NOVEMBER 2017 - ISSUE 57
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NOVEMBER 2017 - ISSUE 57
06 CSTI PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
03 MONTHLY NEWS
CYPRUS PROMOTES WELLNESS TOURISM IN RUSSIA
12 COBALT AIR TO CONNECT CYPRUS WITH RUSSIA
04 Airports
10 Nautical
15 Photo Album
MARKET UPDATE
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Nearchi Investment Acquires Orion Airways
TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Panayiotis Karanicholas Anna Spyrou CONTRIBUTOR Dominique Christou DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradecyprus.travel 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
Nearchi Investment announced the acquisition of 100 percent of Cyprusbased airline Fly Orion Airways, after four months of negotiations.
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he investment company came with a commitment to spend at least EUR30 million over the next 30 months and has a strategy in place to add diversification to the cypriot market and to open up other jurisdictions to Cyprus from Europe and beyond. The acquisition has been completed with the support of the existing owners who have supported Orion through the pre-startup phase, and now see Nearchi’s financial and management strength as a critical success factor as Orion prepares for full operations.
WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES Representative for North, South & Central America, and the Caribbean: Neil Strickland GlobeTM Tel: +19542969515 neil@globetm.com
Cyprus Achieved Record Arrivals in September
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
September saw the highest volume of tourists ever recorded in Cyprus during the particular month, as revealed in Passengers Survey. EXCHANGE RATES
as of
30.10.2017
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
EUR1=
US (USD)
Dollar
1.16
UK (GBP)
Pound
0.90
Switzerland (CHF) Franc
1.16
Japan (JPY)
132.14
2
Yen
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rrivals reached 483,716 during the month under review, compared to 421,201 in June 2016, up 14.8 percent. The positive figures contributed to a successful January-September period during which 14.7 percent more travellers visited the island over the same period in 2016. Significant year-on-year growth was recorded from the UK and Russia in September, up 34.3 percent and 25.1 percent respectively, while arrivals from Israel comprise 6.5 percent from Sweden 4.6 and from Germany 4.5 percent of total arrivals. Meanwhile, the survey indicated that 86.6 percent of tourists visited the island for leisure, 7.7 percent for spending time with friends and family and 3.7 percent for business.
NOVEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
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Cyprus Promotes Wellness Tourism in Russia
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iming to promote Cyprus as an ideal health and wellness destination for tourists, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has recently participated in Cyprus’ mission to Russia which has been organised by Cyprus Health Services Promotion Board, Ministry for Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Cyprus Chamber Of Commerce and Industry and Russian Health Travel Council. Delegates from Cyprus’ mission have participated in the 3rd Russia-Cyprus Tourism Forum and attended a press conference along with business meetings with over 30 Russian professionals and media representatives. In addition, they visited several medical centres in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Health and wellness is a special form of tourism with a dynamic perspective to contribute to the diversification and enrichment of the tourist product in the island and to the extension of the touristic season.
Ayia Napa Hosted 20, 000 Civil Marriages
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n October 11, Ayia Napa Municipality hosted its 20,000th civil marriage for this year in one of the most scenic locations of the island, known as Ammos tou Kambouri
Beach. Ilia Privalov and Elena Kolesnikova from Russia got married by Yiannis Karoussos, mayor, Ayia Napa, who expressed his gratitude to the couple for choosing the coastal city for their wedding. "As a local authority we have invested over the past few years by significantly upgrading existing sites, infrastructure and creating even more facilities to meet growing demand and to offer even more choices to interested couples. We aim to enrich our wedding tourist product with all the positive consequences that this entails,” concluded Karoussos.
Karoussos with the couple
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MONTHLY NEWS AIRPORTS
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Hermes Airports to Enhance Safety
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Pafos International Airport
iming to increase levels of safety and security at both Cyprus’ hubs, Hermes Airports has recently announced that the European Union’s (EU) Regulation 2017/458 which provides a new procedure for the cross-checking of European citizens is now active. The regulation which has been proposed by European Commission in 2016, following the unexpected events in Paris, has already been applied at many EU hubs. With the implementation of the new regulation, Cyprus recognises safety parameter as crucial for managing future situations successfully. As Hermes Airports expects that the new process will increase the required times for passport control at both Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport, is asking for the travelling public’s cooperation and understanding.
Cyprus Participated in Routes World 2017
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iming to promote the country’s aviation industry along with discussing possible partnerships and trends in the sector, Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) and Hermes Airports participated in this year’s Routes World 2017 conference which took place in Barcelona on September 23 – 25. Featuring an unrivalled platform for route development professionals to discuss, develop and plan network strategy, the event attracts the most senior decision makers from the world’s leading aviation organisations. At this year's conference, the Cypriot delegation held 25 meetings with airlines and representatives of other airports, with very positive signs for the winter and summer period of 2018. In this context, Hermes Airports and CTO reaffirmed their close cooperation, determination and commitment to strengthening the tourism industry in Cyprus.
Routes World 2017
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Cyprus to Be a Business’ and Investments’ Hub
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ccepting the credentials of Dashnor Dervishi, ambassador to Albania, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, pinpointed that the government’s main priority is to make Cyprus a world class destination for business and investment. In particular, Anastasiades said that foreign direct investment in the country has witnessed a 9.1 percent rise in 2016, compared to 2015,
which was the second largest increase at European Union level. “This is my government’s most important priority, following the restoration of the state’s and the financial system’s credibility. The majority of economic sectors in Cyprus present growth opportunities, energy, tourism, shipping, real estate, education, health, transport, research and innovation,” added Anastasiades.
Paphos Comes First in Property Sales
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ccording to Cyprus’ Land Registry Office, property sales in the coastal city grew 19 percent between January and October compared to the nine consecutive months in 2016. During the months under review, domestic sales contracts have risen 12 percent while overseas sales contracts grew 42 percent, compared with the same period in 2016. During the reviewed period, Paphos has managed to remain in first position, followed by Limassol and Larnaca, and attract foreign buyers and investors who express their preference mainly in seafront luxury villas and modern apartments, both providing security, convenience and multiple services. Furthermore, Paphos as the European Capital of Culture Pafos2017, aims to be more functional, modern and creative and will affirm its place as a prominent tourist, cultural and investment destination.
Adonis Beach Villas
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MONTHLY NEWS
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CSTI Promotes Sustainable Development
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n a bid to celebrate 11 years of presence in Cyprus’ tourism sector, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) organised its 11th Annual General Meeting on October 20, at Pallia Ilektriki in Paphos, under the theme Sustainable Tourism for the Present and the Future. The keynote speaker of the event was Christopher Imbsen, deputy regional director, Europe, World Tourism Organisation, while a reception with traditional delights and producers’ fair also took place. Meanwhile on October 21, CSTI organised a kickoff event for the initiative Prevent Plastic in the Mediterranean with the aim to raise awareness of civil society about sustainable management practices to protect beaches from plastic litter.
Second Trilateral Meeting of Ministries of Foreign Affairs
Athens
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he second Trilateral Meeting of the permanent secretaries/ secretary generals of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Greece and Jordan took place on October 18, in Athens. The main focus of the meeting was the preparation of the upcoming Trilateral High Level Summit of the three countries, which will be held in Nicosia. In the framework of the meeting, regional developments, as well as the cooperation of the three countries in a wide array of issues, such as terrorism, tourism, healthcare, environmental protection, transport and protection of cultural heritage were discussed. Alexandros Zenon, permanent secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Cyprus, briefed his interlocutors on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.
NOVEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
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Ayia Napa Named New Tourism Ambassadors
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n October 19, commemorative plaques were awarded to the British couples Barry and Pauline Sims, Arthur and Margaret Reid, who visited Ayia Napa 35 times and to the Swedish couples Stig and Maj-Britt Sjogren, Christer and Evy Eriksson who made 36 and 33 visits respectively. Yiannis Karoussos, mayor, Ayia Napa, granted the regular visi-
tors with the honourary title of ambassadors of tourism for their high number of visits to the coastal city over the years. When awarding the international visitors, Karoussos thanked them warmly for being among them in this category of tourists and display in the most practical and persuasive way Ayia Napa abroad.
Cyprus, the Sea and the Lighthouses
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n the occasion of the restoration of the area of the lighthouse within the archaeological site of Kato Paphos, Cyprus Department of Antiquities and Cyprus Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works launched a permanent exhibition titled Cyprus, the sea and the lighthouses: a diachronic history. The exhibition’s opening ceremony which took place on October 25, was accompanied by a music event with poetry by Nikos Kavvadias at the Odeon in the archaeological site. The archaeological, historical and cultural value of the Lighthouse, as well as the diachronic relationship between this region and the sea, is highlighted through the exhibition. Aiming to preserve and promote the island’s cultural heritage, as a whole, this project comprises the first attempt to protect and present a lighthouse in Cyprus.
Katos Paphos’ Lighthouse
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Cyprus Prioritises the Protection of Cultural Heritage
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Bichrome III ware amphora from Pyla
uring a meeting dedicated on the protection of endangered cultural heritage, Kornelios Korneliou, ambassador to United Nations (UN) invited all UN member states to support Cyprus initiative to create a group of friends on the protection of cultural heritage. The event was organised by the Permanent Mission of Italy in the general context of UNESCOS’s Unite4heritage campaign, a global movement that aims to celebrate and safeguard cultural heritage and diversity around the world. Launched in response to the unprecedented recent attacks on heritage, the campaign calls on everyone to celebrate the places, objects and cultural traditions that make the world such a rich and vibrant place. Korneliou congratulated Italy and UNESCO for the informative meeting and cited that Cyprus’ priority is the protection of cultural heritage.
More Ambassadors for Ayia Napa
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n October 19, Ayia Napa welcomed new tourism ambassadors. During a ceremony held at the reception hall of Ayia Napa Municipality, Athanasios Zannettou, city councillor, Ayia Napa, granted Paulus and Unni Wiik from Norway and John and Carol Mirfin from the UK, who visited the coastal city 32 and 42 times respectively, with the honourary titles of ambassadors of tourism for their high number of visits to Ayia Napa over the years. Zannetou expressed his sincere thanks to Yiannis Karoussos, mayor, Ayia Napa and to the members of the municipal council for the great work they do in order to attract more tourists in the city and expressed his gratitude to the new ambassadors for choosing Ayia Napa for their holiday.
Zannettou with the ambassadors
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Ayia Napa to Enrich Sculpture Park
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Sculpture Park
yia Napa Municipality announced that the 5th Sculpture Symposium will take place on October 30 – November 04, at the city’s recently opened Sculpture Park, an open air museum featuring both large and small works of art created by more than 20 sculptors from around the world. The main aims and objectives of the symposium are the enrichment of the park by creating new sculpture works from different artists, its establishment as a unique attraction of interest, the exchange of art knowledge and experiences amongst artists of different cultures, the contact and acquaintance of the thousands of Ayia Napa visitors with the art of sculpture and the improvement and enrichment of cultural events.
Stelios Bi-Communal Awards
Haji-Ioannou Encourages Bi-Communal Collaboration
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telios Philanthropic Foundation has recently announced the winners of this year’s Stelios Bi-Communal Awards. 75 Bi-Communal teams received prizes of EUR10,000 each during the award ceremony that took place on October 20, at Filoxenia Conference Centre. The awards have been in operation on the island since 2009, and represent a private initiative as part of Haji-Ioannou vision to promote and encourage bi-communal cooperation and lasting peace between Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots. Commenting on the occasion, Haji-Ioannou revealed that the number of applicants since 2009 when the awards began to be granted skyrocketed, while also noting that during the first year only 10 people turned up. He also added that the attitude of all Cypriots on the island towards the other community is changing in a positive and favourable direction.
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MONTHLY NEWS NAUTICAL
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Anastasiades, at Maritime Cyprus Conference 2017
Maritime Cyprus Conference 2017
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he Maritime Cyprus Conference, said to be one of the most important international shipping events, was demonstrated for the 15th time, at The Evagoras Lanitis center, by the presence of numerous distinguished personalities of the maritime and shipping industry. The opening, on October 08, was marked by Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, who explained how the increase in the competing international environment, does not make Cyprus remain complacent and it further enhances its competitive edge through other advancing strategic reforms. Anastasiades, said, “I have no doubt that the new Deputy Ministry, which will be operationally ready as from March 01, 2018, in close cooperation with the private sector, will positively supplement and strengthen our efforts to attracting additional quality ship-owners and shipping companies to Cyprus.”
Larnaca Welcomed Elpida
Limassol Marina Luxury Villas Now Complete
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Voroklini
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ffering buyers a new home, metres away from the Mediterranean sea, the construction of the exclusive Island Villas of Limassol Marina is now complete. Andreas Christodoulides, CEO, Limassol Marina, commented, “Those familiar with the marinas of the Mediterranean will instantly recognise this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. With Limassol Marina’s growing reputation as one of the most exciting and must visit destinations in the continent, we are confident the strong national, international and global interest for these villas will continue. ” Limassol Marina now avails 20 new residences forming a unique living experience nearby fine dining, shopping, fitness, leisure and cultural options.
Limassol Marina
n October 09, Larnaca welcomed the commercial ship Elpida which will become the coastal city’s new artificial reef. Located in the marine area of Voroklini, the vessel is part of a broader project which aims to significantly increase Cyprus’ marine life. Commenting on the ship’s arrival, Tassos Zachaeos, Larnaca Dive Centre Association, highlighted, “This boat is excellent for diving, and with some additions that will be done to further enhance the interest for divers, we are sure that many foreign tourists will want to visit it. It is expected that this project will contribute to the growth of diving tourism in Larnaca as well as in Cyprus. We are ready to start dynamically, with the new season. "
NOVEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS AIR
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Cobalt Air to Connect Cyprus with Russia
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Moscow
iming to enhance its winter offering, Cobalt Air has recently unveiled plans to start regular flights between Pafos International Airport and Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, effective from October 29. Operated twice weekly, the upcoming itineraries have been welcomed by delegates from Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, with new economic and cultural opportunities for both countries. Nassos Hadjigeorgiou, executive manager, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism, highlighted, “The development is of exceptional and strategic importance for Paphos and Cyprus in general since flights starting in winter are expected to further reduce seasonality and to develop the various niches of tourism while also having a positive impact on the continued growth of tourism and the economy.
Ellinair Ready for Winter Season
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llinair has announced its winter flights schedule for the period of October 29 to March 31, 2018. With regards to domestic flights, the Thessaloniki – Athens route will continue with seven weekly flights, in addition to two weekly flights from Thessaloniki to Rhodes. The airline is to increase the flight frequency on the already existing routes Thessaloniki-Heraklion and Athens-Heraklion, with four flights a week. As for international flights, on the route Thessaloniki-Moscow, there will be an increased flight frequency, now offering three flights per week. Moreover, for the first time, this winter, the airline will increase the flight frequency on the Thessaloniki-Stuttgart route with two flights per week and one flight per week from Thessaloniki to Krasnodar.
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Brussels Airlines to Fly to Kalamata
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Kalamata olive trees
russels Airlines has recently unveiled plans to launch a new weekly flight between Brussels Airport and Kalamata International Airport as of April 28, 2018. Located on the magnificent Peloponnesus peninsula in the heart of Messenia, Kalamata is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Greece. Commenting on the new itinerary, Frédéric Dechamps, vice president, sales, Benelux, Brussels Airlines, stated, “With Kalamata we introduce the Belgian holidaymakers to a new very authentic destination. Those who want to explore the area on their own, can book a flight only via Brussels Airlines, but we are also cooperating with several tour operators who have already decided to add Kalamata to their holiday offer [...].”
Sweden
Air Mediterranean Connects Sweden with Athens
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s of November 02, Air Mediterranean will serve Athens with a non-stop service from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The Greek carrier will serve this route four times a week, offering easy access between the two regions to leisure and business travellers alike. Commenting on the upcoming route, Elizabeth Axtelius, aviation business director, Swedavia, said, "We see a large and increasing demand, particularly in terms of services to Greece. Since 2010, we have also seen a substantial increase in tourists travelling to Sweden from Athens."
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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AGRICYGEN Focusses on Animal and Plant Production
Running for Karaiskakio Foundation
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n the framework of its charitable and non-profit actions, the 1st Radisson Blu International Larnaka Marathon, which will be held on November 19, announced the creation of a team that will run with the Karaiskakio Foundation. During the event, sampling for new volunteer bone marrow donors, by using the saliva method will be followed by the enrolment of young volunteers between 18 to 45 years old. Karaiskakio Foundation is a non-profit organisation established with the sole purpose of organising a volunteer bone marrow donor registry. By setting a dynamic vision for a world without leukaemia, it combines volunteering and specialised scientific support, in order to serve the needs of patients fighting against leukaemia or other haematological malignancies both effectively and efficiently.
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he European Project AGRICYGEN took place from September 13 – 15 at the Agricultural Research Institute in Nicosia, with the aim of establishing a centre of excellence in animal and plant production in Cyprus. The AGRICYGEN project aims to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and expertise in order to facilitate increased milk production from local sheep and goat breeds, increased production of local ruminant feed, and the ecological enrichment of Cyprus' soils. The project outcomes will have direct impact on the Cyprus economy and society, and will significantly contribute to sustainable development of agriculture and animal production on the island.
CYMEPA Celebrated 25th Anniversary
Port of Limassol
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n October 20, Cyprus celebrated the 25th anniversary of Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA). Aiming to enhance awareness for the protection of the environment and specifically the marine environment, over the last 25 years, the organisation is well recognised and commended by the government, the shipping industry, and Cyprus society. Concluding his address, Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, thanked and congratulated Stelios Hadjioannou for his invaluable contribution to the establishment and ongoing support of CYMEPA, and he praised all the members of the project for undertaking the responsibility to voluntary commit themselves to work consciously towards the very noble cause of protecting the environment.
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PHOTO ALBUM
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Europa Donna announced that its 17th annual European Breast Cancer Advocacy Training course will take place on November 17 – 19, in Milan
Musicians from Cyprus, Greece and Germany forming Lingua Franca ensemble will perform in the context of the Travelling Stage
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Athienu Municipality organised the first edition of Traditional Food Festival
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The Mall of Cyprus partnered with Melissa and hosted a special day event in order to celebrate International Pasta Day
Pafos2017 organised the 1st International Monodrama Festival with 14 performances from the UK, Spain, Poland, Japan, Iran, Greece, Romania, Algeria, Lithuania, Israel and Cyprus.
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS
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Cyprus Hosted Travel and Trade Expo
ZIVANIA FESTIVAL Alona, Pelendri November 05 –12 The festival will include distillation of zivania at the venues, promotional kiosks with traditional products, and music and dance programmes.
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he second Digi.travel Cyprus International Conference & Expo took place on October 18, at Filoxenia Conference Center ,in Nicosia. Organised by Travel Media Applications and Association of Cyprus Travel Agents, the conference aimed to inform the tourism industry about the latest developments in the sector and covered various topic including digital payments, payment gateways, crypto currencies, latest trends in digital marketing and distribution for travel as well as digital access. It also analysed the main threats to the travel industry and informed how people can deal with them in time. At the end of the conference, a panel took place in which representatives from hotels, travel agencies, airlines, and companies had the opportunity to discussed the greatest challenges in the tourism sector.
Rotarian Football Game for Charity
PITHOIGIA FESTIVAL Koilani village November 11–12 Pithoigia which literally means in Greek opening of the casks, involves offering of free wine from the newly opened barrels to all attending the festival along with food and music.
MINTHIS HILLS OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT Minthis Hills November 25 The Minthis Hills Open Golf Tournament is sponsored by Blevins Franks International Tax & Wealth Management.
CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL 4DAY CHALLENGE Pafos and Akamas November 23-26 Cyprus International 4-day Challenge, is a staged running event, covering a distance slightly longer than a marathon with mountain running, trail running and cross country running.
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upporting the Karaiskakio Foundation and raising funds against Leukemia, the Rotary Nicosia together with Rotaract Nicosia organisation hosted a football competition on October 01. Attendance reached 70 Rotarian members and friends who witnessed the Rotary Nicosia team’s win, and enjoyed the American Smokehouse fare with live music which accompanied the event. Football Clubs of Omonia and APOEL donated Autographed Team T-shirts which will be auctioned starting November 15, in order to further support the Karaiskakio Foundation.
Russia-Cyprus Business Investment Forum
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n October 13, the annual Russian-Cyprus Business Investment Forum took place in Limassol. Organised by the Russian and Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the Cyprus-Russian Business Association, the event focused on the financial sectors, education, technology and investment projects. The forum also established a firm partnership between the two countries. “Tourism, shipping and professional services have proved to be the economy’s most resilient sectors, outperforming predictions. [...] Our main objective is to boost the country’s international competitiveness and established reputation as a centre of excellence for international investment and business activities and to make Cyprus one of the best places globally to start and grow a business [...].” noted Marios Demetriades, minister of transport, Cyprus.
NOVEMBER 2017