DECEMBER 2017 - ISSUE 58
Snuggle up with up-to-date travel trade daily news
traveltradedaily.com
Success
Complete your business plan • maximise your business exposure • drive traffic directly to your company's website • promote your special offers and packages • expand your customer database • target market those who are looking to buy • create your own 'mini website' in an already established readership base
directoryoffers.traveltradedaily.com Add your business today! For FREE
DECEMBER 2017 - ISSUE 58
12 AIR
CYPRUS AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW DESTINATIONS
06
PROTECTION OF HOLY SITES INTERVENTION
13
NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR MEDITERRANEAN BEACH HOTEL
MARKET UPDATE
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
CYPRUS’ ECONOMY MAKES STRONG PROGRESS TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Fitch Ratings recently upgraded Cyprus’ long-term foreign and local currency Issue Default Ratings by one notch to BB- from B+. In particular, the agency forecasts an average 3.5 percent GDP growth for this year which will continue in 2018, in light of the recovery in the first half of this year.
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.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel 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
A
ccording to the agency, the overall economic recovery was reflected in the labour market, where unemployment dropped to 10.6 percent in this year’s second quarter from a crisis peak of 16 percent in 2014. Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund reveals that Cypriot economy has achieved impressive turnaround since the 2012 – 2013 banking crisis but it also warns of sizeable downside risks and proposes series of measures to further consolidate the economic achievements of recent years.
PRESENTATION OF CTO TOURISTS’ DEPARTURES SURVEY The presentation of Survey of Tourists’ Departures, Summer, conducted by NOVERNA Research & Analytics, was held for the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) on November 14, at the Filoxenia Conference Centre.
T
EXCHANGE RATES
as of
29.11.2017
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
EUR1=
US (USD)
Dollar
1.19
UK (GBP)
Pound
0.88
Switzerland (CHF) Franc
1.17
Japan (JPY)
132.28
2
Yen
Survey presentation, at Filoxenia Conference Centre
he survey was conducted in the departure halls at Larnaca and Paphos airports between July and October through 2,000 personal dialogues to identify certain features of the travellers who visited Cyprus during the summer. The main findings of the survey revealed that 94.5 percent of the tourists remained in the free areas, 3.5 percent remained exclusively in the occupied areas, while 1.9 percent remained in both the free and the occupied areas.
DECEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
ACTE Nurtures Tourism Professions An award ceremony took place to honour the students who were distinguished in the framework of a tourism fair competition.
O
n November 13, Filoxenia Conference Center in cooperation with the Association Of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (ACTE), Ministry of Education and Culture and Cyprus Tourism Organization, held a ceremory themed, Teach a tourist about Cyprus: Tours through the eyes of the children. The competition addressed to students of public and private high schools and was part of a broader initiative by ACTE to inform young people about the tourist industry while also encouraging them to engage in tourism professions which now and in the future seem to have many prospects for employment.
Hermes Airports Effort to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
H
ermes Airports announced the acquisition of the Level 2 certification for the reduction of its emissions, a year after the acquisition of the International Council of Airports (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 1, Mapping. The Airport Carbon Accreditation is issued by ACI and focuses on efforts to calculate, reduce and offset the carbon dioxide emissions caused by airports’ operation. The second level of ACI's accreditation, includes the verification by an external approved auditor of all carbon dioxide emissions directly controlled by the company, combined with the efforts made since 2010 in the energy saving field. Both Cyprus’ airports have commenced the procedures and actions aiming towards reaching the third Level of CO₂ emissions optimisation. DECEMBER 2017
3
EXHIBITIONS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Paphos: Being Promoted Abroad In an attempt to promote the coastal city abroad, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism participated in World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the largest tourist fairs in Europe which took place on November 06 – 08.
W
ith its participation, the authority aimed at holding meetings with tourist agents while also distributing promotional material to tour operators and visitors. In addition, on November 13 – 16, delegates from Pafos Regional Board of Tourism attended workshops in Poland, where more than 150 travel agents participated. Ending the first cycle of excursions, the authority is planning to attend a specialised workshop in Riga and Tallinn which is part of Ryanair's flight support efforts for the city for 2018.
Ayia Napa Showcased at WTM London
A
iming to further promote the coastal city and its tourist product while also increasing the number of British tourists, Yiannis Karoussos, mayor, Ayia Napa, together with other delegates from Ayia Napa Municipality participated in this year’s WTM London, which took place on November 06 – 08. Karoussos held a series of meetings with representatives of major airlines, travel agencies, tour organisers and operators and UK media representatives specialising in tourism reportage. Through six annual, business-to-business events across four continents, and all year round content and digital tools, WTM aims to create the best opportunities for travel industry professionals to connect, learn and do business.
4
Karoussos at WTM London
DECEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Leptos Group Celebrates Opening of New Headquarters in Russia
L Opening Ceremony in Moscow
eptos Group has relocated its Russian headquarters to Moscow located in the Empire Tower, in the heart of the international business centre. Chistodoulos Angastiniotis, president, CIPA, and other dignitaries participated along with George Leptos and Pantelis Leptos, in a ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the official relocation. Andreas Santis, group manager, Eastern Europe, Leptos Group, stated, “The new inspiring offices and its experienced personnel is vital for reaching the group strategic targets. From here we serve a growing number of Russian investors as well as support the several Leptos Group partners in Eastern Europe and Russia [...] .”
Paphos2017 Visits Valetta
D
eligated and group members from Paphos2017 recently visited Valetta in order to attend the annual European Capital of Cultures’ meeting. The Maltese capital is turning into the European Capital of Culture in 2018 together with the Hollandaise city of Leeuwarden. This year’s meeting was attended by representatives of 20 cultural capitals of previous and future European Capital of Culture, with the aim of exchanging experiences and knowledge on issues related to the institution. Representatives shared ideas and experiences looking for new ways to collaborate, and were informed about what Valletta is plans to offer to visitors and residents in 2018.
Valetta
DECEMBER 2017
5
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Protection of Holy Sites Intervention
A
n intervention was hosted by Ioannis Kasoulides, minister, foreign affairs, Cyprus, at the conference titled Places of Worship and Holy Sites in Europe and the Middle East: Status and Protection under National and International Law, where guests exchanged strategies on how to protect places of worship and holy sites in Europe and the Middle East. Kasoulides expressed his interest on the issue of the protection of the Christian minorities in the Middle East and the protection of cultural heritage, especially during armed conflicts. Kasoulides encouraged proposals that would contribute and enrich policy-making and legislative work in Europe and beyond, both at the national and the multilateral level, are needed.
CTO Launched Delightful Journeys
O
n November 01, the first information event for Delightful Journeys took place at the Environmental Information Centre of Larnaka Mountainous Area. Delightful Journeys is a joint effort of Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) with the private sector in order to promote and capitalise Cypriot gastronomy as an element of the intangible cultural product of Cyprus. It also aims to
6
create a new culture of culinary consciousness and to improve the quality of food and gastronomy services on the island, serving as a means of promoting the nutritional culture. The initiative aspires to become the link between the productive sectors of the Cypriot economy and at the same time the vehicle for the development of unique gastronomic experiences on the island.
DECEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Paphos Brings Back Sweet Memories
A
iming to bring back memories associated with old patisseries and coffee shops, Pafos2017 hosted an event on November 12 in Kennedy Square Avenue, previously known as Artymatiwn Square in order to pay a tribute to a street full of aromas and style. Through a wide range of informative material including historic archives, photographs and old recipes, the event aimed to inform local and foreign visitors on the history of Cypriot gastronomy while also promoting the island’s intangible heritage. Growing up in a highly processed food era, the event also highlighted the importance of transmitting traditional knowledge to the new generation.
Cyprus Strengthens Ties with Israel
T
he strong ties between Cyprus and Israel were once again confirmed in the Cyprus – Israel Regatta, organised by the Israel Yacht Club together with the Famagusta District Sailing Club Begafigo from October 03–12. Taking place for the seventh consecutive year, Cyprus’ Regattas aim to promote water sports tourism on the island while also strengthening the ties between Cyprus and other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The Cyprus-Israel Regatta ended in Tel Aviv with the yacht Avantura from Cyprus taking the first place. The event was also supported by Larnaca Municipality, Larnaka Tourism Board, Cyprus Tourism Organisation as well as Limassol Marina.
Cyprus-Israel Regatta
DECEMBER 2017
7
CULTURE
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Sculpture Symposium Attracted International Interest
C
onsidered to be one of the largest sculpture symposiums in Europe, the fifth edition of Ayia Napa Sculpture Symposium which started on October 30, attracted the interest of a large number of artists from all over the world. An innovation at this year's event, which ran until the end of November, is that sculptors were able to use limestone from Kyvides and white marble from Kavala in Greece. Once the symposium concluded, the artistic works are now placed at Ayia Napa’s Sculpture Park. The institutionalisation of the event has a Pan-European scope, aiming to the exchange of art knowledge and experiences amongst artists of different cultures as well as the contact and acquaintance of the thousands of visitors interested in the art of sculpture.
Ayia Napa Sculpture Park
Promoting Viniculture in Cyprus
Pano Arodes village vineyard
V
iniculture has been well established in Cyprus for over 6,000 years, with the island holding the distinction of being home to the oldest named wine still in production, Commandaria. With select indigenous grape varieties including the famed Maratheftiko and Xynisteri, and local winemakers keen to assimilate modern technology and practices with traditional methods, Cyprus possesses all of the key qualities for the production of wine. Helping visitors discover the island’s winemaking areas, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has discerned seven distinct wine routes, six of which are centred around the wine regions of Paphos and Limassol. Assisting the CTO, Elysium and Mediterranean Beach Hotel organises wine tours in regions including the Diarizos Valley, Krasochoria, Laona-Akamas, Pitsilia, Vouni Panayias-Ambelitis, and Commandaria wine route.
8
DECEMBER 2017
EXHIBITIONS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Cyprus Photographic Exhibition in New Delhi On November 09, the Cyprus High Commission in India organised a photographic exhibition in New Delhi, under the title Life in Cyprus Through the Lens of Socrates Pericleous.
T
he exhibition consisted of 50 photos in four categories; nature, landscape, architecture and people; with a number of them depicting areas in Cyprus. The event was attended by ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of cultural organisations and the private sector, artists, journalists and other guests with particular interest in Cyprus.
The History of Life of Anna Frank Exhibition in Ayia Napa
T
he exhibition The History of Life of Anna Frank Let Me Be Myself, organised by the embassy of the Netherlands, Anna's House in Amsterdam and the Municipality of Ayia Napa, was set up at the Municipal Museum of the Sea until November 19. At the opening ceremony, Natalie Jaarsma, ambassador, Netherlands, stressed that these events had marked the history of the human race and emphasised that the revival of Nazism and Fascism, should never happen again. Commenting on the inauguration of the exhibition, Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, said that this educational exhibition reveals the history of Anna Frank and the Holocaust of the Jews and urges visitors to reflect on issues of general concern such as nationality, prejudice and discrimination. The History of Life of Anna Frank - Let Me Be Myself exhibition
DECEMBER 2017
9
NAUTICAL
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Cyprus Promotes Maritime Sector
DP World Limassol Strengthens Cyprus’ Cruise
Taking place on November 03, The Nautical Institute Command Seminar was organised by The Nautical InstituteCyprus Branch, displayed the theme Navigation Accidents and their Causes.
Limassol Marina
D S
ince its establishment in 1993, The Nautical Institute-Cyprus Branch managed to provide the strongest possible professional focus to its members and to improve the standards of those involved in control of seagoing craft. Commenting on the occasion, Marios Demetriades, minister, transport, communications and works, Cyprus, emphasised, “The maintenance of a high quality fleet, the effective implementation of the internationally applicable standards for the safety of life at sea, the security of ships and port facilities, […] are the foundations on which Cyprus builds its reputation as a serious maritime flag and as a base for international operations. “
P World Limassol has joined MedCruise as an associate member, aiming to stimulate the sustainable growth of cruise activities at Limassol port, as well as to strengthen Cyprus’ position in the sector. DP World places high priority on the cruise industry and aspires to transform Limassol port into a home port destination of choice for cruise lines. The new partnership indicates the company’s commitment to be actively involved in the development of the overall tourism sector in Cyprus, while enhancing the country’s role as an important regional player. Charles Meaby, general manager, DP World Limassol, commented, “A thriving cruise market can be a catalyst for positive change, with far reaching benefits for the economy.”
Limassol Port
10
DECEMBER 2017
NAUTICAL
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Herzilya Marina to Limassol Marina
A
new addition to the Eastern Mediterranean offshore sailing calendar was established this year with the successful introduction of the Herzilya Marina to Limassol Marina sailing regatta. During the first edition of the event, 25 yachts participated departing from Israel on October 03, with the winners of the Category A class arriving in Cyprus the next day. With international sailing events between the two countries growing, the future of offshore sailing and collaborative events looks promising. On October 05, the prize giving ceremony and arrival reception took place at Limassol Marina, hosted by event sponsors TGI Fridays, where celebrating crew were able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities at Limassol Marina.
Herzilya Marina
Cyprus Foundation of the Sea Established
T Love Bridge, Ayia Napa
DECEMBER 2017
he Cyprus Shipping Chamber has welcomed the decision of the council of ministers to support the formation of the Cyprus Foundation of the Sea (FOS). The FOS establishment will promote marine and maritime research, knowledge and innovation towards a sustainable blue economy, Blue Growth, as well as promote and support growth, competitiveness and job creation. Focusing on sustaining Blue Growth, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber continues its engagement for the implementation and establishment of the FOS and invites for active participation and support in this initiative of both members of the maritime cluster in Cyprus, as well as the government and academic community.
11
AIR
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Cyprus Airways Announces Six New Destinations ON NOVEMBER 03, CYPRUS AIRWAYS LAUNCHED TICKET SALES TO SIX NEW DESTINATIONS IN ITS NETWORK FOR SUMMER 2018; INCLUDING ATHENS, MUNICH, PRAGUE, STUTTGART, VERONA AND ZURICH, FROM LARNACA AIRPORT.
F
lights to Athens are scheduled to begin March 29, 2018, while flights to other destinations, are scheduled to begin from May 2018 onwards. “Following six months of successful operation, we are absolutely delighted to introduce six new destinations on our network. We continually monitor our route network and feel that these destinations will be a popular choice for local travellers, while at the same time contribute in the increase of tourists visiting Cyprus,” said Natalia Popova, chief commercial officer, Cyprus Airways.
Hermes Airports Promotes Environmental Awareness
F
or the fourth consecutive year, Hermes Airports participated in a clean-up event in Pervolia which was organised by Vantage Airport Group, in collaboration with several non-profit organisations including the environmental group Greenovation of the Pervolia Community Council. Commenting on the initiative, Eleni Kaloyirou, CEO, Hermes Airports, highlighted, “Such events have a dual meaning, since in this way, we are given the opportunity to participate actively in a joint effort to clean and protect the environment and at the same time we are also coming closer to our planet and nature by acquiring a collective consciousness, in the need to protect this extremely valuable and integral part of our lives.”
Clean-up event in Pervolia
12
DECEMBER 2017
MONTHLY NEWS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
New Lease of Life for Mediterranean Beach Hotel Mediterranean Beach Hotel, a proud member of Stademos Hotels announced its temporary closure from November 27– February 26, 2018 for refurbishment.
A Mediterranean Beach Hotel
iming to offer guests greater levels of convenience and luxury, the resort will undergo an extensive renovation from refreshing the paint on the walls and fitting new carpeting in key areas, to vital maintenance required in ensuring that all technical aspects of the property are functioning seamlessly. Located in the historic town of Limassol, Mediterranean Beach Hotel lives up to its reputation as a family-friendly hotel, offering an abundance of amenities and services for parents and younger guests.
Process for Programme of Optical Pollution Begins
T
he Larnaka Tourism Development and Promotion Company of Larnaka, Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Concept Cyprus have started the fight against optical pollution in Saint Lazaros square. As part of the programme, all insensitive signs will be removed from the buildings and replaced with a uniform design. In addition, the facades of the buildings will be painted. Meanwhile, some other aesthetic upgrading will be done, such as adding flowers. The presentation of the improved side of the square is expected to take place in January 2018. The goal of the programme, is upgrading Larnaca's image to a more attractive city, both for residents and for visitors.
DECEMBER 2017
St Lazarous works
13
TRAVEL CHANNELS
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Mapping Agioi Trimithias and Production of Digital and Printed Maps
Disabled Entrepreneur Award Finalists
Aiming to create digital as well as printed maps, SELAS, a cartographic company in Cyprus, undertook the mapping of Agioi Trimithias, the village in the Nicosia District. The mapping includes the registration of all road network as well as the points of interest within the community board. Meeting the requirements of today’s road networks, the mapping project will enable the production of digital and printed maps for the needs of the community and help elevate the quality of services across the country’s expanding network.
Minthis Hills Received Prestigious Awards Minthis Hills, the acclaimed luxury resort by Pafilia Property Developers, was recently bestowed with a world-renowned mark of excellence, receiving two five-star awards at the European Property Awards held on October 26 at Royal Lancaster London. Honoured in two categories, Pafilia’s unique and innovative Petra Villa 9 was proclaimed Best Leisure Development and Best Property Single Unit in Cyprus. Michelle Taliotou, marketing manager, Pafilia Property Developers, highlighted, “The two five-star awards received by Minthis Hills honour Pafilia’s pioneering approach, as well as the quality cutting-edge architecture and design of the project. Most importantly, they recognise Minthis Hills as the best premium development in Cyprus.”
14
Haji-Ioannou
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder, easyJet, and international charity Leonard Cheshire Disability announced the five finalists for this year’s Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs. The overall winner won EUR34,000 and an additional four shortlisted applicants each received EUR11,300. A record amount of over 70 candidates applied for the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs this year. The applications came from diverse business arenas, including fashion, retail, sport and leisure and tourism. The winners were Jane Hatton, founder, Evenbreak; Hannah Chamberlain, co-founder, Mental Snapp; James Brown, founder, Mobiloo; Dominic LundConlon, founder, Review My Wheelchair; and Katherine Fortnum, founder, Katherine Fortnum.
DECEMBER 2017
PHOTO ALBUM
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to.
Τhe Mall of Cyprus has been dressed-up for Christmas, inviting adults and children to get into the Christmas spirit
METRO Supermarkets Delivered two new playground areas at the beachfront Finikoudes avenue in Larnaca
Larnaca Municipality hosted the first Radisson Blu Marathon on November 19
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Pafos2017 in collaboration with Pierides Foundation and Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre presented Terra Mediterranea In Action
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra contributed to the issue of newborn prematurity with the concert An Orchestra – A warm embrace in Nicosia on November 17, the World Prematurity Day
DECEMBER 2017
15
NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS CHRISTMAS FAIRYLAND 2017 Nicosia, Strovolos November 17 - January 07, 2018 Christmas Fairyland opens with lots of fun activities include a big concert by popular singers and bands from Cyprus and Greece.
www.traveltradecyprus.travel
Cyprus to Welcome First Honey Festival
C
yprus’ Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment unveiled the first edition of Pancyptian Honey and Beekeeping Products festival which took place on October 27 – 29 at Kalopanayiotis, a village with direct connection to the production of honey and the development of beekeeping. Organised by the Pancyprian Beekeepers Association in collaboration with Kalopanayiotis community, Troodos Development Company, Troodos Tourism Development and Promotion Company and the National Rural Network, the festival will deal with everything that concerns honey, bees and various byproducts and cosmetics and its main purpose was to educate the consumers of this important sector in Cyprus.
Minister of Transport at Cyprus FinTech Expo
O 10TH RUN WITH US RACE Yeri Municipality December 02 The annual FxPro Run with Us for the prevention of cancer race in organised for the 10th consecutive year.
n November 08, the Cyprus FinTech Expo was held at Hilton Park, Nicosia, in an effort to educate attendees with a comprehensive exposition of the latest products and technologies disrupting the traditional financial services. The exposition was opened by Marios Demetriades, minister, transport, communications and works, Cyprus, where he explained how the island’s economy and society’s changes are fuelled by new technologies and innovative ways to do business and interact. Demetriades said, “To remain competitive, Cyprus must make the most of these changes. At the moment, only some key players are using these new technologies. Others are still channelling too much investment in old systems.”
Demetriades
OFFICIAL HANDOVER CEREMONY Paphos, Markideio Theatre December 29 Pafos2017 and the City of Pafos hand over the title of the European Capitals of Culture for 2018, Valetta and Leeuwarden.
PAFOS ALL ABOUT THIS CITY CLOSING CEREMONY Paphos, 27th October Square December 30 The European Capital of Culture celebrates everything the city has accomplished, transforming it and making its people proud.
16
Ayia Napa Announces Winter Events
A
iming to encourage both locals and international tourists to visit the coastal city during the winter months, Ayia Napa Municipality in partnership with Cyprus Tourism Organisation has announced a full programme of cultural events to cover not just the Christmas period but the whole of winter season. Cultural Winter 2017-2018 will begin on November 09 and will last until early April, 2018. It will include the lighting of the tree on December 03, an International Marathon, classical concerts, and jazz artistic Greek music and dance performances. All events will take place in the Ayia Napa Municipal Conference Hall, a modern complex in the centre of the city.
DECEMBER 2017