Travel Trade Cyprus, May 2016, Issue 39

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MAY 2016 - ISSUE 39

11 AIR

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POBEDA TOUCHES DOWN IN CYPRUS

TOURISM INCOME GROWS

13 FOUR SEASONS IS REBORN

10 Niche Tourism

15 Travel Channels 16 Rendezvous


MARKET UPDATE

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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS

TOURISM INCOME GROWS

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Pauline Shahabian 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

Revenue from tourism reached EUR29.1 million in January, as compared to EUR28.4 million in the corresponding month of 2015, showing a 2.5 percent increase in data released by the country’s national statistical service.

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WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.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

he positive development was driven by a 16.3 percent year-on-year surge in arrivals to 48,607 visitors. Average length of stay stood at 9.9 days, per person expenditure touched EUR598.39, and the respective per day figure totalled EUR60.26. Tourists from the US were the most generous with an average amount of EUR895.13 per person.

WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES

KERMIA HOTELS SOLD TO ATLANTICA

Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com

Kermia Beach Bungalow Hotel

Representative for Indian subcontinent: Faredoon Kuka RMA Media Tel: +912229253735 kuka@rmamedia.com Representative for UK & Ireland and Scandinavia: David Simpson Simpson Media Tel: +447900885456 david@simpson-media.com

EXCHANGE RATES

as of

15.04.2016

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1EUR=

US (USD)

Dollar

1.12

UK (GBP)

Pound

0.79

Switzerland (CHF) Franc

1.08

Japan (JPY)

123.34

2

Yen

Bank of Cyprus proceeded with the disposal of Kermia Hotels.

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nder the terms of the EUR26.5 million deal which is expected to result in a net profit of approximately EUR1.8 million for the bank, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kermia entered into an agreement to sell its 100 percent holding in Kermia Hotels together with adjacent land to successful bidder Aesara Investment, which is affiliated to Atlantica Leisure Group. The sold hospitality entity owns and manages Kermia Beach Bungalow Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Ayia Napa.

MAY 2016


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MONTHLY NEWS

Larnaca Enjoys Tourists Loyalty

Europe’s Hoteliers Convene in Cyprus

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arnaca is topping the repeat visitor rankings among all cities in Cyprus with the coastal destination benefitting from an impressive 59.3 percent rate. As Larnaca Tourism Board’s Loyal Friends awards show, some travellers have clocked up to 70 visits over the years. The reasons cited include the friendliness of the locals, authentic experiences that combine traditional and modern options, and the convenience of the region for travel and sightseeing, amongst many others.

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Larnaca

he European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) recently held its 43rd annual general meeting in Limassol. Under the theme Drivers and Trends of Luxury Hospitality, the three-day gathering saw a number of sessions at Amathus Beach Hotel, traditional evenings, a gala dinner, cooking lessons with Tonia Buxton, as well as an excursion at the picturesque village of Omodos. Encompassing more than 5,000 four- and five-star hotels, EHMA was established in 1974 in Rome to promote collective intelligence, education, networking and professional development among its members.

New Era for Public Transport

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he Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works will soon implement an integrated telematics system on regular lines operated by public passenger transport companies. The initiative will include the issuance and cancellation of tickets. Passengers will be able to benefit from an automated bus fare collection system with the use of smart cards available for purchase at various sales points, in addition to existing spots at stations and on buses. For passengers’ convenience, the card can also be bought or credited online. The ministry’s venture will also focus on a fleet management system which will support the detailed planning and monitoring of services. Travellers will receive updates on the exact bus arrival time through electronic displays installed at stations and stops in central parts of cities. In other stops, passengers will be informed through sms or a smartphone application.

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MONTHLY NEWS

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Limassol to Welcome New Project

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Limassol

he country’s Department of Environment gave the green light for a housing and commercial development on the outskirts of Limassol. Situated just seven kilometres east of the city centre, the project, which will be materialised by Leonetti Company, will include a 30-storey structure with 138 apartments, a four-floor 5,213m2 retail building with entertainment facilities, as well as swimming pool, gym, spa, cafés and office space. Located in Mouttagiaka, the venture is set to benefit from being in a highly touristic area surrounded by hotels and shops.

Limassol

Limassol Prompts Accessible Tourism

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imassol Tourism Board and Accessible Cyprus Travel received 15 travel professionals, specialising in accessible holidays, from the UK and the Middle East. The industry partners, who were welcomed by local official bodies at a press conference, got acquainted with Cyprus’ existing facilities and services which have been designed with a barrier-free tourist experience in mind for visitors with reduced mobility or other disabilities. In a bid to further reinforce Limassol’s position as a destination for all, Limassol Tourism Board also organised Accessible Limassol in April. The seminar gathered tourist related businesses in the city to educate them on how to better serve physically-challenged visitors.

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MONTHLY NEWS

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Casino Bidders’ Shortlist Announced

Focus on Service

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lpis Tourism & Hospitality Seminars concluded a series of educational sessions. Held under the theme Professional Customer Service and Increase of Internal Sales at Centrum Hotel in Nicosia, the seminars aimed to improve employees’ mentality with regards to their responsibilities and manners, while also pinpointing the importance of an excellent

working knowledge of the services provided in-house as well as the ways of presenting them to guests. The event covered subjects such as professional mentality, sales policy and regulations, customer service and the cost of negative comments, reservations handling, menu and suggestions, complaints management, and more.

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loomberry Resorts Corporation, Melco – Hard Rock Resort Cyprus Consortium and NagaCorp have been selected as the three bidders who will proceed to the next round for the casino resort license. The companies were shortlisted after the bidding process’ first stage, which started with eight candidates, with the main criteria including economic status, experience in casino resort development and operation, understanding of the Cypriot market and vision for a local venture. Bloomberry Resorts Corporation is a public company, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, that develops tourist facilities, casino entertainment as well as hotel and amusement-themed projects. NagaCorp is among the largest hotel, gaming and leisure operators in Cambodia, and it has been registered on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2006. Lastly, Melco International Development, Hard Rock International and Cyprus Phasouri, make up Melco – Hard Rock Resort Cyprus Consortium.

MAY 2016

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MONTHLY NEWS

Paphos Displayed in Moscow

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Cyprus Reaches Out to Health Travellers

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epresentatives of Paphos’ tourism industry alongside Pafos Regional Board of Tourism visited the 23rd Moscow International Travel & Tourism (MITT) Exhibition to promote the destination. The market has been invaluable for the coastal city in the past few years, with traveller arrivals from Russia to the island surging to over half a million in 2014 and 2015. This year’s predictions are still unclear; Paphos authorities, however, expect a good period with a higher number of tour operators offering new attractive packages to the city. Hailed as a key meeting place for the industry, MITT is one of Russia’s largest and longest-running travel exhibitions, which welcomes some 1,800 companies and more than 192 destinations every year.

MITT opening day

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n a bid to further strengthen ties between the two countries, Cyprus Health Service Promotion Board and the Russian Healthcare Travel Council singed a collaboration agreement. Under the terms of the deal, the two bodies will create the necessary conditions for supporting the development of medical tourist flows between Cyprus and Russia. Moreover, the cooperation will also pursue the expansion and establishment of partnerships between members of the two organisations. Polis Georgiades, president, Cyprus Health Service Promotion Board, called on the government to participate more actively in the promotion of the island as a health tourism destination through the creation of new programmes and actions.

DID YOU KNOW... The Cypriot government's current annual expenditure on health is around EUR700 million?

Russians Revive Cypriot Market

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ourist figures to Cyprus increased significantly in the first two months of the year, with data released by the Statistical Service showing a particular surge in Russian traveller numbers. In February, the total inbound figure for the island reached 65,988 visitors, soaring 30.1 percent compared to the same month of 2015, with Russia alone accounting for 7,358 arrivals, up 101.1 percent year-on-year. In addition to the renewed interest from Russia, uplifts of 28 percent and 16.6 percent were reported in volumes from the UK and Greece, respectively.

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MONTHLY NEWS

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Green Development in Ayia Napa

Sport Lovers Gather at the Sea

Ayia Napa Triathlon

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n line with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment’s endeavours supporting efficient waste management practices at municipalities, Ayia Napa aims to reduce waste at seaside hotel establishments by 50 percent. To help create a more sustainable future, the community also looks to increase recycling by 50 percent. According to Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, the coastal town is determined to further improve its tourist product and become an eco-destination which can then claim the European Green Capital title in 2020.

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he municipality of Ayia Napa collaborated with sport events organiser, Nireas Triathlon and the four-star Nissi Beach Resort to host Ayia Napa Thriathlon in April. The race witnessed an increased interest as participants exceeded 300 for the first time in the event’s three-year history. Among them were athletes from the UK, Russia, Ukraine and many other European countries.

Ayia Napa Growing Bigger and Better

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n 2015, the first year of administrating the area’s beaches, Ayia Napa Municipality collected around EUR2.38 million, signalling a considerable increase over the 2011 – 2014 period, when the board was only partially in charge of managing the leisure sites. Following the positive development, the municipality is now proceeding with its endeavours to invest the amount in further embellishing the destination. Recently, the town has welcomed 4.7km of new bike routes along Nissi Avenue for a cost of around EUR300,000. In addition, the roundabout at the entrance of Ayia Napa has received decorative installations consisting of five fishing boats reflecting the region’s marine past.

Ayia Napa

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MONTHLY NEWS

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Nicosia to Attract Lebanese Market

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Bringing Lebanon Closer

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n a bid to enhance Cyprus’ image as a wedding and short escape destination for the Lebanese market, Cyprus Tourism Organisation held a familiarisation trip with the participation of around 30 professionals from the Middle Eastern country. The programme enabled visitors to get a better idea of all that Cyprus has to offer. Over the past few years, Lebanon evolved into an important segment for the island’s tourism industry, with arrival numbers reaching 37,000 in 2015.

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Meeting Point International Invests in Cyprus

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estination management company Meeting Point International has chosen Cyprus as its newest subsidiary location. Meeting Point Cyprus, which officially started operations on April 01, highlights the organisation’s commitment to further growth in the global tourism industry. “Meeting Point International has developed tremendously in the past few years and has positioned itself on the global market space”, commented Roula Jouny, group CEO, Meeting Point International. “Each subsidiary marks an important milestone in our company’s history and paves the way for further growth. In addition to strong demand markets with a high guests volume such as Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Greece and the US, we also see some great potential for smaller destinations such as Cyprus.”

Cyprus

Nicosia

Lebanese delegation, including travel agents, tour operators, journalist and a crew from Future TV, visited the capital and met with Constantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia. The team was invited to the island and was hosted by Cyprus Tourism Organisation to experience the most in-demand locations and products of the country. The trip encompassed visits to event and wedding reception areas in Nicosia as well as tours to the old part of the city. The municipality promotes the capital as a destination that combines medieval magic, modern architecture and unique landscapes where couples can perform their nuptials and where ministries, government agencies as well as embassies are in close proximity, ensuring a convenient and fast way for completing all practical procedures required for civil marriages.

MAY 2016



MONTHLY NEWS NICHE TOURISM Cyprus Attracts Sports Events

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Wedding Tourism Remains Central

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he themed workshop entitled Weddings & Short Vacation Breaks in Cyprus was held in Ayia Napa’s Thalassa Municipal Museum. Some 25 travel agents, journalists and other industry members from Lebanon were among the participants who visited Cyprus to experience first-hand the nuptial tourism products available on the island. Exhibitors included the municipalities of Ayia Napa, Paralimni, Sotira and Deryneia as well as various properties such as Adams Beach Hotel, Olympic Lagoon Resort Ayia Napa, Tsokkos Hotels, Nissi Beach Resort, Capo Bay Hotel, Grecian Hotels, Golden Coast Beach Hotel and Atlantica Aeneas Resort and Spa.

O Cyprus Women’s Cup

rganised by the Football Association of Finland, the ninth Cyprus Women’s Cup took place recently with matches held at GSZ Stadium, Paralimni Municipal Stadium Tasos Markou and Anagennisi Dherynia Stadium. The competition welcomed the national teams of Finland, Ireland, Wales, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. Cyprus Tourism Organisation supported the event which resulted in more than 3,000 guest nights on the island. The authority had earlier also brought to Cyprus the annual Russian NFL Cup which saw the participation of 16 teams and is estimated to have generated over 13,000 overnight stays.

Cyprus Presents Golf Credentials

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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) welcomed a team of professional golfers and journalists from Austria. The familiarisation trip, which aimed to promote the island as the ideal destination for golf enthusiasts, was arranged by KUONI Golfreisen, an Austrian tour operator specialising in the sport. During the visit, participants were given the chance to play at the courses of Aphrodite Hills Resort, Elea Estate, Minthis Hills and Secret Valley, and to enjoy local gastronomy and Cypriot hospitality. Following the trip, CTO and KUONI Golfreisen are now keen on further exploring the potential of hosting a pro-am golf tournament in Cyprus towards the end of the year.

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MONTHLY NEWS AIR

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POBEDA TOUCHES DOWN IN

Cyprus

LOW-COST CARRIER POBEDA AIRLINES LAUNCHED SCHEDULED FLIGHTS TO CYPRUS.

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he Russian carrier, a subsidiary of Aeroflot Airlines, now operates daily services between Moscow and Larnaka International Airport. Further widening travel options between the two countries, the airline also revealed its intention to commence twice-weekly flights from the Russian capital to Paphos, effective from May 29. The two Cypriot cities complement Pobeda Airlines’ growing network which also includes Bergamo, Bratislava, Cologne and Munich.

Cyprus Reviews Connections with Egypt

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arios Demetriades, transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus, accompanied by Alecos Michaelides, permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Work, and officials of Cyprus Ports Authority, visited Egypt in a bid to enhance ties between the countries. During the meeting with Hossam Kamal, civil aviation minister, Egypt, the two parties signed a deal focussed on the further improvement of air connectivity and the potential of increased frequencies between Cyprus and Cairo. At the same time, Demetriades brought to the table the suggestion to launch new links connecting the island with Alexandria. The Cypriot team also held a meeting with Saad El-Geyoushi, transport minister, Egypt, to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration in the field of cruise tourism.

MAY 2016

BA Doubles Larnaca Operations

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ritish Airways (BA) initiated a twofold boost in the number of daily services from London's Heathrow Airport to Larnaca, increasing weekly frequencies to the coastal city from seven to 14 flights for the summer season. “London remains high on the list of travel destinations for Cypriots, both for business and for pleasure. Our enhanced schedule offers travellers from Cyprus numerous opportunities to take a break to one of the most vibrant cities in the world, home to well-known landmarks, endless shopping, and an exciting arts and theatre community,” commented Freddie Stier, commercial manager, Cyprus and Greece, BA. As Stier noted, the extra flights allow customers to combine their travel arrangements to the UK capital with a multitude of other locations, as the carrier now operates to 199 destinations around the globe.

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MONTHLY NEWS AIR

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Blue Air celebrated the new plane arrival

Blue Air Further Invests in Cyprus

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esponding to strong passenger demand, Blue Air now stations one more aircraft at its Larnaca base. The airline’s direct flights from the Cypriot airport to Athens and Thessaloniki have seen increasing interest and as a result, frequencies to both Greek cities have been boosted. While the capital is now served 14 times a week, Thessaloniki receives five weekly frequencies. Moreover, the carrier added a twice-weekly route to the Romanian city of Constanta, operating through Athens. “The Blue Air family is connected by a mutual passion for aviation. We are very happy that we have managed to win the trust of Cypriot travellers, something which resulted in the growth of our operational base in Larnaca,” commented Tudor Constantinescu, chief commercial officer, Blue Air.

Larnaka International Airport

Hermes Airports Celebrates Milestone

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ermes Airports marked a decade of operation and significant contribution to the Cypriot economy, society and tourism industry. In the context of its 10-year anniversary celebrations, the group adopted a new logo highlighting the company’s revamped profile and proven track record. Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, commented, “Throughout the year, the company will hold a series of events to underline the first success story of cooperation between Cyprus and the private sector.”

easyJet Introduces Mobile Host

e DID YOU KNOW... Hermes Airports contributes approximately three percent of Cyprus' GDP?

asyJet launched a new feature of its mobile application at both Paphos and Larnaca airports. Developed to provide essential updates to travellers to and from Cyprus, Mobile Host helps to guide passengers through the airfields by sending push notification onto their smartphones with useful information on boarding time and gate number at departure and on the designated baggage belt to collect their luggage on arrival. Dimitrios Schoinas, senior route manager, easyJet, commented, “The roll-out of the Mobile Host functionality is another example of how we use innovative, mobile technology to make travel easier for our passengers. Our award-winning app allows passengers to manage their booking, track flights and even check in and download digital boarding passes.”

MAY 2016


MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION

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fter undergoing a comprehensive transformation, Limassol’s Four Seasons Hotel has reopened its doors for guests. The first part of the facelift included the full renovation of all rooms which now offer contemporary style and smart technology. The main lobby, the reception and the ballroom have been also refreshed as well as the outdoor and indoor pool areas where guests can now take advantage of a builtin Jacuzzi zone, a personal steam room and ice unit and the property’s boutiques, among other perks. Expected to be completed in March 2017, the second phase will see the addition of a new wing, to be constructed to the west of the main hotel building, which will house a new Colors café and a number of luxury apartments.

Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Is Reborn

Olympic Lagoon Resort Enhances Offerings

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aking the guest experience to the next level, Kanika Hotels is preparing for the summer season with new surprises. Holiday-makers staying at Olympic Lagoon Resort Agia Napa will be able to enjoy an upgraded premium all-inclusive package that will now also offer a fine selection of branded international alcoholic beverages. The four-star hotel features five different room types tailored to the varied needs and preferences of families and couples.

Olympic Lagoon Resort Agia Napa

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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Rise Hotel Launched in Larnaca

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Musical Spring at Londa

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ise Hotel has opened its doors in Larnaca’s heart, bringing chic comfort and convenience to the coastal city. Located just five minutes from the Phinikoudes beach front, the four-storey property encompasses a variety of room types from 20m2 to 120m2 to suit all tastes and budgets. Besides standard rooms, junior and deluxe suites are also available along with a restaurant and café, roof garden, recreational facilities, business centre and meeting and banqueting areas with audiovisual equipment.

Rise Hotel

Londa Beach Hotel

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he jazz spring series once again returned at Londa Beach Hotel, Limassol, with Russian saxophone player Dmitry Kondrashov delighting the audience with the support of Leonid Nesterov Trio. Both local as well as international guests turned up to enjoy the musical event at the property’s Caprice restaurant. Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Dmitry Kondrashov received training in Russia from one of the most distinguished saxophone teachers in the country, Alexander Oseichuk, who also serves as a professor at Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. The trio includes musicians Leonid Nesterov, Nikolas Tryphonos and Andreas Stephanou.

Columbia: Candidate for Seven Awards

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Columbia Beach Resort

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olumbia Beach Resort has been nominated in seven categories for this year’s World Travel Awards. The five-star property, blessed with a unique location at Pissouri Bay, is competing for the top spot as Cyprus’ Leading Resort and Leading Spa Resort, Mediterranean’s Leading Resort, Europe’s Leading All Suite Hotel, Leading Beach Resort, Leading Luxury Resort and Leading Luxury Resort & Spa. Anthea Vikis, marketing manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We are truly humbled to be nominated again, and in such a fruitful capacity. Year to year, our focus of always doing right by our guests only intensifies. Providing hospitality with heart has evolved from a mere motto to a way of life: it is ingrained in the hearts and minds of our team members, and it is a promise we intend on delivering dependably.”

MAY 2016


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CTO BACKS PAFOS2017

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n the presence of Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, Pafos2017 European Capital of Culture and Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) signed a memorandum of cooperation. Under the deal, the organisation will promote Paphos’ status at international tourism exhibitions, as well as through printed or audiovisual material, on the programme’s dedicated website, leaflets at CTO offices in all cities, as well as at airports and ports.

Yiorgos Lakkotrypis (second from right) with CTO and Pafos2017 officials

MAY 2016

TRAVEL CHANNELS

ANTIQUITIES DEPARTMENT COMMEMORATES AUTISM DAY

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he Department of Antiquities took part in an international event entitled Light it Up Blue, which is organised annually in April to mark the International Autism Aware-

ness Day. As part of the programme, the Medieval castles of Paphos, Limassol, Kolossi and Larnaca, the Royal Manor of Kouklia and the archaeological sites of Choirokoitia and Amathus were all lit in blue. With its action, the department aimed to underline that the protection and promotion of archaeological heritage are not independent of social context, and comprise actions aiming at all citizens and the growth of contemporary culture.

GOVERNMENT NURTURES CULTURE

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uring Cyprus Theatre Organisation’s recent award ceremony, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further develop cultural programmes and venues. Anastasiades went on to summarise a number of initiatives related to these endeavours, which include the construction of the site that will house the Cyprus Library, the creation of an exhibition space for the National Gallery, the completion of Dancehouse Lefkosia as well as that of Papadakio Municipal Conservatoire.

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Views & Insights with

RENDEZVOUS

OTHONAS THEODOULOU PRESIDENT, LARNACA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

AS THE GOVERNMENT RESUMES ITS EFFORT TO COMMERCIALISE LARNACA’S PORT AND MARINA FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE, OTHONAS THEODOULOU, PRESIDENT, LARNACA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, EXPLAINS HIS SIDE AS TO WHY THE CITY’S PORT SHOULD MAINTAIN ITS INDUSTRIAL CHARACTER.

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he decision to turn Larnaca’s port into a cruise ship hub was made back in the 1990s, when the sector was booming in the eastern Mediterranean. Today, due to the unstable situation in all neighbouring countries, this commercial activity has declined. At the time, Cyprus’ ports were handling more than 650,000 passengers and the figure was anticipated to surpass the one million mark during the past decade. These forecasts not only failed to materialise, but due to widelyknown reasons the trend has dramatically reversed. It is worth noting that in 2013, only 180,000 travellers passed through the two Cypriot ports and this year

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the number is not expected to exceed 120,000. According to the old scenario from 1995, the port of Larnaca was marginally viable – considering it would have secured 80 percent of the then-projected passenger traffic. Therefore, to improve the viability of the project, the residential and commercial development of the land area and later on a marina were added. Today this optimism is not justified. Firstly, because traveller movements have decreased dramatically; secondly, because even if the figure is to increase in the future, Larnaca will not be able to secure the 80 percent share due to similar investments made in Limassol Port; and thirdly, because the residential and commercial development in the port’s area is not expected to spur demand in the foreseeable future. […] Larnaca Chamber of Commerce & Industry reiterates that the most appropriate approach under the circumstances is to allow time to complete the

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procedures in progress for Larnaca port. Since we are in a bidding process for the port at the base of a non-industrial

development, the views of researchers and potential investors should be heard and then we should conclude whether this project can coexist with the touristic development and the overall vision for the city. MAY 2016


MANAGING DIRECTOR, ELPIS TOURISM & HOSPITALITY SEMINARS

ANTONIS ORTHODOXOU MICHAEL DEMOSTHENOUS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ORTHODOXOU AVIATION

Blue Air’s operations in Cyprus have been extremely successful “Up to this day, Blue Air’s operations in Cyprus have been extremely successful, progressing slowly and steadily, fulfilling our goals, offering job opportunities and adding a Cypriot touch to the flights. Blue Air passengers enjoy local products, including snacks and wine, in addition to reading material. We are very happy that in just one year we managed to establish the company as a safe and quality option for Cypriot passengers. We are committed to continuously improve our services.”

COMMERCIAL MANAGER, CYPRUS AND GREECE, BRITISH AIRWAYS

FREDDIE STIER

TRAVEL TALK

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Cyprus […] ticks all the boxes for UK holiday-makers

“It is no coincidence that the doubling of British Airways’ flights [from London’s Heathrow Airport] to Larnaca comes at a time when Cyprus Tourism Organisation has announced a projected increase in the number of tourists expected to visit the island this year. With the prevailing instability in the wider region, Cyprus continues to stand out as a destination that ticks all the boxes for UK holidaymakers, from its golden sandy beaches to its rich history and cultural heritage.”

Cyprus’ tourism product needs an upgrade

“Having observed the number of arrivals [to Cyprus] in the past few years, the service that some businesses offer to tourists, the quality of travellers that the country receives, as well as the financial results achieved, it is crystal clear that Cyprus’ tourism product needs an upgrade, professional support and innovative solutions.”

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

MAY 2016

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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POLIS BIDS ON CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

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BLUE AIR SUPPORTS CHARITY ASSOCIATION

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n line with its commitment to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable social groups in need, Blue Air, in association with the Mora Thavmata community, organised a charity flight to Rhodes. All proceeds from the initiative were donated for the purchase of a new respirator for the intensive care unit of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital which handles newborn and premature babies. The programme was also supported by Hermes Airports, Orthodoxou Aviation, Swissport International, Plane Catering and Destination One.

s part of the Let’s Do it Cyprus initiative, Polis Chrysochous Municipality organised a cleanup campaign at Dasoudi Beach Camping Site. As Angelos Georgiou, mayor, Polis Chrysochous, explained, the city council aims to turn the area into one of the cleanest locations on the island – one which would set a positive example for other communities. “This would also enhance our efforts to promote tourism development and showcase our region especially during this hard economic juncture where competition in extremely high,” stressed Georgiou.

NEAPOLIS PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY

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eapolis University Pafos hosted the fifth Le:Notre Landscape Forum at Coral Beach Hotel & Report. Academic and professional experts along with students took part in four thematic sessions under the themes of Urban growth and peri-urban sprawl: walkability in the everyday landscape of Paphos; Sustainable tourism: waterfront and hotel resorts; Heritage and identities: Kato Paphos Archaeological Park; and Rural change: landscapes, circular economy and local food production. Yiannakis Omirou, president, House of Representatives, opened the event saying, “[The forum] has been a point of reference in Europe in matters concerning the development of the urban, rural and cultural landscape, with the core objective of achieving sustainability, since it employs a completely different approach to other similar events.” As Omirou explained, the meeting aimed to find effective ways for the promotion of sustainable tourism.

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MAY 2016




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