DECEMBER 2016 - ISSUE 46
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02 MARKET UPDATE
HISTORIC RECORD FOR THE AIRPORTS
MELCO INTERNATIONAL CLOSER TO CASINO DEAL
10 COLUMBIA BEACH RESORT TRANSFORMS
05 Cultural Tourism 08 Developments 11 Greece
MARKET UPDATE
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HISTORIC RECORD FOR THE
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
Airports
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Ellen Petty CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou Natalie James SALES & SALES SUPPORT Maria Demetriadou Magda Christou Raluca Apostolescu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS OF BOTH LARNACA AND PAPHOS HAVE RECORDED OVER ONE MILLION PASSENGERS DURING OCTOBER.
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 EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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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
Larnaka International Airport
he figure constitutes an increase of 31.5 percent in passenger traffic compared to the same month in 2015, with the strongest traffic recorded in traveller volumes from Russia, Greece, UK, Israel, Switzerland and Ukraine. Eleni Kaloyirou, CEO, Hermes Airports, noted, “The fact that this year’s rising course continues during the months of a non-peak season is very encouraging. It seems that this trend will continue during the winter months also, proving that the goal of restraining the seasonality and promotion of Cyprus as a year-round destination is achievable.”
TOP KINISIS: POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN GREECE
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Tourism organisation Top Kinisis Travel announced its interim management statement for the nine months ending September 30 this year.
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he group’s turnover during this period amounted to EUR22.5 million, a decrease of 15.95 percent compared to EUR26.8 million in the corresponding period in 2015. While a decrease of 16.28 percent was observed at the company’s Cyprus branch, in Greece, Top Kinisis achieved a 6.99 percent improvement in turnover with income standing at EUR413,000.
DECEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS
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CTO Draws Attention on Tourist Safety
Tourist safety workshop
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iorgos Lakkotrypis, energy commerce industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, took part in a series of meetings with airline representatives and tour operators within the grounds of this year’s World Travel Market (WTM). During his visit, Lakkotrypis led a business mission co-organised by the ministry and Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, with participation in the Cyprus-UK Business Forum as a target. The minister was also the main speaker at an event, where participants were updated on the developments in the Cypriot economy and the various opportunities available on the island for investment and business partnerships.
WTM
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standard workshop examining the safety of visitors to the island was held at the Municipal Thalassa Museum in Ayia Napa. The seminar formed part of Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) endeavours, launched in 2015, aimed at further improving tourist security across the country. The preparatory work included the extension of daily working hours of lifeguards, with the step being hailed a major achievement and success. The event also underscored the high priority given by police personnel to the segment through a series of educational seminars and preventative measures and activities which are planned to be repeated and further reinforced in 2017.
Cyprus Showcased at WTM
Larnaca’s Challenges in the Spotlight
DECEMBER 2016
Larnaca
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ocrates Hasikos, interior minister, Cyprus, and Dinos Lefkaritis, president, Tourism Development and Projection Company (ETAP), held a meeting to discuss the most pressing issues hindering the development of tourism and business in Larnaca. Prominent topics included the upgrade of the Larnaca – Dhekelia road, the creation of a seaside promenade in Pyla, questions surrounding non-licensing of units due to existing legislation on public swimming pools, as well as pollution problems in touristic areas. Lefkaritis said, “Larnaca has acquired a new dynamism in the tourism sector and therefore should present a good image with the resolution of problems affecting the quality of development.”
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MONTHLY NEWS Sparse Social Media Presence for Cyprus Hotels
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Amadeus Hellas Participates in Digi.Travel
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ccommodation establishments in Cyprus recognise the importance of social media and although most of them have already established a strong presence on these platforms, there are still considerable margins for improvement. Further enhancing the information and services provided on popular social networking sites could benefit both hoteliers as well as guests, according to the findings of the survey entitled Capturing the Social Media use in the Cyprus Hotel Industry, presented by PwC Cyprus. The aim of the report, which was conducted in cooperation with the University of Nicosia, was to map out the use of social media in the island’s hospitality segment, appraising accommodation establishments’ overall utilisation of these powerful tools. According to the results, hotels in coastal districts rely on social media more than properties in the mountains or town centres. Overall, respectively nine hotels have been counted in the country that have absolutely no presence on online sites or, in contrast, are extremely active in all platforms.
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madeus Hellas took part in the first Digi. Travel International Conference & Expo in Cyprus. The event covered major topics related to global trends in e-tourism, digital marketing as well as mobile tourism and mobile marketing. Amadeus discussed the digital disruption in payments and how these affect travel agencies’ operations and their business-to-business payment procedures. The company also presented the Amadeus B2B Wallet, which offers three different virtual payment cards. Eva Karamanou, general manager, Amadeus Hellas, commented, ”[…] We are happy that we are able to provide our partners with the best and most up-to-date technology solutions that will cover even the most sophisticated and demanding needs of our clients.”
Limassol
Tourism Continues to Thrive
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his year has been reported as the best in terms of tourism in Cyprus. Arrivals through August showed an increase of 19 percent over the same month in 2015, while revenues until July surged 14.95 percent year-on-year. Revenue for the whole year is set to be between EUR2.4 billion and EUR2.5 billion. The enormous contribution of tourism to the country’s socio-economic growth is also confirmed by the volume of jobs supported by the industry. Based on statistics, currently over 35,400 people are employed in tourism and the accommodation and food and beverage sectors, 16 percent more than in 2015.
DECEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS CULTURAL TOURISM
Excavations at Dreamer’s Bay
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he Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Cyprus, announced the completion of this year’s excavations at Akrotiri – Dreamer’s Bay. Investigations focussed on remains of stone buildings close to the shoreline exposed by winter storms and on a further stone structure on the hilltop above, all within the confines of the UK’s RAF Ak-
rotiri airbase. Work so far appears to confirm that the archaeological remains at Dreamers Bay generally belong to the late Roman or early Byzantine period. It is not yet clear how they relate to other archaeological spots on the peninsula, such as the great ecclesiastical site at Katalymata ton Plakoton certainly, of the same era.
Paphos Castle
Celebrating European Capital of Culture
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he European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017 presented its programme of events in the gardens of the organisation’s headquarters. The planned opening ceremony is inspired by the thematic section Myth and Religion, within the context of the first weekend’s events which will take place between January 28 – 29, 2017. The official inauguration of the European Capital of Culture is set to present the coastal town on the cultural scene as a place of creativity and perspective. The extensive roster of programmes in celebration of the distinction will also include a concert by the Berlin Philharmonic, hailed as one of Europe’s leading ensembles with hundreds of concerts, appearances and recordings throughout the world, which will take place on May 01, 2017 at Paphos’ Castle square.
DECEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS CULTURAL TOURISM
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ailed as one of the most important cultural happenings in Ayia Napa in the last four years, the fourth edition of Sculpture Symposium was successfully concluded. The municipality aims to enrich the destination’s existing Ayia Napa Sculpture Park with more works, to encourage sculpting as an art, and promote Cypriot culture by highlighting traditions and heritage. The programme’s first phase welcomed sculptors Alexey Kanis, Andrey Makeev and Dalgat Dalgatov from Russia, Emin Petrosyan and Haik Tokmsyan from Armenia, Irodion Gvelesiani from Georgia, Serhii Sbitniev from Ukraine, Gerard Pellini of France and Stefania Palumbo of Italy.
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
Ayia Napa Hosts Sculpture Symposium
Works at Paphos Museum
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he Archeological Museum of the Paphos dictrict reopened after various overhaul projects. The attraction, popular among both visitors as well as locals, was closed until November. The quiet period was used to carry out construction works as well as other upgrades related to the re-exhibition of the museum’s invaluable collection.
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DECEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS DEVELOPMENTS Melco International Closer to Casino Deal
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Pafilia Launches Limassol Residences
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new residential project in the city of Limassol has been announced by Pafilia Property Developers and architects Armeftis & Associates. Park Residences boasts two- and three-bedroom apartments with a three-bedroom penthouse on the fifth floor, a communal pool, gardens, and a surrounding green area ensuring privacy and space. Evangelia Eliadou, executive director, Pafilia Property Developers, stated: “We at Pafilia […] strive to meet [our clients’] needs and create exceptional living environments for each unique client. Park Residences is a result of this effort, adding to our wide portfolio of impressive property developments.”
Park Residences
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he evaluation for the licensing application of an integrated resort-type casino in Cyprus was completed by the steering committee of the Department of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The submitted proposal of the consortium Melco - Hard Rock Resorts Cyprus, which consists of Melco International Development, Seminole HR Holdings (Hard Rock) and CNS Group, has met the requirements of the competition. Therefore, the consortium has been invited by the steering committee to submit an application for authorisation, which will be the basis for the diligent audit, as provided by the documents of the invitation and the legislation. The permit is subject to the completion of the check, whereupon the permit will be issued.
Limassol Marina Showcases Island Villa
Leptos Estates Attracts Investors
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Island Villa 66
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he distinct features of Limassol Marina’s Island Villa 66 were in the spotlight last month. Six bedrooms with a private berth for a 20m yacht and full furnishing await potential buyers, offering high-quality living areas just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. The villa offers uninterrupted views of the marina, alongside a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. High ceilings and traditional detailing throughout complement the luxurious open spaces, six en-suite bedrooms and a lower ground living area. Large windows provide the interior with natural light, while the uncovered terrace and sundeck offer outdoor privacy for entertainment and relaxation.
large number of buyers and investors expressed interest in Leptos Estates’ projects at recent international real estate and investment exhibitions as well as private seminars in Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. Visitors got a glimpse of some of the company’s latest coastal developments, such as Coral Seas Villas, Adonis Beach Villas and Limassol del Mar. Leptos Estates’ sales and marketing teams continue to place immense effort into promoting these projects and will soon also highlight them in Dubai, China, South Africa as well as the UK, in a bid to attract high-quality investors.
DECEMBER 2016
MONTHLY NEWS AIR
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he Ministry of Transport, Communications & Works and Hermes Airports signed an agreement for the transfer of aviation security services at the airfields of Larnaca and Paphos, to Hermes Airports. The deal aims to improve quality and operating times and ensure a better experience for the travelling public. In this context, Hermes Airports is proceeding immediately to initiate two related tenders, the first one of which concerns the takeover of responsibility for providing aviation security services along with all the relevant works at the airfields. The second tender is related to the transfer of control procedures and compliance with the relevant regulations of the company who will be selected to provide aviation security functions at the airports.
Larnaka International Airport - Glafcos Clerides
Enhancing Aviation Security
Tel Aviv
Tus Airways Enhances Israeli Services
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n line with its endeavours to provide passengers with a convenient travel experience, Tus Airways has launched a call centre in Israel. The brand-new offering enables travellers to stay updated on their flights and attain a wide range of information related to the Cypriot carrier’s services. Tus Airways’ network already includes three popular Israeli destinations, namely Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat.
DECEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION
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prawled along the Pissouri Bay, Columbia Beach Resort will undergo renovations to re-emerge with 169 multi-purpose suites, five restaurants and bars and an upgraded HÊbe Spa. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, including cycling and hiking tours, water sports, sailing, scuba diving, golf, cooking lessons, wine tasting, yoga and more. Spanning 75,000m2, the resort will maintain its core values – delivering excellence, giving the means to try new experiences, exploring the local area, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Avlida Hotel Seminars a Success
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Atlantica Takes Over Ayia Napa Hotels
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s part of its development strategy, Atlantica Hotels & Resorts in Cyprus has announced the signing of a management agreement for So Nice, So White, So Shine hotels in Ayia Napa. Over the next six months, the three properties will work as one with a particular product, and the establishment will be renovated at a level which will allow the refreshed address to compete effectively on the marketplace. The know-how and expertise of the group, as well as its principles, service and values, have distinguished the group for over three decades and have established it as a trusted name in the hospitality industry.
So Nice
Avlida Hotel
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pecial educational programmes arranged by Michalis Dimosthenous, advisor and trainer, Elpis Tourism & Hospitality Seminars, for the frontline staff of Avlida Hotel in Paphos were completed with positive results. The trainings included important topics such as the cost of negative service, safe and healthy working environment maintenance, regulation discipline and professional phrases, among others. The seminars were joined by team members of various departments, including employees of the reception office, housekeeping, as well as food and beverage outlets.
Columbia Beach Resort
Columbia Beach Resort Transforms
DECEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS GREECE
TUI Fam Trip Proves a Success
Marriott Returns to Athens
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Metropolitan Hotel
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rganised by the Greek Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation in cooperation with representatives of tour operator TUI, nine YouTube and Twitter bloggers participated in a familiarisation trip in Greece. The tour, which was designed to extend the tourist season in Greece by promoting Greek destinations and forms of tourism through social media, hosted visitors from Finland, Germany, Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands. The invited guests travelled to Rhodes, Symi, Athens and Arcadia, and participated in activities such as yachting and culinary outings in promotion of the alternative themes.
fter an absence of over two years, a new agreement between Marriott International and Chandris Hotels will see the reemergence of the Marriott flag in the Greek capital in 2018. After a planned renovation of EUR13.6 million to the existing Metropolitan Hotel, the new address will boast 366 rooms, two modern restaurants, a chic roof-top bar, gym, swimming pool and art venues. Carlton Ervin, general director, development, Marriott International, said, “Chandris Hotels [...] have a strong history in the hospitality industry and share our vision for innovation. [...] Their plan for a major renovation here underlines our common confidence in Greece's dynamic travel and tourism industry.�
Attendees at the opening ceremony
Belarusian Consulate Inaugurated in Thessaloniki
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orto Palace Hotel Thessaloniki welcomed dignitaries from Belarus, Macedonia and Greece at the opening ceremony of the honourary consulate of Belarus, where Boris Mouzenidis, president, Mouzenidis Group, parent company of Ellinair, was also accredited as honourary consul of the country in Thessaloniki. Mouzenidis was praised for his valuable contribution to the Greek economy. In a speech at the event, Evgeny Vorobyez, director, Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belarus described the launch as an important development in the relations of the two countries. Representatives of the local government from Northern Greece, tourism professionals and diplomatic personnel also attended the celebration where investment opportunities in Belarus were highlighted.
DECEMBER 2016
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MONTHLY NEWS GREECE
AEGEAN Partners with Bulgaria
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Hilton Athens Joins Month of Service
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EGEAN Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Bulgaria Air, adding convenient flight options between Athens and
Sofia. In addition, travellers can also benefit from seamless connections to Varna, further enhancing travel opportunities for both business as well as leisure passengers. The Bulgarian carrier also plans to introduce new codeshare services to Larnaca, Beirut, Tel Aviv and Yerevan, as well as new options within Greece.
Hilton Athens
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ore than 30 volunteers from the Hilton Athens staff helped to organise various activities for the the largest annual initiative of Hilton Hotel & Resorts, which mobilises hundreds of thousands of members from around the world in order to support local communities through a variety of programmes. Incentives included a unique cooking class for children from the charity organisation, The Smile of the Child, where the executive chef shared his experience and advice. Staff also provided food, clothing, psychological and other services to 20 families supported by the volunteer group, Anatolia. Hilton Athens members remain committed to offering their time, skills and experience to provide a better future for children, young people and vulnerable social groups.
Greek Tourism: Ups and Downs
Crete
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nternational arrivals at Greek airports showed a robust third quarter with a year-on-year increase of 9.3 percent, according to a report by GBR Consulting. On the other hand, traffic on the islands of Kos and Lesbos dropped 13 percent and 57 percent, respectively, while figures in Rhodes rose 9.3 percent compared to the same period in 2015. The main airfields of Crete, the Ionian Islands and Cyclades also achieved improvements in the period under review, leading to a growth in demand at accommodation establishments. Data released by Bank of Greece shows that tourist arrivals up to August increased 1.8 percent compared to 2015, travel receipts, however, dropped significantly. In August for example, the figure was down 10 percent, prompt-
ing the national sector to start an intense discussion on the reasons. According to GBR Consulting, the main factors contributing to the statistics include shorter length of stay, which is a trend that has been ongoing for the last decade. Although demand from Balkan countries increased significantly during the past years, these travellers represent low spenders compared to other European states. Especially the lower hotel categories and rooms to let units might have discounted their offerings in an attempt to fill up their properties. New goals for Greece include 34.8 million tourists by 2021 and EUR20 billion receipts. To achieve these targets, around EUR6.5 billion is expected to be invested in the industry.
DECEMBER 2016
TRAVEL CHANNELS
ART HONOURING VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS
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HERMES HOLDS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS LECTURES Europa Donna Cyprus lecture
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o mark breast cancer awareness month, both Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport hosted educational and informative seminars led by Europa Donna Cyprus. Members of both communities learned about the methods of early diagnosis and how the disease can be treated. More than EUR5,000 had been raised in October as a result of numerous events organised by Hermes Airports. During the month, Swissport, LGS Handling, CTC-ARI, Cyprus Airports Food and Beverage, Orthodoxou Aviation, Kapnos Airport Shuttle, Hellenic Tzilalis and Atom Exterminators not only contributed financially but offered their support through a series of initiatives to help raise awareness.
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ainted by artist Christos Pitsillos, From Gorgopotamo to... El Alamein was unveiled at an event presented by Christophoros Fokaides, defense minister, Cyprus. The occasion, which dedicated the art to volunteer soldiers who served in World War I and II, saw honorary posthumous awards given to the families of the fallen, and a flag-bearing ceremony for Antonis Nikolas Kemitzii and Michael Nikola Flourentzou, both living soldiers. Performing at the ceremony were the choir of Antonis Tsokkos Primary School, the military contingent of the National Guard, as well as the band of the Municipality of Ayia Napa.
NEW EXHIBITION AT ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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resenting the journey of refugees fleeing war in their countries in search of a better life, a new exhibition titled People on the Move: Yannis Behrakis - Médecins Sans Frontieres is on display at Athens International Airport. The video projection of 54 photographs and testimonials in Greek and English, compiled by photographer Yannis Behrakis, visualises unique, moving stories that bring to light the human dimension of the crisis and the indelible scars left by this journey. People on the Move is on show 24 hours a day until February 28, 2017 in the airport’s Art & Culture area.
COLUMBIA BEACH RESORT REWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE
Columbia Beach Resort
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olumbia Beach Resort has been recognised with the Signum Virutis, the seal of excellence, in the hotels and resorts category at this year’s Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards. The winners of the accolade were chosen following a voting process which was open to the public as well as the trade. Anthea Vikis, marketing manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts, said, “Our warmest thanks to all those who expressed their faith and trust in our resort. We are truly honoured to add such a stellar award to our collection.”
DECEMBER 2016
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PHOTO ALBUM
Amathus Spa & Wellness Center members gathered for a coctail party at Amathus Beach Hotel
Cobalt held an event for travel agents
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Spook-tacular pumpkin carving contest at Anassa
Hilton Park Nicosia hosted the famous driver Mika Salo (centre)
DECEMBER 2016
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Inside Cobalt's cockpit; flying over Larnaca
British TV star and former chief baker of the hotel in the late 1990s, Paul Hollywood returned to Annabelle Hotel to film an episode of Paul Hollywood City Bakes
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
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Zivania Celebrations in Troodos
FASHION BAZAAR Makarios Avenue, Nicosia Until December 23 Various items from clothing and bags to shoes and accessories will be on sale, just in time for Christmas.
EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONS Ayia Napa January 06, 2017 Ayia Napa will mark the Theophania celebrations at various locations throughout the day.
SUNSHINE CUP Lefkara, Skarinou February 23 – 26, 2017 The Afxentia stage race will start in Lefkara and after completing an off-road downhill tour, participants will arrive to Skarinou.
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he annual Troodos event, the Zivania Festival, took place in the villages of Alona and Pelendri. Organised by Troodos Tourism Board, the programme gave local and international visitors the opportunity to get to know Cyprus and the traditions of the island. Spread across two consecutive weekends, the yearly celebration included promotional kiosks with local products, authentic music and dance programmes, and more. The distillation of the famous Zivania was done live at the event, a treat for guests looking to sample the island’s many unique flavours.
Buffer Fringe Festival Held in Nicosia
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yprus welcomed its third annual Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival in November. Organised by Home For Cooperation, the programme aimed to overcome creative boundaries, with this year’s festivities focussing on fluidity, the use of various media platforms, the blend of artistic forms as well as the audience’s involvement in shows. The free event hosted five local performers as well as five international artists covering eight different types of performing arts, including a shadow theatre, dance, musical theatre and light installations.
CYPRIOT AND GREEK ISLANDS MUSIC AND DANCES Ayia Napa Municipal Theatre March 30, 2017 The Andreas Nicolaou Music Group will present Cypriot and Greek songs and dances.
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Leonce and Lena Wows Audiences
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ollowing the success of the staging of A Dignified Wedding and Nitsa, Fresh Target Theatre Ensemble presented the satire Leonce and Lena by Georg Büchner. Placing the play in modern times, and in particular, in a teenage Leonce’s bedroom, a troupe of nine actors explored the evolution of the character from a restless teenager to a man independent of the suffocating environment in which he grew up. The modernised rendition of Leonce and Lena, directed by Paris Erotokritos, received positive reviews from the audience.
DECEMBER 2016