
NEW RECORD FOR CYPRUS AIRPORTS
14 06 Niche Tourism
EMIRATES LINKS LARNACA AND ATHENS
08 Accommodation
13 Views & Insights 15 In Focus
MARKET UPDATE
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New Record for Cyprus
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
AIRPORTS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian
OVER 7.6 MILLION PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH THE ISLAND’S AIRPORTS IN 2015, SETTING A NEW MILESTONE FOR THE COUNTRY.
CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic 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 WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel
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espite a challenging beginning to the year, final results showed a 3.6 percent improvement, with Larnaka International Airport reporting a 1.6 percent growth with 5.3 million travellers, and Pafos International Airport seeing an 8.6 percent rise with 2.2 million guests. During 2015, the country’s aviation industry faced the closure of Cyprus Airways and a reduction in Russian arrivals, both of which took 1.5 million seats off the market. Nevertheless, with new airlines and routes, arrivals from Israel, Poland and Ukraine jumped 36.1 percent, 34.2 percent and 30.8 percent, respectively. In addition, figures from the UK, Greece, Germany and Austria also showed increases.
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BOC DISPOSES OF THREE GREEK HOTELS Bank of Cyprus (BoC) has sold three accommodation establishments in Greece for the total amount of EUR9.6 million.
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wo of the properties are located on the island of Corfu, and one in the area of Glyfada, in Athens. In a relevant statement, the management underlined that the transaction followed an open bidding process and the selling price achieved was as per the bank’s estimations. Moreover, it emphasised that the financial establishment will continue disposal of immovable assets in Greece.
FEBRUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS NICOSIA
New Buses to Serve the Capital
New Face for Nicosia by 2020
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n a bid to improve accessibility to the centre, Nicosia Municipality received 13 new modern minibuses to serve the city. This is in line with the Integrated Nicosia Mobility Plan to build an efficient public transport network and connect the centre with main points outside the old city walls. With a small, flexible and environmentallyfriendly design, the vehicles will perform lines complementary to the public transport system already operational throughout Nicosia district. Each bus has a capacity of 22 people; 14 seated and eight standing, while two seats can be used by the elderly, parents with a stroller or pregnant women.
Nicosia
Nicosia Joins Young Travellers Network
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he mobility plan for Nicosia will drastically change the capital’s image, according to Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, who held a meeting held with representatives of Nicosia Municipality and the Ministry of Finance. He added that the initiatives integrated in the overall development strategy will be completed by 2020 and are aimed at making Nicosia more sustainable and attractive. These include the construction of bus and bicycle lanes, one-way systems and pedestrianised streets, as well as the introduction of minibuses serving the old town.
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iming to attract a fresh tourist demographic, Nicosia became part of the European nonprofit travel network USE-IT, joining 40 other cities such as Brussels, Turin, Vienna, Milan and Porto. Under the initiative, the capital’s maps and websites are free of charge to use and are always up-to-date. Moreover, these materials are made by young locals, thus, revealing practical information and insider tips for travellers to the destination.
FEBRUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
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CHA: This Can Also Be a Good Year
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hrough the pages of the organisation’s latest publication, Haris Loizides, president, Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), deemed that 2015 was a victorious year for the local industry and the success can also be repeated this year. The new document informs domestic and inbound visitors of CHA’s most important upcoming events, which will have a celebratory character since the association is commemorating its 80th anniversary.
CYHMA: Cyprus Needs Quality in Tourism
Chinese Collaboration for Tourism
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ourism was identified as one of the areas in which Cyprus and China could cooperate at the recent meeting between Ioannis Kasoulides, foreign affairs minister, Cyprus, and Wang Yi, foreign affairs minister, China. As Kasoulides noted, the current level of bilateral cooperation is already high, however, there is still potential for further development in the future. His counterpart, on the other hand, underlined shipping as a sector in which China seeks partnerships. “Cyprus is a maritime country; there is need and demand on the part of the Chinese market. Therefore, we are ready to tighten our cooperation in that field,” concluded Yi.
China
he recipe for shielding the industry from the effects of the financial crisis is to improve tourist experience in all areas of the hospitality chain, and this requires everyone’s unwavering commitment to quality, stressed Vassos Kilanis, president, Cyprus Hotel Managers Association (CYHMA), at the authority’s annual meeting. “The modern tourist is looking for unique and authentic experiences of daily life and not prefabricated tourism products that can be found anywhere, and it is also necessary to invest to strengthen and safeguard the Cypriot hospitality, which we have neglected in recent years, having been influenced by outlandish practices,” Kilanis reminded. He concluded that spending for building infrastructure is not enough, unless it is accompanied by investment in people through continuous education.
FEBRUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
Cyprus Popular among Lebanese
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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) estimates that the number of tourists from Lebanon exceeded 35,000 in 2015, with most arrivals relating to short breaks. According to data released by the authority, there was also a 30 percent increase in travellers arriving to the island for their nuptials, and CTO’s management remains optimis-
tic that demand from the destination will continue to grow this year. Christina Rafti, ambassador to Lebanon, Cyprus, stressed that there is a need for mutual collaboration between the countries, especially in the field of tourism as it is a sector that can bring along benefits for both parties.
Lebanon
Limassol to Welcome High-rise Tower
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t 170m and 37 storeys high, Pafilia Property Developers is poised to create the tallest building in Cyprus and one of the highest residential seafront towers in the Mediterranean. Situated on 28th October Avenue, Limassol’s vibrant boulevard, ONE aims to redefine the city’s face, strengthen the role of the country as a destination for foreign investors, and ultimately put the island on the international map of luxury properties. The EUR60 million project will feature 84 luxury apartments, retail shops, a restaurant, lobby, gym, spa and a conference room, among others.
ONE
FEBRUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS NICHE TOURISM Sports Tourism Brings In EUR40 Million
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n a joint event, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) renewed their commitment to promote sports travel to the country, revealing that the segment contributes over EUR40 million to the destination’s annual national income, not including revenue generated from sport visitors’ entertainment activities. Moreover, during the workshop CTO presented possibilities for further development and stressed the importance of sports tourism for Cyprus, as well as various incentive schemes operated by the organisation to promote the segment, while CSO showcased the venues offered for use by foreign athletes, as well as a new online reservation system for its premises.
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CTO Hosts Golf Experts
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ore than 40 specialised golf tour operators from eight countries visited Cyprus following a joint initiative by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and local hoteliers. The two-day programme included trips to four different golf courses across the island, as well as gastronomic experiences and a feel of the authentic Cypriot hospitality. The experts, hailing from the UK, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Hungary, got to witness the country’s golf credentials and experience its offerings, especially during the winter season.
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CTO Focusses on Wedding Tourism
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nder the theme The Wonderful World of Weddings, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) held its first educational seminar related to the niche market. Addressing civil marriage officers at municipality halls, the event’s main speaker was UK-based market expert Marlen Taffarello. Annita Demetriadou, deputy director general, CTO, commented that Cyprus holds a leading position among Mediterranean and European wedding tourism destinations, and the segment generates huge benefits for the industry. “The organisation aims to maintain this position through the continuous improvement of services offered and the reinforcement of its marketing activities in the main markets, which include the UK, Israel, Lebanon and Russia,” she concluded.
FEBRUARY 2016
MONTHLY NEWS
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Russians Flock to Cyprus in Winter
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n November 2015, Russian tourist arrivals surged 103.3 percent compared to the same month in 2014, with 17,740 travellers on record. All in all, incoming visitors in the same period rose 32.7 percent year-on-year to reach 108,093. Moreover, for the first 11 months of 2015, total tourist arrivals climbed 8.2 percent, exceeding 2.58 million. The year has been the third best in traveller numbers since 2001 when the figure surpassed the 2.69 million mark.
Growing Arrivals from Israel
I DID YOU KNOW... Among other carriers, AEGEAN Airlines offers direct flights from Larnaca to Tel Aviv?
FEBRUARY 2016
sraeli tourist arrivals to Cyprus experienced a record year in 2015, with the island welcoming over 100,000 travellers from this market, as it was revealed during a meeting between Yael Ravia-Zado, ambassador to Cyprus, Israel, and the leadership of Cyprus Hotels Association. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the ambassador about the local tourism sector, with specific reference to the strategic plan and the efforts to upgrade the tourism product, as well as ways to further strengthen visitor flows between the two destinations.
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Alion Awarded TUI Holly Award
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Cyprus Becomes Aqua Vista’s New Destination
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Limassol Marina: 95 Percent of Apartments Sold
Azzurro Luxury Villas
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B DID YOU KNOW... Aqua Vista Hotels also features properties on a number of Greek islands, such as Mykonos, Crete and Skiathos?
y the end of 2015, 95 percent of Limassol Marina’s apartments had found owners. The first residential units were delivered over three years ago and demand has been strong ever since. Nereids Residences, 94 luxury homes with sea and marina views, were completed in January 2013, and were shortly followed by 13 establishments at Thetis Residences, just steps away from the destination’s shopping and dining area. In response to the high interest, in 2015 Dioni Residences were also unveiled and sold just within months of their release. Situated above Halcyon Gallery, the latest apartments overlook the main square and are in the heart of the commercial area.
Nereids Residences
qua Vista Hotels arrived in Cyprus with the addition of Azzurro Luxury Villas in Paphos. The property is a complex located at the municipality of Peyia, one of the most upgraded areas around Paphos which boasts natural beauty, medieval castles, expansive sidewalks by the beach and open flea markets for shopping. Azzurro Luxury Villas consists of 10 luxurious units built among a grove of pine trees and banana plants, each with its own private pool, Jacuzzi and barbecue corner, which can comfortably accommodate a big family or up to three couples.
Alion Beach Hotel
lion Beach Hotel received the TUI Holly Award 2016, a prestigious yearly accolade granted to 100 carefully selected leisure properties around the world for providing excellent service and outstanding holiday experiences to guests travelling with TUI. The beachside establishment is the only hotel in Cyprus to win the award for the 14th time. Oliver Dörschuck, chief operational officer, TUI Germany, commented, “The management and employees of TUI Deutschland congratulate you most warmly on this great success. The TUI Holly has been awarded for more than 20 years now as a token of extraordinary customer satisfaction. It reflects an exceptionally high level of appreciation and offers customers and travel agencies orientation in choosing holiday hotels.”
FEBRUARY 2016
MONTHLY NEWS Paphos Targets Jordan
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Paphos Marina Gets Green Light
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afos Regional Board of Tourism, in collaboration with local hoteliers and tour operators, hosted a group of 17 tourism players from Jordan in a bid to further enhance efforts to target the specific market. In a relevant announcement, the authority supports that the number of incoming tourists from the Middle Eastern country can be improved by attracting travellers for short breaks, group visitors, expats and secondhome owners. This, of course, also depends on offering more competitive air fees between Larnaca and Amman, as well as instigating direct connections from Paphos to Jordan.
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risto Developers and Constantinou Bros, two of the largest shareholders of the joint venture Poseidon Grand Marina, confirmed the Supreme Court of Cyprus’ decision to award to the consortium the tender for the development of Paphos Marina. Aristo Developers welcomed the verdict as it expects the project to have a positive impact on the further development of the country, and Paphos in particular.
Petra, Jordan
Andreas Demetriades (right) with industry members
PCCI Awards Valued Airline Partners
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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held its annual end-of-year party under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. During the event, hosted at the five-star Annabelle, PCCI honoured British Airways and Ryanair for their timeless contribution to the tourism development of the Paphos district. Andreas Demetriades, president, PCCI, commented that the gathering has been one of the most important social events for the local industry ever since its establishment 30 years ago.
FEBRUARY 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
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ccording to data published by the French operators union Syndicat des Entreprises du Tour Operating, for the period November 1, 2014 – October 31, 2015, Cyprus was listed second among medium-haul destinations which registered the largest increases in organised tour packages purchased by French residents. The Mediterranean island recorded a 44.1 percent year-on-year growth, whereas the medium-haul category witnessed an overall drop of 4.4 percent. Cyprus Tourism Organisation estimates that French visitor arrivals surged 25 percent year-on-year in 2015, reaching 36,500 incoming travellers.
FEBRUARY 2016
CTO Targets Lebanon
CTO’s delegation in Lebanon
French Tourists Support Cyprus
C DID YOU KNOW... Around 40 percent of the Lebanese population is Christian?
yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) concluded a successful workshop promoting wedding tourism and short vacation breaks to a Lebanese audience. The event, held at InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut, hosted 18 Cypriot companies and welcomed over 100 tour operators and other tourism stakeholders from the Middle Eastern country. Over the last few years, arrivals from Lebanon have been on the rise with the Mediterranean island welcoming more than 35,000 visitors in 2015.
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Flamingos Linked to Larnaca’s Image
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iming to put the spotlight on the natural wetlands of the area, Larnaka Tourism Board organised a photographic contest with flamingos as the main theme. The wading bird will be the focus of the board’s new campaign due to launch in the coming months, and the competition is expected to give a special boost to the promotional initiative.
ETC Backs Cyprus Credentials
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n the newest edition of its Visit Europe Magazine, the European Travel Commission (ETC) proposes Cyprus as an ideal location for attending fascinating events mirroring 10,000 years of history and civilisation. The organisation brought out the publication in a bid to offer travel suggestions and ideas for the year and inspire visitors to rediscover Europe. ETC also features luxurious coastal hideaways in Turkey, musical and gastronomic experiences in Hungary, panoramic train rides in Switzerland, as well as the European Capitals of Culture for the year which are Wroclaw in Poland and San Sebastian in Spain.
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FEBRUARY 2016
VIEWS & INSIGHTS
VIEWS & INSIGHTS with
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YIORGOS LAKKOTRYPIS ENERGY, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TOURISM MINISTER, CYPRUS
EMPHASISING THE GREAT IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO TOURISM, YIORGOS LAKKOTRYPIS, ENERGY, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TOURISM MINISTER, CYPRUS, SPEAKS OF THE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE SECTOR AND COMMENDS ALL STAKEHOLDERS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2015.
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aving acquired an even more crucial role in recent years, the tourism sector is one of the major drivers of growth for the country, especially towards the relaunch of the national economy. Hence, it is, for the government, a sector of priority, which remains the focus of our attention. We believe that the tourism sector has a remarkable performance, which should be taken into account when calculating the positive indications expected for the whole economy this year. With the coordinated action of all parties concerned, we achieved a significant 8.2 percent year-on-year increase in tourist FEBRUARY 2016
arrivals in November 2015. In fact, positive indications for December 2015 arrivals essentially confirm a positive close to 2015, with an overall growth rate of around 8.5 percent for the year. Furthermore, in terms of revenue, performance in 2015 was also satisfactory, despite a significant decline in arrivals from Russia during the period. […] Indeed, keeping in mind various events at the international level, such as the closure of Russian airline, Transaero, the decline in the exchange rate of the Rouble against the Euro and the increasing instability in the region, 2015 is amongst our strongest tourist seasons, with figures approaching those of 2001 – the year used as a reference point for tourism in our country. What is of essence is that the positive trend recorded in the sector is expected to continue [this year], an assessment confirmed during the recent meetings we had at the World Travel Market in London. Based on various indications we receive, the aim and challenge of the government is to regain lost ground with high numbers in arrivals and tourism revenues. But to succeed, the contribution of all stakeholders is necessary. Despite the satisfactory results, the government continues to undertake actions and promote major infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading the quality of the tourism product and, consequently, increase the number of tourists.. The first relates to the processing of short-term proposals which, inter alia, include the creation of various specialised experiences such as culinary, archaeological, religious and sport. The second action has to do with the modernisation of the regulatory framework governing tourism in order to facilitate licensing and operation of tourism enterprises. The study is expected to be completed soon. The third step is the application of a plan to provide grants for the enrichment and modernisation of our tourism product by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), in order to extend the tourist season. For the formation of the EUR14 million plan, CTO is currently in a consultation process […]. It is expected to be launched in the first months of the year and is will help drive investments in the
tourism industry to around EUR50 million. The fourth activity has to do with our efforts to improve air connectivity in Cyprus with as many countries as possible, especially with those that hold potential for attracting tourists. The fifth initiative includes actions to simplify visa processes in Cyprus for citizens of countries internationally considered as tourists exporters. An example of such a country is China, and the government has, therefore, proceeded with the creation of five authorised application centres for granting entry visas to Chinese travellers with the goal to set up another 10 similar centres in the Asian country at a later stage. Finally, we are also promoting new infrastructure projects which will make
Cyprus more attractive as a destination. These include new golf developments, additional marinas and the promotion and implementation of the integrated casino resort which will greatly help us differentiate Cyprus from what is available today in the rest of Europe. Along with the above, there is a study in progress at the ministry pertaining the development of a new long-term national strategy for tourism which aims to make Cyprus a stronger international competitor. Among other things, our key priority is to create a modern tourism product based on the competitive advantages of our country, and to find new markets, upgrade the quality of our tourist services, improve infrastructure, targeted and competitive development of existing forms of tourism and the lengthening of the tourism season.
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MONTHLY NEWS AIR
Emirates Links Larnaca and Athens
Cyprus Inks Deals with Qatar and UAE
E Athens
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mirates plans to boost capacity on the Dubai – Athens route with the addition of a second daily service, effective from March1. The extra frequency will be linked to the existing itinerary between the airline’s homebase and Larnaca. The Dubai – Larnaca – Athens service will be operated by a Boeing 777-30ER aircraft in a three-class configuration. As Thierry Aucoc, senior vice president, commercial operations, Europe and Russia, Emirates, commented, “By linking the new service to our existing Dubai – Larnaca flight, Emirates becomes the only airline to operate a wide-body aircraft on the popular Larnaca – Athens route.”
yprus is to enhance its collaboration in the aviation section with Qatar and the UAE, following the signing of revised memoranda of cooperation. Alecos Michaelides, permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Cyprus, visited the two Middle Eastern countries to renew the agreements, which are considered an important step in the further liberalisation of air transport on the island. The signing falls under the new external open skies policy, approved by the council of ministers which aims to improve connectivity between Cyprus and other countries.
Coral Travel Expands to Cyprus
Blue Air Celebrates 11-year Anniversary
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ussian tour operator, Coral Travel extended its business reach to Cyprus with affiliate company, Ural Airlines having launched five-weekly services to the Mediterranean island in December 2015. Tourists arriving onboard the carrier’s Airbus 321-200 aircraft are offered a choice of packages spanning hotels in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Ayia Napa. During the summer season, Coral Travel plans to expand its offering to the country with increased flight frequencies from Moscow, as well as extra routes from regional cities across Russia.
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omanian carrier, Blue Air commemorated its 11th year of business, as well as one year since the launch of its operational base in Cyprus. The airline held a celebratory event for its local partners, where attendees were addressed by Marios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus. Blue Air started services to the island in 2008, connecting it to Bucharest. On January 19, 2015, the company stationed an aircraft at Larnaka International Airport and commenced routes from the coastal city to Athens and Thessaloniki. The carrier has already announced the arrival of a second plane to the Cypriot base, while it awaits approval to introduce new Tehran and Tel Aviv routes from Larnaca.
FEBRUARY 2016
CLEA HADJISTEPHANOU-PAPAELLINA
CHAIRWOMAN, CYPRUS SPORTS ORGANIZATION (CSO)
Cooperation [...] contributed towards the development of sports tourism “Sports and tourism are two of the largest global social institutions and through them we can achieve common visions and objectives leading to broader understanding among different cultures, traditions, mobilise people and ensure peace among nations. The bi-directional and seamless cooperation between Cyprus Tourism Organisation and CSO have contributed a lot towards the successful design and development of sports tourism in the country.”
IN FOCUS
BOARD MEMBER, CYPRUS SPORTS ORGANIZATION
DIMITRIS LEONTIS
TRAVEL TALK & IN FOCUS
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We have placed sports tourism high on our priority agenda
“Ever since our board took over, we have placed sports tourism high on our priority agenda and for this reason we have created a special committee for the segment in order to specifically utilise our facilities to develop this niche market. I also have to mention that we sponsor various sport federations from our own annual budget in order to achieve the organisation of international competitions, championships and conferences in Cyprus.”
Who are you? I am Christina Konstantinou, the manager of Vasilias Nikoklis Inn, a traditional Cypriot guest house. When and why did you join the industry? In 2001, when I completed my hotel management studies and I wanted to get involved in the family business. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Interacting with people, being a part of each person’s trip and experience, having the opportunity to represent our beautiful culture and country.
NAME:
Christina Konstantinou
POSITION:
Manager
COMPANY:
Vasilias Nikoklis Inn
LOCATION:
Nikoklia, Pafos
WEBSITE:
www.vasilias.nikoklis.com
FEBRUARY 2016
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I would like to travel to Rio de Janeiro and watch the Olympic Games. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? It is a beautiful island combining many good features, like great weather all year round, exceptional accommodation properties, quality food and wine, safety and a familyfriendly environment, great culture and amazing people.
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WHO’S MOVED & ONE TO WATCH
NIOVI PARISINOU is the new public relations and communications executive of Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). She previously served as a senior executive officer at Nicosia Tourism Board for eight years, where she was in charge of promoting the capital as a special interests tourism destination and assisted in the organisation of cultural events, conferences and seminars in the city. In her current role, Parisinou will be handing media relations promoting the events of CCCI. Moreover, she will be involved with the Cyprus-Russian and Cyprus-China Business Associations’ activities. Parisinou has a bachelor degree in marketing and two master’s degrees with honours in public relations and communications, as well as in human resources management and labour relations.
NIOVI PARISINOU
Waiter, Hilton Cyprus
CHRISTOS ACHILLEOS
Parisinou served as a senior executive officer at Nicosia Tourism Board for eight years
ONE TO WATCH 16
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CHRISTOS ACHILLEOS has been a waiter at Hilton Cyprus’ Fontana Restaurant for almost 40 years. Since joining the hotel at the age of 20, he has dedicated himself to providing the best service to his guests that also include famous celebrities, VIPs and officials. He treats each and every visitor like a valued member of the Hilton family. Achilleos almost always remembers the names of regular guests, and his warm and inviting personality has made him an invaluable member of the Hilton Cyprus team for nearly four decades. He has grown up with the hotel, and he continues to inspire fellow team members with his many years of experience and insight into the importance of genuine guest interaction.
Achilleos dedicated himself to providing the best service
FEBRUARY 2016
WES PORTER
We believe that the potential is much higher
CEO, HERMES AIRPORTS
“Applying an effective strategy, Hermes [Airports] has managed to surpass the initial adverse conditions [in 2015]. We are happy with [7.6 million travellers at the airports in 2015], however, we believe that the potential is much higher, particularly with regards to tourism arrivals to the island and the further increase of passenger traffic”.
IN FOCUS
GENERAL MANAGER, ALION BEACH HOTEL
PANICOS MICHAEL
TRAVEL TALK & IN FOCUS
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Our guests enjoy the unique experiences we offer at our hotel
“It is an honour to be acknowledged by TUI [with the TUI Holly Award 2016] alongside so many top hotels and resorts from around the world, and to have been judged by real-life guests who have stayed with us in recent times. It reinforces the fact that our guests enjoy the unique experiences we offer at our hotel.”
Who are you? I am Louiza Palloura, managing director of Cubix Minds, a new conferences, events management and corporate travel services provider. Cubix Minds is a one-stop events management company for corporate and business events. When and why did you join the industry? I have professionally been in the field since I completed my master’s degree in international events management in 2010. Joining the industry came naturally, as a result of my passion for organising events.
NAME:
Louiza Palloura
POSITION:
Managing director
COMPANY:
Cubix Minds Events
LOCATION:
Limassol
WEBSITE:
www.cubix.com.cy
FEBRUARY 2016
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? It offers such an abundance of positive feelings and experiences. I love how I get to constantly meet new people and cultures, even while at the office. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I would love to visit Japan and Hawaii. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? Cyprus is a wonderful all-year-round destination that will satisfy almost any needs and wishes. Travellers can enjoy sun, beautiful sea, breathtaking views from the mountains, taste mouthwatering food, visit picturesque villages, explore the vast history of the island and feel pampered at highquality hotels. The island’s relatively small size offers all the above within short distances.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
RARE BIRD SPOTTED IN LARNACA
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LARNACA GETS CLEANED UP Participants in the campaign
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n the context of Volunteers’ Week, Larnaka Municipality, in collaboration with local schools, organised a cleaning campaign in the city. Andreas Louroutziatis, mayor, Larnaca and Yiannakis Yiannaki, volunteerism commissioner, Cyprus, joined students from the city’s various educational institutions to collect rubbish and clean up Spyros Beach. Louroutziatis commented, “The participation and volunteering of young people in activities of the municipality, but also in the wider area, is a very hopeful sign for our future, especially owing to these young active citizens.”
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Oxyura leucocephala
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rare duck was seen at Oroklini Lake, according to conservation organisation Birdlife Cyprus. Scientifically known as oxyura leucocephala, the duck belongs to a rare species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Following the news, Larnaka Tourism Board announced that it purchased telescopes specially designed for bird-watching, which are available to tour operators and guides in order to enhance the experience of visitors to the district. Moreover, as part of its winter activities programme, the authority offers free tours and bird-watching sessions at Oroklini Lake every Monday at 10:15, until end of April.
PAPHOS: A SUCCESSFUL 2015
CELESTYAL BACKS EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE
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Paphos
afos Regional Board of Tourism revealed a slew of positive developments for the city in 2015, highlighting the regained share and substantial arrivals from Germany and Austria, the strengthening of the UK segment, further development of markets such as Israel, France, the Netherlands, Central Europe, and the reduction of losses from Russia. In addition, the board underlined that Pafos International Airport recorded a year-on-year increase of 8.6 percent in passenger traffic as in 2015, there were better connections mainly from the UK, Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Poland and Israel.
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elestyal Cruises supported the presentation of the daily educational programme Science, Art and Mathematics to primary and secondary school students of the Greek island of Milos and Ios. Organised by the Museum Herakleidon, the initiative engaged 762 children between May – November 2015, seeking to relate to science, art and mathematics through interactive activities involving exhibits and selected works of art, over two-hour sessions. Froso Zaroulea, director of public relations, Celestyal Cruises, said that the company transferred the programme from the Athens-based museum in line with its endeavours to support local communities where it operates at. She revealed that this year, Celestyal Cruises will help expand the initiative’s reach to more Greek islands.
FEBRUARY 2016
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PHOTO ALBUM
Christiana Neophytou (right) was the winner of Leptos Group magazine’s competition
The King Jason Paphos team
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
St Raphael Resort recently welcomed Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti
Troodos welcomed the first snow for this winter
FEBRUARY 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Enjoy organic black burgers at Annabelle hotel
Hermes Airports handed over all proceeds collected from Christmas bazaars at Larnaka International Airport to the Cyprus Red Cross Society
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
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MYMALL LIMASSOL SUPPORTS SPORTS EVENT
DRAMA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Limassol Marathon GSO
Limassol February 03 – 04 www.rialto.com.cy Organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture and Rialto Theatre, one of Greece’s leading short film festivals travels to Cyprus.
CATS - THE MUSICAL
GERMAN FILM NIGHTS Nicosia February 18, 20, 25 www.goethe.de/cyprus Goethe-Institut brings Cypriot residents closer to the German culture with three films, all played with German with English subtitles.
M
YMALL Limassol will be the gold sponsor of the 10th Limassol Marathon GSO. The deal extends the management’s commitment to supporting the community through the endorsement of local and national sporting events and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The annual race, hailed as the most popular of its kind on the island, continues to attract an increasing number of participants year after year. This year’s edition, which will take place on April 10, will include a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km city, 5km corporate and 1km kids categories.
LIMASSOL MARINA BACKS LONDON EVENT Sunseeker London Mayfair Luxury Party
Nicosia February 07 www.strovolos.org.cy A show for all ages with music, singing, dancing and acting, bringing the feeling of West End and Broadway to the capital.
LIMASSOL MARATHON GSO 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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s the base for Sunseeker’s Cyprus branch, Limassol Marina was among the principal sponsors of Sunseeker London’s annual Mayfair Luxury Party. The event, which was held at the company’s showroom in Mayfair, gathered around 200 guests from London and afar to discuss its new yacht projects for the year, which include the launch of four new models. Laura Harrison, group director, public relations and marketing, Sunseeker London, commented, “Sunseeker London was delighted to host so many clients, friends and brand partners for the second year of Mayfair Luxury Party. We would especially like to thank our principle sponsors Limassol Marina, Argentex and Linn, and thank our guests and friends for attending.”
FEBRUARY 2016