NOVEMBER 2016 - ISSUE 45
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03 GENERAL
EUR220 MILLION MARINA PROJECT IN AYIA NAPA
SUMMER TOURISM BOOMS
16 VIEWS & INSIGHTS WITH PHILIPPOS DROUSIOTIS
07 Nautical News 08 Cultural News 14 Rendezvous
MARKET UPDATE SUMMER TOURISM BOOMS
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TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou
Tourism once again proved to be a major pillar of Cyprus’s socio-economic development with revenues generated by the industry surging 14.9 percent year-on-year between January and July.
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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ased on the results of the Passenger Survey, released by the country’s Statistical Service, during the seven-month period, tourism contributed some EUR1.233 billion to the national economy compared to EUR1.073 billion in the corresponding period in 2015. In July alone, revenues soared to EUR402.2 million, marking a robust 17.6 percent year-on-year improvement. Total arrivals in the month under review stood at 482,132 as compared to 414,527 in 2015, average length of stay, however, showed a slight drop from 10.2 days to 9.7 days. Nevertheless, industry stakeholders still benefitted from the strong demand with expenditure per person reaching EUR834.25, meaning an average daily amount of EUR86.01 versus EUR80.92 recorded in July 2015. Visitors from the Netherlands proved to be particularly valuable having delivered above average figures in all three of the aforementioned aspects. All in all, between January and July, more than 1.73 million travellers visited the island, bringing Cyprus closer to surpassing 2015’s tourism levels.
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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 WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com 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
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NOVEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
EUR220 MILLION MARINA PROJECT IN
Pervolia Unveils Coastal Path
Ayia Napa
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Pervolia
Ayia Napa Marina
CONSTRUCTION WORKS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEGUN AT AYIA NAPA MARINA.
evelopments in the village of Pervolia remain on schedule following the inauguration of its coastal walkway in October. The construction of the first phase of the pathway began in 2015, and now locals and tourists alike can take in unobstructed views of the sea from the lighthouse to Journalist’s Village and enjoy the lighting, green spaces, cycle lanes, kiosks and parking along the route. The second stage of enhancement will involve the extension of the walkway to Meneou, another popular village in the Larnaca region. Additionally, six breakwaters are currently being constructed to prevent coastal erosion, with the project due to be completed in March 2018, while an outdoor stage is anticipated in July 2018. To further enhance the destination’s appeal, plans have been also revealed for a new folk art museum.
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he EUR220 million mixed-use residential and commercial development on the southern shores of the island is scheduled to be completed in 2021 and will boast 190 deluxe apartments in two twisting towers, 29 luxury villas, a 300-berth full-service marina and boatyard as well as a selection of retail, waterfront dining and premium lifestyle amenities in the so-called Pyare Village commercial centre. The project is the result of a partnership between Cypriot entrepreneur Gerasimos Caramondanis and Egyptian investor Naguib Sawiris, and is designed by SmithGroupJJR, a US-based architecture, engineering and planning firm internationally recognised as experts in waterfront design. According to Sawiris, the destination will herald a new era in modern beachfront living. “We will exceed the expectations of our residents and our guests and not only transform the Cyprus skyline but change the way you think about Cyprus,” added Sawiris. Speaking about the island’s credentials, Stavros Caramondanis, CEO, Ayia Napa Marina, said, “Cyprus is a safe haven blessed with beautiful nature, year-round sunshine, modern infrastructure, a high standard of living and a genuine culture of warmth and hospitality, strategically located in the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa.” As he further pinpointed, Cyprus’ tax system is one of the most attractive on the continent, making it an appealing destination. “The modern, competitive and simple business environment coupled with the high quality of life make Cyprus an ideal place for both visitors and investors,” concluded Caramondanis.
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MONTHLY NEWS
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FTI to Bring 100,000 Visitors to Cyprus
FTI HAS REVEALED PLANS TO FURTHER INCREASE ITS CAPACITY TO CYPRUS FOR 2017’S SUMMER SEASON.
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ith new nonstop flights, an expanded hotel portfolio and local representation, the German tour operator and travel agency expects a four-fold surge in the number of guests to the destination. With 10 weekly services, holiday-makers from the northern and eastern part of Germany will also have the chance to fly to the island within three and a half hours, making Cyprus an ideal choice for them. Operated by Small Planet on behalf of FTI, from Leipzig and Berlin-Brandenburg two weekly flights will be offered, while from Stuttgart, Berlin-Tegel, Hanover, Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Basel once-weekly services will be available. According to Sven Schikarsky, managing director, tour operating, FTI, with the new air links,
the island is becoming more accessible and thus much more attractive to German travellers. As he further pinpointed, the company’s offering will be complemented by Germania’s services to Paphos. “Convenient flight connections are key to a successful holiday destination,” underlined Schikarsky. “We see similar potential for guest growth in Cyprus as it happened in the case of Morocco a year ago, where we were able to triple the numbers within a year. […] We expect at least 100,000 FTI visitors in the medium term.” To cater to the anticipated demand, the Germany travel expert has doubled its hotel portfolio on the island to include renowned names such as Tsokkos Hotels, Constantinou Bros., Atlantica Hotels and Sunrise Hotels, along with other accommodation options for those preferring vil-
lage houses or high-end properties like Anassa. For those with a penchant for luxury goods and services, seven Gold by FTI Hotels will be offered, while travellers who wish to not only relax but also recharge themselves while in Cyprus three wellness-oriented properties will be available. To showcase the island’s diverse offering, FTI’s Greece – Cyprus catalogue will be expanded from 47 to 79 pages. Reaffirming its commitment to the country, FTI has recently moved Meeting Point Cyprus’ office to Nicosia. The 300m2 representation already employs 13 experts and by March 2017, this number is set to reach 25. “We are confident in Cyprus’s potential as a holiday destination,” concluded Charis Papacharalambous, CEO, Meeting Point Cyprus.
UNWTO and Greece Strengthen Relations
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hristodoulos Lazaris, ambassador, Greece, presented his credentials to Taleb Rifai, secretary general, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), accrediting him as a permanent representative of the Mediterranean country to UNWTO. During the meeting, Rifai reiterated the organisation’s determination to continue strengthening its close ties with Greece. According to UNWTO’s data, the prospects for tourism remain positive for the destination as economic recovery gathers momentum and new air routes open from emerging segments, particularly from Russia and China, as well as from traditional source markets. Greek tourism has shown sustained growth in recent years with almost 24 million arrivals in 2015, a year-on-year increase of seven percent.
NOVEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS
European Recognition for Paphos
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aphos has achieved another European award, this time as a Green Destination. The coastal town excelled among 150 candidates worldwide as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations and was rewarded for its efforts in responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives, all of which have been designed to benefit visitors,
residents as well as the wider society. The top 100 countries were chosen based on 15 key criteria of the Green Target Model by 60 experts. The recognition follows the gold medal earned by Paphos for the quality of its coastline, which came after upgrades and various beautification endeavours in line with the Pafos2017 project.
Thousands Join Run in Colour
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ome 10,000 people, both locals as well as visitors participated in this year’s MTN Run in Colour event in Limassol. The annual competition, which took place on the shores of the coastal town, attracted people of all ages who, after warming up at a colourful party, completed a fivekilometre run. As opposed to other contests, sports enthusiasts here focus on just enjoying their time while getting covered on all colours of the rainbow at several stages of the marked distance. All proceeds of the event were donated to ELPIDA Foundation which provides financial and psychological support to children bravely fighting cancer and leukemia.
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MONTHLY NEWS
Orthodoxou Travel Upgrades Website
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Amathous Exhibition Held in Limassol
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n a bid to constantly meet the needs of travellers and provide quality solutions to customers, Orthodoxou Travel has upgraded its official website. Visitors to the online platform can benefit from immediate access to information and destinations, economic travel suggestions, and various tips relating to families, business travellers, short breaks and more. Compatible for all portable devices, the website can be used from home, offices and even while on the go.
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he Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works organised a temporary exhibition under the title Amathous of Cyprus, a city most ancient at the Archaeological Museum of the Limassol district. Marking the occasion of 40 years of excavations of the French Archaeological Mission of Amathous, the exhibition covered a large chronological period, from prehistory to the first centuries of the Christian period. The exhibits were presented in four different thematic segments, within a framework of information panels and other visual aids, which narrated the history of the city and the region of Amathous by providing information on public and private life, rituals, burial customs and commercial or cultural exchanges.
Seaside Living Reaches New Heights
Limassol Del Mar
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et another impressive project is set to emerge on the island’s shores. Limassol Del Mar expresses the destination’s new wave of architecture through its unique highrise curvilinear design that fully capitalises on the plot's 170m long sea frontage, enabling every single apartment of the development to benefit from views of the Mediterranean Sea. Strategically located right on the seafront, Limassol Del Mar will bring an enhanced level of luxury to the city, boasting five-star services and facilities in addition to a collection of gastronomic and shopping experiences, all at one single residential and leisure address. Home owners and visitors will be able to take advantage of an owners club, concierge, extensive spa zones, indoor and outdoor pools, gyms, a tennis court, underground parking and discreetly monitored gated access.
NOVEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS
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Limassol Marina Showcased at Monaco Yacht Show
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imassol Marina, in collaboration with Camper & Nicholsons International participated in this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, hailed as the sector’s premier event. The annual programme has long established itself as a high-profile gathering to appreciate, view and purchase some 125 exclusive one-off superyachts built by the most respected shipyards. More than 500 of the leading luxury yachting companies took part in this year’s edition, where 40 new vessels were unveiled. The Cypriot delegation displayed the destination’s offerings on the Quai des Etats-Unis in the renowned Port Hercules in a bid to attract strong interest from European as well as international professionals and visitors alike. Limassol Marina is the organisation behind the development of its namesake.
Images of Aegean Cruises Prove a Success
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elestyal Cruises offered three- and four-day cruises aboard Celestyal Nefeli in October. Entitled Images of Aegean, the itineraries from Athens showcased the best of the region with calls at some of the most popular destinations. Celestyal Nefeli is an intimate, medium-sized cruise ship, perfect for passengers to enjoy the authentic beauty of the Aegean destinations. The last cruise of the season, In the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, departed on October 31 to a round trip with calls at Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dhekelia, Kusadasi, Patmos, Mykonos and Syros.
Celestyal Cruises
NOVEMBER 2016
Airport Community Collects 20kg of Litter
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o commemorate the International Coastal Clean-up Day, Vantage Airport Group, one of Hermes Airports’ shareholders, organised an environmental campaign, collecting more than 20kg of waste on Meneou beach. For the second year running, volunteers from Saint Lazarus Special School joined staff members from Hermes Airports, Cyprus Airports Food & Beverage, Swissport and LGS Handling as well as employees of AIRTRANS Group for the good cause. Eleni Kaloyirou, CEO, Hermes Airports, highlighted, “Each and every one of us has an obligation to demonstrate our love for the environment, by safeguarding it from actions that lead to its pollution and destruction.”
Volunteers on Meneou beach
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MONTHLY NEWS CULTURAL TOURISM
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Prestigious Event by the Department of Antiquities
THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTIQUITIES, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS ORGANISED A TWO-DAY EVENT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME SAVING PREHISTORIC ANTIQUITIES UNDER THREAT, IN A BID TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING HERITAGE AND PRESENT THE PAST, CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIONS TAKEN IN THIS REGARD.
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arina Solomidou-Ieronymidou, director, Department of Antiquities, welcomed guests and invited Marios Demetriades, transport, communication and works minister, Cyprus, to the stage to address the gathering, who was followed by Peter Reinhardt, ambassador to Cyprus, Switzerland, and Despina Pilides, curator of antiquities, Department of Antiquities, setting the stage for a lecture by Jean-Robert Gisler, professor, University of Fribourg and Berne, Switzerland, entitled Insights into the new challenges in protecting cultural property. Guests were also invited to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition Archaeology and Memory: Excavations in the Districts of
Keryneia and Ammochostor, which presented, for the first time, to the public antiquities that were excavated before 1974 at prehistoric sites in the areas that are currently not under the effective control of the government of Cyprus. The programme continued the next day with a workshop held under the theme Four Decades of Hiatus in Archaeological Research in Cyprus: Towards Restoring the Balance, in Nicosia. Organised at the capital’s Medieval Hall of Kastelliotissa, the event drew the spotlight, among others, on Cyprus Museum’s prehistoric archaeological record, the measures taken and problems faced in the investigations on the illicit trade of antiquities, the north coast of the island in the Bronze
Ayia Napa Hosts Medieval Festival
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Age, actions taken in order to protect and preserve the deep time prehistory of Cyprus, mountain archaeology between the two coasts, the country at the dawn of a new era, Red Polished Philia pottery production, the political division of a culturally unified island, the reappraisal of the central north coast, interpreting settlement function, the Agios Sozomenos excavations and phlamoudhi in archaeology, history and art. The research programme Saving Prehistoric Antiquities Under Threat is co-funded by Cyprus and the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and is conducted under the aegis of the Department of Antiquities. The three-year project is expected to be completed by August 2017.
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isitors to Ayia Napa enjoyed a wide variety of cultural programmes in mid-October. Organised by the town's municipality, the 11th Medieval Festival presented artists from Germany, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Italy, Russia, Belarus, Spain, Greece as well as Cyprus, much to the delight of locals and holiday-makers alike. In partnership with Medieval Festival of Rhodes, a photo exhibition was also held under the title The Tale of Rhododendron. Visitors to the festival were entertained by dance groups, acrobats, fire shows, bands playing with medieval instruments and more.
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MONTHLY NEWS CULTURAL TOURISM
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Nicosia Presents First Medieval Festival
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Nicosia
icosia Tourism Board organised the first Medieval Nicosia Festival in October in an effort to transport tourists and locals alike back in time. To mark the occasion, a conference was also held with the highlights including a keynote speech entitled Nicosia: the Gothic Capital of Cyprus and two panel discussions on the history of the city. Additionally, a tour of the destination was offered as well as a guided walk around the village of Fikardo, an UNESCO protected settlement that has retained its traditional medieval characteristics. Participants also had the chance to attend Medieval Tastes, a gala dinner feast showcasing a selection of dishes from days gone by.
Discoveries from Paphos Excavation
Kissonerga-Skalia
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he Department of Antiquities announced the completion of this year’s excavation season at the Bronze Age settlement of Kissonerga-Skalia near Paphos. The final phase at the site is characterised by the construction of a large complex of over 1,100m2 devoted to industrial activities. Excavations west of the area have defined a room with interior benches along the walls, made with a base of small stones and an upper packing of mud brick or mud plaster. The newly unearthed segment contains a high concentration of fine ware pottery and animal bones that appear to be the debris of eating and drinking activities.
NOVEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS AIR
Ellinair Training Scheme Rolled Out
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llinair has announced its latest schedule of airline training which has been approved by Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and is in line with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. The learning centre is located at Thessaloniki International Airport and the programme covers a wide range of topics for both cabin crew as well as aircraft pilots. Initial flight attendant training is a 15-working day course while the specialised aircraft training takes approximately six weeks. Upon successful completion of the courses, participants will receive a license recognised by all European and international airline operators.
NOVEMBER 2016
Blue Air Enhances Larnaca Operations
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lue Air has revealed plans to launch a new itinerary from Larnaka International Airport to Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj in Romania’s second most populous city. Effective from April 09, 2017, the carrier will operate the three-weekly service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, giving tourists the opportunity to explore both countries during the summer months. The route will also enhance connectivity, underscoring Blue Air’s commitment to providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The Transylvanian addition marks the airline’s sixth destination from the Cypriot base, joining Bucharest, Athens, Thessaloniki, London Luton and Birmingham.
Transylvania
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MONTHLY NEWS AIR
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Munich
Transavia Boosts Cyprus Presence
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utch airline Transavia is further strengthening its operations to and from the island with the upcoming launch of new services between Larnaca and Munich. Starting April 12, 2017, the low-cost carrier will offer two weekly flights between the Mediterranean hotspot and the German capital. Expressing delight at the introduction of yet another itinerary, Paul de Raad, vice president, marketing and e-commerce, Transavia, said, “We strongly believe in this route which has much to offer to both business and leisure passengers.”
Gulf Air Updates Bahrain – Athens Schedule
Blue Air Attends Athens Flying Week
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Bahrain
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rom November 02, Gulf Air will revise the timings of its Bahrain – Athens route with the introduction of a morning flight from the Kingdom. The new itinerary will offer passengers increased flexibility, convenience and better connectivity. Ahmed Janahi, chief commercial officer, Gulf Air, noted, “Since we resumed services to Athens in the summer of 2014, the route has shown strong and steady growth to date. Athens is a key European destination in our network and we saw more customers from the region choosing to spend their holidays in Greece.” The enhanced schedule will offer convenient alternatives on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
lue Air showcased its offerings at the fifth edition of Athens Flying Week, hailed as the largest aviation event in Greece. Fans from all over the world had the opportunity to photograph the take-off and landing of the Romanian carrier’s Boeing 737 which was deployed on the Larnaca – Athens route and also made a short detour to Tanagra Air Force Base, shortly after passengers disembarked in the Greek capital. Following its touch-down on the airfield, the airliner was parked to offer attendees at the event a memorable experience of the Blue Air product. A take-off from Tanagra Air Force Base concluded the celebrations, with the airline's Boeing 737 being escorted by two Dassault Mirage jets.
NOVEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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Kapetanios Odysseia: 25 Years in Business
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imassol’s Kapetanios Odysseia is celebrating its 25th anniversary. A lot has changed since the property first opened its doors in 1991 as a member of Kanika Group under the name Kanika Pantheon. Since then, the hotel has been acquired by Kapetanios Hotels and has, as Kapetanios Odysseia, quickly established itself as a popular choice for holidays as well as for social and corporate functions. Following a successful summer season in 2015, the property closed for an eight-month renovation project to reemerge this June with a modern entrance, upgraded rooms, overhauled corridors, and a completely new outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, as well as a new children’s pool and playground. Positioning itself as a renowned three-star hotel with four-star facilities, the well-established address is looking to upgrade its official rating in the foreseeable future to better mirror its commitment to excellence and guests satisfaction.
Mediterranean: A Quarter of Century
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t has been 25 years since Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol opened its doors. Since then, the hotel has welcomed couples of all ages, as well as families and business travellers from around the world, many of whom return year after year to enjoy the surroundings and luxurious facilities of the property. In line with its commitment to continuously enhance the guest experience, over the years, the management has introduced an abundance of services while also upgrading existing units and venues to meet the highest standards in luxury and comfort while keeping up to date with all new trends and traveller needs.
Mediterranean Beach Hotel
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Besides the award, what accomplishments have made you proud this year? How has business been at the hotel compared to previous years?
JOCHEN NIEMANN GENERAL MANAGER, LONDA BEACH HOTEL, LIMASSOL
WITH ICONIC PROJECTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT, LIMASSOL CONTINUES TO ENHANCE ITS APPEAL AND ACCORDING TO JOCHEN NIEMANN, GENERAL MANAGER, LONDA BEACH HOTEL, LIMASSOL, THE DESTINATIONS STILL HAS ROOM TO GROW.
JOCHEN NIEMANN: We are having a fantastic year so far. Although 2015 was already a great year, to date we have been able to increase our occupancy by five percent and total hotel revenues by eight percent compared to 2015. All of our main markets, the UK, Russia and Greece have marked an increase with Russian guests exhibiting the highest growth. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: As a lifestyle boutique hotel, Londa Beach Hotel clearly set itself apart from its peers in Limassol. How would you describe the profile of your clientele? What kind of tools and initiatives are you relying on in order to better engage with these existing and potential guests? JOCHEN NIEMANN: As a lifestyle, contemporary boutique hotel we mainly attract couples and the new generation of travellers. These are urban, sophisticated guests looking for a relaxed, personal service. We provide them with the mediums they need, which helps us stay in touch with them. An easy-to-navigate website, updated and attractive social media content, in-house concierge application and the smile on our faces [are crucial]. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: In recent years, Limassol has witnessed major improvements in infrastructure. In your opinion, what else could be done in order to enhance the desti-
nation’s profile and attract a broader pool of visitors? What can hoteliers like yourself do in order to support this development? JOCHEN NIEMANN: […] Limassol could benefit from a landmark attraction like the London Eye or the Ferrari World [Abu Dhabi]. The opening of the new marina, the revamp of the old harbour and the anticipated arrival of a casino in Limassol are all outstanding attractions which have contributed favourably to the tourism sector. In my opinion, Limassol’s tourist area has room for improvement. Alongside the seafront road, there are plenty of tacky or run-down developments, which do not blend well with the rest of the city image and are not aesthetically pleasing. As hoteliers, we should constantly enhance our services and keep providing exceptional Cypriot hospitality to turn as many guests as possible into loyal visitors. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Londa Beach Hotel has gained quite a recognition for its culinary offering as well as for its unique jazz nights. What are your plans for the coming months in order to continuously surprise guests and ensure a memorable experience at the hotel? JOCHEN NIEMANN: [We have recently launched] our new dessert menu, including sugar-free dishes. Towards the end of November we will once again change our à la carte menu, using inspiration from the colder months ahead of us. And then of course Christmas season is on its way, a time when the festive dessert du chef acquires an extra flair.
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: For the 10th consecutive year, Londa Beach Hotel was once again recognised at the World Travel Awards. What does it mean to you, your team as well as to your guests to be listed among the leading luminaries in the European tourism sector? JOCHEN NIEMANN: This is a wonderful achievement for Londa and our guests. As a team, we strive to offer our guests unique moments, ensuring that their experience with us will be one of the highest quality. These awards attest our commitment to ensuring we achieve that aim. Londa is proud to have been honoured by the industry in this way.
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Londa Beach Hotel
NOVEMBER 2016
VIEWS & INSIGHTS with
VIEWS & INSIGHTS
PHILIPPOS DROUSIOTIS CHAIRMAN, CYPRUS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INITIATIVE
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS, PHILIPPOS DROUSIOTIS, CHAIRMAN, CYPRUS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INITIATIVE (CSTI), ADDRESSED THE AUDIENCE AT THE ORGANISATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, WHICH WAS HELD UNDER THE THEME SUSTAINABILITY IS CULTURE.
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e have successfully completed 10 years and we are all very proud of our achievements. We have purposely chosen Nicosia this year to hold our 10th annual general meeting since we wanted many people from the tourism industry, including decision-makers in order to convey the message that sustainability is the only way forward for the Cypriot tourism. […] We strongly believe that these 10 years we have contributed towards introducing sustainability in the tourism industry. All sustainability programmes and
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initiatives undertaken by CSTI and its partners, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Travel Foundation, are more than essential to the development of tourism in Cyprus. It is more important than ever for Cyprus to adopt a sustainable approach to tourism. Tourism is probably the only industry that helped and is helping Cyprus’ economy to get out of the recession. It is more than vital to protect our environment, our cultural inheritance and promote our local produce. We must get back our local pride and tourism is the main industry which has employed unemployed Cypriots and helped to regenerate the economy. […] Tourists have become more demanding, they are asking for experiences during their holidays that [they] will remember for the rest of their lives. They want when they stay at the Cypriot hotels and enjoy our beaches to be able to tell the difference that they are in Cyprus and not in another Mediterranean destination. They can tell the difference only if they eat traditional Cypriot food, enjoy the Cypriot breakfast at their hotels, if they are served by Cypriots, if they see endemic plants on our beaches and the hotel gardens, that can only be found in Cyprus, or if they encounter other cultural and social aspects of our civilisation. […] In order for Cyprus to continue its journey of sustainability we need to integrate sustainable tourism at a national policy level. It is a matter of collaboration among several industry sectors
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and in order to engage all the government departments a leader in sustainable tourism is required. We embrace the intentions of the government to create a new position for undersecretary of tourism that will ensure a formal structure of sustainability is incorporated in government strategy and only then will several government departments work together to address issues such as waste management and seasonality. In addition, it has become very clear that sustainable tourism can only be achieved if all stakeholders are involved, such as hoteliers, restaurateurs, developers, travel agents, tour operators, environmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and last but not least local communities. […] It is now time to place sustainability in the centre of all future tourism related strategies. Sustainability will become our unique selling point – something that will improve our image and we will eventually become less dependent on prices where we cannot compete with destinations such as Turkey, Egypt or even Greece. A sustainable Cyprus will become more attractive to markets such as Germany and Central Europe [and we are also] hoping to solve the seasonality issue. We want to attract higher income, higher education, higher spending customers who are not travelling in the peak season and are interested in experimential tourism which in Cyprus we offer throughout the year. […] We believe that CSTI and other stakeholders should be part of sustainNOVEMBER 2016
VIEWS & INSIGHTS
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able tourism advisory boards at all levels of government and/or industry. They should have an input into sustainable tourism planning and development. […] It is a great pleasure to see the tourism industry after the economic crisis promoting local produce and encouraging hotels and other tourism businesses to hire local people. This is exactly what our tourism product was missing during the last 10 – 15 years.
In addition, we are encouraging the industry to introduce renewable sources of energy, reduce the water consumption and the waste production and address the problem of seasonality. All these will make our tourism product more competitive, will reduce unemployment, reduce operational costs and increase revenues from tourism.”
WHERE IT ALL STARTS Since its establishment in 2006, CSTI has embarked on a range of missions with the first years’ most significant milestones including the Village Routes projects with six self-drive routes, the mobilisation of the island’s tourism industry to plant more than 800 trees at Fylagra, a water and energy conservation scheme that resulted in savings of more than EUR500,000 in mere six months, the organisation of producers fairs in marginalised villages, the Troodos cleaning campaign in collaboration with Green Dot, a conference on waste management and the launch of related actions as well as various cleaning and awareness campaigns. CYPRUS DESTINATION PARTNERSHIP In 2010, CTO, CSTI and the Travel Foundation entered into a five-year partnership agreement to establish a programme of initiatives to support the island in becoming a leader in sustainable tourism. The action plan included the introduction of minimum sustainable standards (MSS), waste mapping, greening beaches, the promotion of Cyprus Breakfast and the optimisation of an all-inclusive destination Paphos. Despite the set five-year timeframe, the organisations’ collaboration still continues. SETTING NEW GOALS This year, in an attempt to ensure that the MSSs are implemented in the hotel industry, CSTI supported the standards with real life examples of best practices and publicised waste, energy and water saving results achieved through the implementation of initiatives described within the handbook. To this end, CSTI and CTO continue to inform and train hoteliers on MSSs. The organisation also worked with the Travel Foundation on a TUI project under the theme Maximising and optimising the local economic impact of TUI’s sustainable excursions programme in Cyprus. The main objective was to determine the impact of supply payments on both the business as well as the local economy. CSTI also participated in the Closing the Plastic Tap international workshop in Monaco to present the outcome of the Plastic Reduction Project which aimed to cut the amount of plastic waste generated by participating properties. ONE CYPRUS ONE SUSTAINABLE POLICY To achieve long-term results, CSTI believes that working together and sharing knowledge and best practices with the Turkish Cypriots is crucial. The organisation maintains that sustainable tourism can and will help to unite the country and its people.
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Kanika Hotels’ portfolio currently includes Alexander The Great Beach Hotel, Paphos; Olympic Lagoon Resort, Paphos; Elias Beach Hotel, Limassol; Olympic Lagoon Resort, Ayia Napa and Olympic Bay, Ayia Napa. What attributes and concepts set these Kanika addresses apart from other properties within their respective categories?
OMIROS OMIROU BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, KANIKA HOTELS
WELCOMING THOUSANDS OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR, KANIKA HOTELS RANKS AMONGST CYPRUS’ MOST ESTABLISHED HOTEL GROUPS AND AS OMIROS OMIROU, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, KANIKA HOTELS, REVEALS, THE COMPANY HAS AMBITIOUS PLANS.
TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: How would you summarise this year so far? OMIROS OMIROU: In continuation of our successful previous years, the current year has proven to be another year full of exciting challenges. So far we are managing to achieve all our goals across each division; a success that would not have been possible without the valuable help and trust of the trade and of course our guests. One of our main priorities as a company is guest satisfaction. We believe that our main achievement for another year is the fact that we have managed this and gave our guests, staying in any of our Kanika hotels, a unique holiday experience.
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OMIROS OMIROU: One of the main cornerstones of Kanika’s ongoing success is our human capital and their professionalism and guest service orientation. The values of all of us working in Kanika are summed up in the Kanika SPIRIT which stands for service, professionalism, innovation, respect, integrity and teamwork. This is an important attribute that distinguish our hotels from the competition. Furthermore our strategic goal has always been to differentiate our product from the competition. Kanika Hotels & Resorts is investing heavily every year in upgrading its hotel division by introducing innovative services and infrastructure, and by developing pioneering hotel concepts. We would like to offer our guests something new and exciting every year in terms of services, quality, infrastructure or choice of outlets. A small recent example is the fact that we have taken another step forward with our new culinary innovation programme that has already delivered the first delicious results […]. The programme was developed and is being implemented by Kanika’s culinary innovation and development team and Kanika’s award-winning chefs, in cooperation with consultant executive chef, Peter Gorton from the UK, a Michelin star holder with undisputed credentials. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Please tell us about your clientele. How much of your business comes from travel agencies/tour operators and groups? OMIROS OMIROU: The majority of our business comes from travel agencies and tour operators and as mentioned above without the help and trust of the trade we would not be able to meet our targets. The UK remains and will continue to be our main feeder market, however, over the years we have successfully promoted and introduced our hotels in other markets as well, mainly in continental Europe, Scandinavia,
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Russia and the neighbouring Middle East. The availability of flights from these markets helped us to see growth from these markets in the last few years, which is very exciting. […] TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: Seasonality has long been one of the most pressing issues of the Cypriot tourism industry. What is Kanika Hotels’ strategy during the winter months? OMIROS OMIROU: Indeed the seasonality in the tourism industry has always been an issue for discussion and this despite the fact that Cyprus offers all the key elements which could establish the island as a perfect winter destination. […] In addition to this Cyprus offers a wide range of activities that can keep a traveller busy throughout the year. Kanika hotels have always given emphasis to the winter months and invested in promoting and educating potential travellers in regards to all the benefits the island offers. In addition to this, we have given emphasis to targeting potential special interest groups like golf, conferences and incentives that can assist our occupancies during the winter months. We do see results from these efforts and with the availability of winter flights, we have managed to keep three of our hotels operating normally during the winter period. Alexander the Great in Paphos and Elias Beach Hotel in Limassol remain open throughout the year whereas our Olympic Lagoon Paphos operates almost 10 months every year. TRAVEL TRADE CYPRUS: What can guests and partners expect in the coming months? OMIROS OMIROU: In this anniversary year, when Kanika Group is also celebrating its 40th anniversary, we are excited to announce the development of a new luxury five-star, adults-oriented hotel which will be located on one of the most exclusive seafront sites in Cyprus, adjacent to our Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos. Its completion is anticipated for 2019. Furthermore our plans include the full renovation and addition of facilities in our well-established Olympic Lagoon Resort in Ayia Napa. This is expected to take place during winter 2017/2018 with the hotel operating fully renovated by summer 2018. […] NOVEMBER 2016
NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
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Kapilio Hosts Koumandaria Festival
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Nicosia November 02 – 04 The University of Nicosia’s 3rd International Scientific Conference will explore the historical dimensions and itineraries of knowledge in books and maps.
CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL Nicosia November 05 – 06 International chefs will represent their countries’ favourite dishes, and guests can also visit a wine tasting area as well as various exhibitions.
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ocated just a short distance outside of Limassol, the picturesque village of Kapilio held Koumandaria Festival, a free event celebrating the amber-coloured sweet dessert wine made locally in the region. In addition to Koumandaria, festival-goers also had the chance to sample local delicacies and enjoyed an extensive programme of traditional Cypriot music and dance. Tourist buses, which were available at no cost, were operated from Dasoudi tourist information office. To educate visitors about the area, its festival and culture, a tour guide was present on the vehicle to provide information and answer any questions.
Railways Stuns Audience in Nicosia OLYMPUS MAN Paphos November 12 A one-of-a-kind triathlon competition that finishes at the Olympus peak of the island.
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opular band Railways performed Greek and international pop and rock songs at Agias Varvaras Square in Kaimakli. To much of the delight of concert-goers, the programme included a number of new songs as well. Over the years, Railways have performed several shows in the capital as well as in Limassol, sharing the stage with various other renowned bands.
Larnaca Joins European Sports Week
K1 SPRING DUATHLON Limassol November 26 K1 Triathlon Club organises yet another competition before the year draws to a close.
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arnaka Municipality successfully completed the 2nd European Sports Week. The coastal town cooperated with sports organisations, unions and other private and public bodies to hold various sporting activities, whereby citizens could participate for free. Over 1,500 people joined the programme and were awarded souvenirs and certificates. The event aimed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle through the involvement of various age groups.
NOVEMBER 2016