MAY 2018 - ISSUE 63
12 NAUTICAL PHASE 2 OF AYIA NAPA MARINA CONSTRUCTION COMMENCED
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GERMANIA ANNOUNCES SUMMER SCHEDULE TO PAPHOS
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NISSI BEACH ONE OF INSTAGRAM’S MOST PHOTOGRAPHED
MARKET UPDATE
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STANDARD & POOR AFFIRMED CYPRUS’ CREDIT RATING TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Standard & Poor Financial Services’ affirmed their BB+/B short- and long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Cyprus on March 16, while noting that the outlook is positive.
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
EDITOR Mario Hajiloizis PRESS Efi Rousi Maria Angelica Constantinou Athena Karsera Yiazou 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.traveltrademena.travel
In 2017, Standard & Poor noted that Cyprus’ economy expanded by 3.9 percent
EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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ccording to the credit rating agency, it could consider raising the ratings on Cyprus this year if the economic recovery and direction of macroeconomic policy provides impetus for further meaningful debt reduction. They also expect to see whether the economy’s external debt metrics improve further, particularly via a shortterm debt burden decline, and if Cyprus’ credit and monetary conditions continue to converge with those of the eurozone, via a material reduction concerning Cyprus` unusually high non-performing exposures. At the same time, Standard & Poor note that they could revise the outlook to stable if economic growth is significantly lower than currently expected.
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FEBRUARY TOURIST ARRIVALS THE HIGHEST EVER FOR CYPRUS This February boasted the highest volume of tourist arrivals ever recorded for Cyprus during the specific month, according to the island’s Statistical Service.
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Record arrivals were recorded at both Larnaka and Pafos airports
ourist arrivals reached 101,481 during February this year, compared to 82,209 year-on-year, recording an increase of 23.4 percent. The Statistical Service added that, for the period of January to February this year, tourist arrivals totalled 177,348, compared to 144,820 year-on-year, recording an increase of 22.5 percent and outnumbering the total arrivals ever recorded on the island during the first two months of the year. Tourist arrivals from the UK increased by 29.5 percent during February this year, compared to February 2017, while an increase of 11.3 percent was recorded for tourists from Greece. Increases were also recorded from Israel (63.8 percent) and Germany (86.7 percent). There was, however, a 17 percent tourist arrivals decline from Russia.
MAY 2018
MONTHLY NEWS
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Numbering 3.65 million, 2017 tourism arrivals to Cyprus rose by 14.6 percent year-on-year
CTO Calls for Industry-Wide Cooperation Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has called on local stakeholders to work together to build on the tourism arrival boost the island has experienced over the past few years.
Nicosia Hosts CSO’s Athletics for All programme
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he Athletics for All programme, organised by Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO), took place at Tasos Papadopoulos - Eleftheria Stadium, Nicosia, on March 17. The event highlighted the benefits of exercising for all age groups. It featured Rhythmic Gymnastics, Karate, Taekwon-do, Hapkido for children and adults, Zumba, Dances, demonstrations from pre-school children and a third age programme. Athletics for All aims to contribute to eliminating the negativity towards exercising, by offering opportunities for athletic engagement. Kleanthis Georgiadis, president, CSO, stressed, “The Athletics for All programme is our top national programme that is embraced by all Cypriot people with love.”
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ccording to CTO, all – hoteliers, other tourism industry businessmen, workers, unions, local authorities, executive and legislative powers, CTO, and the entire structure of Cypriot tourism seek, in a spirit of cooperation and respect, ways that will lead to further improvement, and take the country’s tourism sector into even better days. CTO suggestions included, among others, avoiding excessive development and preserving and highlighting Cyprus’ unique natural history. Showcasing traditional Cypriot hospitality, including through the employment of more local workers was also suggested. Additionally, advice included encouraging young entrepreneurs to embrace the tourism sector, and promoting alternative forms of tourism to decongest tourist areas and battle seasonality.
Tourism from India to Cyprus Discussed
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ndicating a strengthening of tourism ties between the two countries, Sandeep Marwah, managing director, National Federation of Tourism and Transport Cooperatives of India, and chairman of India’s International Chamber of Media & Entertainment Industry, recently visited Paphos. Having been shown around some of the city’s most popular sites on the invitation of Cyprus’ Ministry of Tourism, Marwah said, “It is a wonderful opportunity to know Cyprus in and out. The city of Paphos is a beautiful place with lots of family values. Visits to Paphos Mosaics and Medieval Fort, five star hotels and a sea cruise lunch add to the experience,” he continued, speaking to reporters outside Aliathon Holiday Village. Marwah added that a visit to Cyprus would be recommended to students of the Delhi, India-based Asian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism.
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Ayia Napa Woos Chinese Market
Limassol Among the World’s Top 100 Cities – Mercer
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ith a population of 15 million and gross domestic product of over EUR276.6 billion, the city of Guangzhou, China, appears to have become a powerful new ally for Ayia Napa. In late March, Yiannos Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa Municipality, visited the most populous city of the province of Guangdong. His official visit took place within the framework of efforts to cement cultural cooperation between the two destinations. Ayia Napa Municipality noted that Karousos also met with his Guangzhou counterpart, Wen Guohui. The two mayors discussed how cooperation between Ayia Napa and Guangzhou could be strengthened further. Karousos also invited Wen to see the beauties of Ayia Napa for himself, with the former also invited to attend an important meeting for mayors, the biennial C40 Mayors Summit, Guangzhou, due to be held later this year. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group connects 90 cities focussed on tackling climate change and representing over 650 million people.
imassol has been ranked among the world’s top 100 cities, according to the Quality of Living Index produced by Mercer, a New York-based HR consultancy firm. Limassol ranked 87th place overall, being the only city which represents Cyprus on the list of more than 300 destinations. For the ninth consecutive year, Vienna (Austria) is top of the list, followed by second place Zürich (Switzerland) and Auckland (Australia) and Munich (Germany) joint third. In fifth place, Vancouver (Canada) completes the top five and is the highest ranking North America city. Singapore (25) and Uruguay’s Montevideo (77) are the highest ranking Asia and Latin America cities, respectively.
Limassol ranks just below Athens which was positioned 86th by Mercer
Education for Social Skills Development Project Completed
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he Hope For Children CRC Policy Centre and Multipurpose Municipal Centre of Nicosia announced the completion of a project named, Education for the Development of Social Skills. The aim of the project was the social integration of third-country nationals residing in Cyprus. This was achieved through the development of social skills and
tools to help participants integrate into the host country. The session attendees included 172 people, 73 adults and 99 minors, who discussed issues such as racism, acceptance of diversity, gender equality, adaptation to changes as well as communication skills. The project also aimed to inform and raise awareness of the social life on the island and European Union overall.
EDEN 2018 Awarded to Larnaca’s Mountainous Region
RCB Bank Supports Pancyprian Robotics Week
R Cyprus Tourism Organisation has been running EDEN since 2006
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n the framework of the European Destination of Excellence Programme (EDEN), European Commission presented the best destinations of each participating country, which have officially been declared European Destinations of Excellence. The award-winning European Destination of Cyprus EDEN 2018 was proclaimed Larnaca’s mountainous region, following a relevant biding process conducted
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by Cyprus Tourism Organisation. EDEN is being carried out under the European Programme COSME, co-funded by the European Commission’s tourism unit. It is a project that promotes sustainable tourism models across the European Union and focuses on national competitions for selecting a tourist Destination of Excellence from each participating member state.
ussian Commercial Bank (RCB Bank) supported the first Pancyprian Robotics Week, which falls within the context of its corporate belief that the best way to invest into the future is by embracing innovation and education. Robotics Week took place between March 19 – 23 and was organised by Cyprus University of Technology and ENGINO, a Limassol based innovative enterprise, which has received financing from RCB Bank to build a new fully automated factory in Limassol. Congratulating the organisers, Christoforos Stylianides, head, corporate and SME lending, RCB Bank, noted that the bank will continue supporting such initiatives and innovative companies.
MAY 2018
MONTHLY NEWS
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Regional Cooperation with China’s Guangzhou
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iannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, made an official visit to the Chinese city of Guangzhou to conclude a series of cooperation agreements. Ayia Napa Municipality noted that three agreements were created to work with Tourism Administration of Guangzhou Municipality, such as; Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace; and China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA) Theatres.
The first agreement was signed on March 27 and then on March 30. The Municipality said the signing had already paved the way for an exhibition of photos of the museum’s artefacts to be held in Cyprus within the framework of the 34th Ayia Napa Festival, scheduled for this September. Karousos, was also due to meet with Mayor of Guangzhou, Wen Guohui, during his visit to China.
One agreement was with Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace, a popular Guangzhou tourist attraction
Limassol Tourism Board Organise Safe Routes to School Workshops
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imassol Tourism Board and Stratagem Energy have been jointly organising workshops at primary schools across Limassol regarding Safe Routes to School, a programme featured within Europe’s Civitas Destinations project that builds up an integrated approach to address mobility and tourism, and tests balanced strategies. The project highlights the promotion and development of sustainable mobility across six European cities, notably; Limassol, Madeira (Portugal), Las Palmas (Spain), Valletta (Malta), Elba (Italy) and Rethymno (Greece). Safe Routes to School aims to promote the use of sustainable and safe modes for students to move to and from school. The use of sustainable mobility modes ensures a safer transfer with the minimum footprint to the environment. In the context of the workshops, students enjoyed interactive exercises and team games regarding safe transportation and had a chance to express their thoughts and worries regarding safety and sustainable mobility. Workshops are expected to be completed by May and it is expected that more than 800 students will have the opportunity to participate.
MAY 2018
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MONTHLY NEWS
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The 37th session of the Human Rights Council took place from February 26 – March 23
Cyprus Leads UN Cultural Heritage Resolution
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n the initiative of Cyprus, a resolution on Cultural Rights and the Protection of Cultural Heritage has been unanimously adopted by the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. According to an official government announcement, the resolution was tabled on March 22, during the 37th session of the Human Rights Council. It was tabled by a core group of states led by Cyprus, which also included Ethiopia, Argentina, Switzerland, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Mali, Poland and Serbia.
The resolution unconditionally condemns any unlawful act which causes the destruction of cultural heritage and expresses the deep concern of the Human Rights Council regarding acts of looting, theft, smuggling and illicit trafficking in cultural property, which inevitably impact the enjoyment of cultural rights by all, the announcement read. The resolution, among other things, also calls for the enhancement of international cooperation at all levels to better prevent and combat the problem.
Paralimni Municipality Implements Accessible Tourism Actions
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he inaugural meeting for the implementation of Hermes II - Tourism without Obstacles for All, took place on March 22 – 23 at Paralimni Municipality. The aim of the project is to provide services to people with mobility problems through the strengthening of infrastructure and communication and information networks at tourist sites. Accordingly, the actions concerning the municipality include accessibility infrastructures covering four areas of intervention, namely, at beaches with intense tourist traffic where energy ramps will be installed for access to the sea, and the creation of outdoor exercise areas at four areas of the coastal front of the municipality.
Cafe/Resto Powerbank Solution Introduced Across Cyprus
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cross Cyprus, a new powerbank solution has been introduced that is said to benefit visitors dealing with low phone battery. The new Cafe/Resto Powerbank is an autonomous charging solution, described to be 100 percent customisable for public venues. Placed at the point of purchase, the charging solution has reportedly been well-received since its launch, providing a solution to customers, business owners and marketing professionals. The Cafe/Resto Powerbank can be placed anywhere within the venue, without any installation process and can fast charge 5V devices. In addition, the Cafe/Resto Powerbank has a 16,000mAh battery.
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MAY 2018
TOURISM AUTHORITIES
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Maskarini’s play aimed to help children accept diversity
Ayia Napa Providing Busy Theatre Programme Ayia Napa theatre lovers of all ages recently enjoyed a performance of Theatro Maskarini’s children’s production 8 Dan sti Kivoto.
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he March 21 event was part of Ayia Napa Municipality’s Three Months of Theatre Performances programme. According to the municipality, describing the children’s show, it was a performance full of vitality, dancing and song that presented the audience with messages of friendship, acceptance, diversity, and the importance of fighting for a better tomorrow. According to the municipality’s programme, 8 Dan sti Kivito is based on Meet at the Ark at Eight by Ulrich Hub, and was followed by Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters, as interpreted by Anev Throsko Paragoges, on March 26. Antilogos Theatre’s production of Liontaria by Vassilis Mavrogenis and Costas Gakis was the programme’s final performance, on March 28. With the first curtain raised on January 31, all the programme’s performances, aimed at both children and adults, have taken place at the municipality’s events hall and were either free to watch or had a small entrance fee which went to charity.
PCCI Head to Jordan with Ryanair
Larnaca Undergoing Major Upgrades
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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) announced that it travelled to undergo a commercial mission to Amman, Jordan between March 27 – 31. Paphos Municipality had cooperated with PCCI on organising the mission. The mission comes as part of the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair’s first flight from Paphos, Cyprus to Amman, Jordan. The launch of the Paphos – Amman service was announced by the airline earlier this year with the launch of 12 new routes for its summer schedule this year from its strategic and growing Paphos International Airport hub. The service will be operated twice weekly throughout the airline’s winter schedule this year, and has increased to four times weekly from the end of March, as part of this year's summer schedule.
MAY 2018
major projects due to either begin or be completed this year are set to significantly upgrade Larnaca’s infrastructure, accessibility and facilities, announced Larnaka Tourism Board. The region’s municipal gardens and municipal market are being rebuilt, while multipurpose venues for sports and arts are being created. Additionally, the public tennis courts are having to be moved for excavations to take place at the ancient Port of Kition. Included among the mass developments are; Lefkara, which is expected to spruce up its main square and build a multipurpose conference centre. Athienou is also creating a multipurpose centre and Livadia has floodlit basketball, tennis and volleyball courts planned. Tochni is earmarked for a community park with a children’s sporting field, café and playground.
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AIR
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Germania will link Paphos and five German destinations during the upcoming summer period
Germania Announces Summer Schedule to Paphos Low-cost German airline, Germania, announced it will launch flights to Paphos from Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremburg and Dresden.
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arta Alvarez-Rey, sales manager, Germania, revealed that the airline would between March and October this year, be offering two direct flights per week, on Wednesdays and Sundays on the routes. Over the same period, there is also scheduled to be one weekly flight, every Wednesday, linking Paphos and Dresden. Revealing Germania’s plans for Cyprus over the next two years, Alvarez-Rey was speaking at a March 14 event at Cypriot tourism supplier Top Kinisis Travel’s Nicosia-based head office. The happening was also attended by travel agents, local media, travel and tourism stakeholders and Franz Josef Kremp, Germany’s ambassador to Cyprus. Kremp commented that there was further scope for increasing tourism from Germany to Cyprus and that a higher number and more frequent flights linking the two countries were warranted.
Cobalt Connecting Larnaca and Copenhagen
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obalt Air has inaugurated a twice weekly service linking Larnaca with Copenhagen, Denmark. While providing Cypriot holidaymakers with a new option for exploring Scandinavia, the airline noted its service would also offer Danish holidaymakers with a new gateway to Ayia Napa, a traditionally popular resort town for Scandinavian tourists. Cobalt has, from March 29, been flying the route using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft between Copenhagen and Larnaca. Flights leave Larnaca on Tuesday and Friday evenings and depart Copenhagen’s Terminal 2, early on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. ‘’We’re delighted to have Cobalt joining us here at Scandinavia’s largest airport. More connectivity to the sun is always welcome in Copenhagen,’’ said Morten Tranberg Mortensen, director, airline sales, Copenhagen Airport.
Copenhagen joins the Cobalt Air network that includes 23 destinations
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AIR
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Cyprus Airways Celebrates First Larnaca to Athens Flight
Cyprus Airways is the latest airline to connect the island with the Greek capital
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yprus Airways touched down at Greece’s Athens International Airport for the first time on March 29. Its first flight to Athens departed from Larnaca at 15:00 and landing at 16:45. Athens International Airport welcomed the Cypriot carrier’s aircraft with a ceremonial water cannon salute, followed by a ribbon bonding ceremony for official guests and passengers to symbolise the air link between the two countries. The airline is initially connecting Larnaca to Athens with two flights per
week, before expanding to four flights weekly from an anticipated date of June 01. Cyprus Airways is based at Larnaka International Airport and currently all of its flights are operated on Airbus A319 aircraft which hold a capacity of 144 economy class seats. The carrier's long-term goal is to contribute to the increase of tourism on the island.
Cobalt Air Expands European Network with Athens – London Route
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obalt Air its expanding its European route network with the addition of services from Athens, Greece to London’s Gatwick Airport, effective from March 31. The new Athens service is operated twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, using an Airbus A320 aircraft that features a two-class business and economy arrangement. The route offers greater competition to and from Greece. Andrew Madar, CEO, Cobalt Air, commented, “We are delighted to have this opportunity to widen our footprint in European aviation and commence direct Athens to London services this month. Athens to Larnaca and Athens to Paphos are already a high density, popular routes for us and we are very excited to offer additional choice and attractive fares to the Greek travelling public with a direct service linking two prominent cities.” The Athens – London Gatwick route will feature Cobalt’s newly developed business class product, featuring large bespoke business seats in a two-by-two configuration.
The new service will be the third Athens route and second Gatwick route for the carrier
MAY 2018
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MONTHLY NEWS
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Nissi Beach One of Instagram’s Most Photographed
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yprus’ Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa has been named one of Europe’s most Instagrammed beaches by Globehunters, an online flight deal website. Ayia Napa Municipality announced that 124,910 photos of Nissi Beach had been taken and uploaded onto the popular social media application, earning it third place overall. Ayia Napa Municipality noted that three other Famagusta District beaches had made the top 60 list of the continent’s most Instagrammed
beaches. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras took 20th spot; Konnos Beach, located between Paralimni and Ayia Napa 40th; and Makronissos, Ayia Napa 53rd. Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa Municipality, welcomed the accolade as being particularly significant, saying it demonstrated how popular Famagusta District beaches are on social media. Salerno, Italy's Positano Beach was first and Brighton Beach, UK was second.
Stretching 500 m, Nissi Beach is one of the island’s most visited each year
Polis Chrysochous Requesting for Larger Hotels
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olis Chrysochous Municipality has called for changes to its Local Plan to open the way for the construction of larger hotels within the region. According to a municipality announcement, a decision has been taken to formally discuss a new Local Plan during the first few months of 2020. Athena Aristotelous-Kleridou, director, Department of Town Planning and Housing, Cyprus
had, on February 19, met with Yiotis Papachristofis, mayor, Polis Chrysochous, to discuss ways to improve the area’s hotel industry. The municipality added that it would try to convince the state that the building coefficient within its current Local Plan was too low, leaving the area underdeveloped. “We are not satisfied with the current Local Plan so we are asking for it to be revised,” commented Papachristofis.
Polis Chrysochous Municipality believes a lack of large hotels is bad for its tourism industry
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MAY 2018
NAUTICAL
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The rest of the marine and infrastructure works are progressing within the timeframes set
Phase 2 of Ayia Napa Marina Construction Commenced AYIA NAPA MARINA’S LATEST PROGRESS UPDATE REPORT WAS RECENTLY RELEASED, REVEALING THAT SIGNIFICANT UPDATES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON BOTH ITS CORPORATE AND CONSTRUCTION LEVELS.
DP World joins Environment Association
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etermined to protect Cyprus’ marine environment, DP World Limassol, has recently joined with Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA). CYMEPA is an autonomous, non-profit organisation, aiming at encouraging and actively assisting effective efforts to prevent all forms of marine pollution. By joining CYMEPA, DP World Limassol wants to make a significant and positive impact on the environment and local community. Meanwhile, DP World Limassol is said to have recognised the need to undertake robust marine stewardship and fight pollution. “DP World Limassol places high priority on environmental protection and has launched a number of initiatives to drive our sustainability agenda since assuming responsibility of the multi-purpose terminal at Limassol Port,” said Charles Meaby, general manager, DP World Limassol.
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hase two of construction, which refers to all residential and commercial buildings of the project, commenced on March 01, with construction company Terna S.A. and Ayia Napa Marina engineering teams mobilising new staff, equipment and offices as they prepare for the increased construction volume. Ayia Napa Marina’s rebranding was completed during March with the launch of a new website that was built to reflect the project’s international and sophisticated character. The website is based on a simple and easy to use design, allowing for user-friendly navigation, providing visitors a multitude of options when it comes to language and specialised information.
Limassol Marina Preparing to Host This Year’s Boat Show
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imassol Marina announced that preparations are underway as it gears up to host the upcoming Limassol Boat Show 2018 from May 03 – 06. The annual gathering of industry professionals and prospective buyers is anticipated to offer thousands of visitors the opportunity to view the latest boating and yachting products and services. Described by Limassol Marina as the largest boat show on the island and wider Eastern Mediterranean region, this year’s event is expected
to welcome more than 20,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors. It is expected to welcome industry professionals and exhibitors from Cyprus, Greece, Russia, Israel, Lebanon and the UK. Attendees are set to witness a series of seminars, product presentations, activities on water and demonstrations. Limassol Boat Show 2018 will take place throughout Limassol Marina, including TRAKASOL Cultural Centre, along the water-front promenades and central square, and within the Marina’s yacht berths and technical areas.
This year’s edition marks the fourth time it will be hosted at Limassol Marina
MAY 2018
TRAVEL CHANNELS
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Alpha Bank Cyprus has being a long supporter of Cyprus Kidney Association over the years
National Holidays Celebrated on a Regional Level
Alpha Bank Cyprus Supports Kidney Disease Patients Alpha Bank Cyprus announced that it was a main sponsor at the 26th Annual Awareness and Prevention Week on Kidney Disease this year. The event took place between March 05 – 11 and coincided with International Kidney Day, which took place on March 08. During the week, several educational presentations, lectures and discussions took place with the participation of nephrologists, across radio and television programmes, as well as electronic and print media. At the same time, a Cyprus-wide fundraising event occurred, with the aim of supporting the association.
Having commemorated the March 25 national holiday, which marks the day of the start of the 1821 Greek revolution against Ottoman rule, Ayia Napa also marked Cyprus National Day on April 01, also known as EOKA Day and Greek Cypriot National Day. The date marks the 1955 EOKA rebellion for the island to gain independence from the UK. March 25 was commemorated with events at Antonis Tsokkos State Primary School and Kindergarten running up to Cyprus National Day, and a dedicated church service as well as a parade along April 1 Avenue. Vassiliki Anastasiadou, minister, transport, communications and works, viewed the parade on the government’s behalf. On March 31, local organisations planned a candle-lit march along Makarios Avenue towards the harbour before returning to Monastery Square.
Ayia Napa pupils marked March 25 with theatre, music and dance events
PIO Student Contest Promoting Healthy Living
Competitors must aim to convince young people to make healthier choices
Cyprus-based applied arts and fine arts students have been invited to participate in a healthy living-themed creative communication competition. An official Cyprus’ Press and Information Office (PIO) announcement reported that it had organised the contest along with seven local universities. The competition offers a cash prize of EUR1,000 to the first place winner, with second place winning EUR750 and third place EUR500. The main appraisal criteria will be originality and the degree of persuasiveness. Students will be required to transmit a message convincing people aged 15 – 35 to change their habits and/ or their way of thinking and functioning. Only full-time graduate level or post graduate master’s level students from universities that have signed the relevant cooperation agreement with the PIO can participate.
Melco Announce Career Fair for City of Dreams Mediterranean
The EUR550 million project is expected to create 4,000 jobs each year during the construction period and an estimated 6,500 direct and indirect full-time positions when fully operational
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Melco Group held its first career fair for people interested in the cmpany’s Cyprus project, City of Dreams Mediterranean, which is scheduled for a 2021 official opening. Melco’s first career fair took place from March 16 – 17. Candidates were required to be 21 years of age or above in order to apply for positions at a temporary casino which is scheduled to open this summer. Recently, Melco announced the first
500 job opportunities for Europe’s first integrated casino resort for a range of positions, including; dealers, slot attendants, cashiers, finance and casino operations. Applicants working at the temporary casino will then be transferred to City of Dreams Mediterranean when it officially opens. A further four satellite casinos are later scheduled to open in Nicosia, Larnaca, free Famagusta and Paphos.
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Korneliou said that state-of-the-art technologies have been implemented to increase the water availability
Tsielepis Enjoys Limassol Marathon Participation
Cyprus Supports Water for Sustainable Development – Korneliou On March 23, Kornelios Korneliou, permanent representative of Cyprus to the United Nations (UN), addressed the launch of International Decade for Action, Water for Sustainable Development 2018 – 2028 which took place at the UN. Korneliou underlined that the International Decade for Action, Water for Sustainable Development is a timely and significant step that supports efforts to address today’s water challenges. Korneliou referred to the global frameworks agreed over recent years, notably Agenda 2030 and SDG 6 on water and sanitation, Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction as crucial when supporting the implementation of water related targets and goals. Korneliou also indicated the importance of water for Cyprus, which has been facing scarcity, frequent droughts, and lately a rainfall decrease.
Costas Tsielepis & Co, a Limassol-based audit and accountancy practice, announced it participated with a running team during the recently held OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO. The company noted its Tsielepis Running Team wanted to demonstrate that a healthy mind works alongside a healthy body. The team’s participation also formed part of a series of event’s celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary. The Tsielepis Running Team competed during the five km Corporate Run alongside more than 6,000 participants from 205 companies and helped raise funds for Karaiskakio Foundation, a non-profit organisation for patients with leukaemia, and other local charities. The team finished 100th with an average time of 27.55 minutes. First from the Tsielepis Team, and 243th overall, came Christoforos Tsingis, audit junior, with a time of 25.29 minutes.
The 30 members of the Tsielepis Running Team helped raise money for charity
Nicosia’s Senior Community Enjoy Sports for All
Seniors’ Centre offers a range of activities for the elderly, including; music, dance, sports and culinary lessons
Members from the Seniors’ Centre of Nicosia Municipality Multifunctional Foundation participated during the annual Sports for All (AGO) celebration on March 17. The event was held at Nicosia’s Tassos Papadopoulos-Eleftheria Gym with state and sports authorities present. Elderly participants opened the event, presenting their athletic skills, which they cultivated within the framework of AGO. A programme presented by children followed the opening show, involving sports such as rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, karate and dance. The members of the programme showed great satisfaction and enthusiasm for the event and said they had spent a pleasant morning.
Boston Scientific Plants 130 Trees at Petra Tou Romiou
Boston Scientific Corporation employees at Petra Tou Romiou shore supporting the ecological movement
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Boston Scientific Corporation, a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices, has announced its recent tree planting experience at Petra Tou Romiou, Paphos to support an ecological movement that is being hosted by GreenCyprusCom, a non-profit organisation. GreenCyprusCom recently launched a reforestation project on Cyprus with the support of the Department of Forests. On February 28, employees planted 130 trees to support GreenCyprusCom’s efforts. Due to the personal involvement and consciousness of Boston Scientific, an entire forest is anticipated to grow along the Petra Tou Romiou shoreline. Tree planting is an outdoor teambuilding activity which evokes positive emotions.
MAY 2018
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PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Nicosia Municipality marked World Autism Day on April 02 by going Blue
Nicosia's Eleftheria Stadium marked the island's April 01 national holiday
Pupils commemorated Cyprus' National Day on March 25 with their annual parade
MAY 2018
Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
The Mall of Cyprus celebrated World Theatre Day on March 31
Local theatre lovers recently enjoyed a production of Iacovos Kambanelli's dramatic musical I Stella Me Ta Kokkina Gantia
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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS AN EVENING WITH CHOPIN Nicosia May 05 Ledra Music Soloists piano recital featuring Nicolas Costantinou and entirely dedicated to the music of the Polish composer Frederic Chopin.
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Cyprus Hospitality Seminar Discusses Professionalism
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n March 27, Atlantica Golden Beach Hotel hosted a seminar titled, Customer Service in Cyprus Hospitality and Acquaintance of Historical and Cultural Cyprus. During the seminar, Michael Demosthenous, managing director, Elpis Tourism & Hositality Seminars, analysed, “Only through real professionalism can we succeed in becoming more efficient in the demanding era that we are going through in the tourism industry. We want to watch increasing competition.” The seminar focussed on the directors and the staff at Paphos-based hotel receptions and food and beverage venues. Going forward, delegates discussed how staff are set to undergo special training in order to follow stricter policies when applying the new requirements of today's challenging market. To conclude, obtaining a general knowledge of the island was also stressed as a necessary part of all employees’ duties within the tourism industry.
Byzantine Museum Emphasised During ACTA Gathering
C DANCING IN THE RAIN Nicosia May 31 An interweaving of classical and modern music and dance that culminates in the performers being drenched with water onstage.
FIRST RED SUMMER FESTIVAL Nicosia June 01 – 03 Three day Greek music festival featuring Mariza Rizou, Yiannis Kotsiras, Imam Baildi, Eleonora Zouganeli, Stelios Rokkos and Mirela Pachou.
CLASSIC CAR FESTIVAL 2018 Nicosia June 03 Classic cars and motorcycles on show and in some cases available to co-drive with proceeds going to charity.
hrysostomos II, Archbishop of Cyprus, and Archbishop Makarios III Foundation presented a reception at Nicosia’s Byzantine Museum for Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA). During the February 28 event, Chrysostomos II referred to ACTA members, and emphasised the importance of the collections. Several ACTA members also presented speeches outlining their positive views of the collections and its contribution to tourism.
World Theatre Day Celebrated at The Mall of Cyprus
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or the second consecutive year, The Mall of Cyprus celebrated World Theatre Day by hosting productions aimed at young visitors, during the March 31 event. According to an official announcement, three professional theater groups performed on a specially designed stage. At 11:00 young theatre lovers had the opportunity to watch the comical Meet at the Ark at Eight by Maskarini Theatre. At 15:00 The Little Worry People Art and Drama Studio performed their educational play The Owl Who Was Jealous. Then, at 18:00 Theato Ena presented their puppet show of the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk. By celebrating World Theatre Day, the main objective of The Mall of Cyprus was to bring children closer to a unique form of art, with plays that have the ability to entertain as well as to transmit important life values.
Volunteers Embracing Let’s Do It! Cyprus
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his year’s Let’s Do It! Cyprus environmental clean-up event saw 27,000 volunteers sign up for the April 23 – 29 gathering. According to official announcement, organiser expressed optimism that 40,000 people would have registered as volunteers by the time the event began. Let’s Do It! Cyprus is coordinated by Commissioner for the Environment, Cyprus, Ionna Panayiotou and Together Cyprus volunteering network. The week’s series of events culminated with an
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The Byzantine Museum boasts a rich collection of art which come from various regions across Cyprus. Significantly, Byzantine Museum houses about 230 religious icons from the 9th until the 19th century, detached murals from the 10th century, and representative items of byzantine micro art of the island, such as holy relics and vestments. In addition, the collection features 48 icons which come from churches and temples all around Cyprus.
April 29 clean-up around Cyprus, officially beginning at 10:00 outside 13 Holy Martyrs Chapel, Linear Park behind the Presidential Palace, Nicosia. Let’s Do It! World is a civic-led mass movement that began with the Estonia 2008 event when 50,000 people united together to clean-up the entire country after just five hours. Since then, Let’s Do It! has spread this one country, one day model around the world. To date, nearly 120 countries and 20 million people have participated, the initiative’s website writes.
MAY 2018