Travel Trade Cyprus, December 2015, Issue 34

DECEMBER 2015

ISSUE 34

TOURISM REVENUE IN LINE WITH ANNUAL OUTLOOK TOURISM HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN A KEY PILLAR OF THE CYPRIOT ECONOMY, HENCE THE SECTOR’S QUEST TO UNEARTH THE FAR-REACHING IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRY.

02 LIMASSOL READY FOR CONFERENCE CENTRE

08 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

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NICOSIA

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AIR

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SPECIAL REPORT

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TOURISM BOARDS

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ACCOMMODATION

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TRAVEL TALK

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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PHOTO ALBUM

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NEWS & EVENTS

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THE REAL IMPACT OF TOURISM

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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTOR Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu

Tourism Revenue Reinforces Annual Outlook Turnover from the tourism sector improved 10.5 percent in August compared to the same month in 2014, confirming a positive trend in this year’s revenue patterns.

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DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Savvas Kammitsis

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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

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EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel

isitors to the island spent EUR358.5 million in August, with per capita expenditure rising 5.2 percent and traveller numbers surging 5.1 percent.

In the first eight months of the year, increased arrival figures of 6.2 percent also spurred a slight year-on-year growth of 0.5 percent in overall tourism revenues.

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

EXCHANGE RATES

Accurate as of

25/11/2015 COUNTRY

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CURRENCY

1EUR=

US (USD)

Dollar

1.06

UK (GBP)

Pound

0.70

Switzerland (CHF)

Franc

1.08

Japan (JPY)

Yen

130.29

Satisfactory September Follows Good Summer Performance Tourist arrivals totalled 360,899 in September, climbing 14 percent year-on-year.

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his boosted traveller influx to 2.2 million individuals to the island in the first nine months of the year; a surge of 7.4 percent compared to the same period in 2014.

September’s positive results were mainly attributed to a 32 percent improvement in visitor numbers from the UK as well as the encouraging performance of the Israeli, German and Greek markets.

Notably, tourist figures from Poland and Ukraine skyrocketed during the month under review, registering rises of 49.9 and 58.8 percent, respectively.

DECEMBER 2015

NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS World Tourism Day Marked

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elebrating World Tourism Day, Nicosia Tourism Board organised various events for locals and tourists who got the chance to experience the capital in a different way.

The activities included walking and biking excursions, as well as guided minibus tours with stops at the Museums of the Pancyprian Gymnasium, Byzantine Museum, Cyprus Folk Art Museum, A.G. Leventis Gallery and Loukia & Michael Zampelas Art Museum.

In addition, Nicosia Tourism Board made sure to revive traditional cultural crafts with live exhibitions and shows outside the Chrysaliniotissa Craft Centre.

Museums of the Pancyprian Gymnasium

Nicosia Municipality Celebrates Equality

N The award ceremony

icosia Municipality was recognised as an equal opportunity employer for its implemented practices and for the action plan drawn up to promote equality in the workplace. Eleni Loukaidou, deputy mayor, Nicosia, received the award from Zeta Emilianidou, labour, welfare and social insurance minister, Cyprus.

Loukaidou commented, “Equality between men and women both in the municipality and generally, is a fundamental right and value of democracy. Simultaneously, it is a prerequisite for growth, employment and social cohesion.�

Nicosia and Athens to Deepen Ties

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onstantinos Yiorkadjis, mayor, Nicosia, met with Giorgos Kaminis, mayor, Athens, to discuss ways of further enhancing and upgrading relations between the two capitals.

Social cohesion was one of the key topics discussed, especially in light of the recent geopolitical and humanitarian changes across Europe which resulted in thousands of families and young people becoming extremely vulnerable to their changing environments.

The mayors also shed light on the importance of schooling beyond teaching hours and pledged to exchange expertise and experience in order to offer students creative activities after regular lessons.

DECEMBER 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS AIR New Local Airline in the Making

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US Airways is a local operator poised to commence services linking Cyprus to the world.

Starting this month, the carrier is to launch routes between the island’s international airports in Paphos and Larnaca to Eilat, Haifa, Tel Aviv and Beirut. All itineraries will be served by Swedish-made twin-engine turboprop Saab 340 aircraft.

Already in October, Tus Airways performed a demonstration of a commercial flight from Larnaca to Rhodes, as part of a series of inspections by Cyprus’ Department of Civil Aviation which are required in order to obtain an air operator certificate.

Larnaca Airport to Be Renamed

Air Traffic up 4.5 Percent in 2014

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he council of ministers, chaired by Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, approved the renaming of the terminal building of Larnaca’s airfield to Larnaka International Airport Glafcos Clerides.

According to the government’s relevant statement, the move marks two years following the death of the country’s former leader and comes as recognition of his contribution to the island’s politics.

Glafcos Clerides served as president of Cyprus from 1993 until 2003, and was hailed as a personality of international political standing.

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yprus’ two international airports welcomed close to 7.33 million passengers in 2014, marking a 4.5 percent year-on-year growth.

Based on data released by Eurostat, intra-European Union (EU) traffic accounted for over 4.9 million travellers, while extra-EU volumes soared to close to 2.4 million.

Among the EU’s main hubs, Larnaka International Airport gained the 60th place with 5.2 million flyers, up 7.9 percent year-on-year.

All in all, in 2014, some 879.4 million passengers travelled by air in the EU, an increase of 4.4 percent compared to 2013, and 16.9 percent versus 2009.

DECEMBER 2015

MONTHLY NEWS CHA Collaborates with Bank of Cyprus

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yprus Hotel Association (CHA) joined hands with Bank of Cyprus to issue a winter catalogue of its member properties that offer special rates for domestic tourists.

Harris Loizides, president, CHA, expressed delight at the cooperation and underlined that

July: Boosted Income from Tourism

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ecently-announced data underline that July’s tourism revenue improved 6.5 percent year-on-year, to touch EUR342.1 million.

For the period January – July, the industry generated an estimated EUR1.07 billion compared EUR1.09 billion in the corresponding period of 2014, recording a decrease of 2.4

percent.

In July, Swiss travellers proved to be the most generous visitors, spending on average EUR995.3 per person and EUR123.18 per day.

compared to 2014, many more hotels remain open this winter thus enriching the association’s offering.

“The close collaboration between CHA and Cyprus Tourism Organisation, as well as the support we have from Bank of Cyprus’ American Express cards, have all played their part in strengthening the domestic tourism’s role in sustaining our hotels,” Loizides commented.

DECEMBER 2015

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SPECIAL REPORT

The REAL Impact of Tourism

Tourism has historically been a key pillar of the Cypriot economy and a primary vehicle in the country’s socioeconomic development, hence the sector’s quest to look behind the numbers and unearth the far-reaching impact of the industry.

RITA KASZIBA WRITES

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e are all aware that tourism can have a profound impact on holiday destinations. We know that tourism will bring economic and fiscal benefits in the form of profits, jobs and tax revenues, and it will affect the host communities’ way of life and the environment in ways which can be both positive and negative,” commented Salli Felton, CEO, The Travel Foundation.

The independent charity has teamed up with PwC Cyprus to measure, value and compare the widespread consequences of tourism. Prepared with the assistance of TUI Group, the groundbreaking study takes the traditional

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approach of the classical input-output reports further to provide a holistic view and shed light on social, environmental, tax and economic dimensions in a bid to see the bigger picture.

As Evgenios Evgeniou, CEO, PwC Cyprus, explained, the firm applied the total impact measurement and management technique to provide a balanced evaluation that assesses direct, indirect as well as induced consequences pertaining TUI Group’s activities in relation to eight hotels and 60,000 customers in Cyprus in 2013.

“Tourism has long been one of the main pillars of economy; it has a significant contribution to the national GDP as well as employment. […] Therefore, I encourage all industry stakeholders to examine this pilot study and see what has to be done,” stated Evgeniou, calling DECEMBER 2015

SPECIAL REPORT on the island’s tourism professionals.

TUI Group is already taking steps in this direction, by encouraging businesses, especially hotels, to offer local products and authentic experiences, that, according to Tom Johnston, senior manager, sustainable product, TUI Group, is very much in demand, thus, benefits both customers and suppliers.

In fact, according to PwC’s findings, in 2013, only 37 percent of the food and beverages bought by the surveyed hotels was reported to have been produced in Cyprus; a trend that has only been brought to the spotlight by Cypriot industry professionals who argued that despite the endeavours of hoteliers and service providers to do business with local producers, tour operators often refuse to raise prices in favour of more authentic experiences citing their customers’ price sensitiveness.

As Johnston noted, while demand for all-inclusive packages remain strong, travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that allow them to connect with the destinations and their communities, and the industry can and should have a say in this by encouraging partners to make the most of local products and talent.

Drawing conclusion from the study and applying the findings can help the country map out an effective tourism

JUST HOW MUCH Presenting some of the report’s key points, Malcolm Preston, leader, global sustainability, PwC, revealed that the estimated total economic impact of TUI Group’s business in Cyprus reached EUR32.3 million, equal to EUR59 per customer per night, while total tax impact stood at EUR13.7 million, translating into EUR25 per guest per night.

Social and environmental impact were much smaller and more uncertain, nevertheless, as Preston underlined, it is crucial to focus on environmental performances, review supply chain management, place emphasis on training and conduct a deeper investigation into the role and consequences of each element.

As Kylie Bowen, manager, sustainability planning and communications, TUI Group, explained, the results of the study come at a time when the company is looking to set its next five-year strategy, thus, it is of great importance to monitor the impact of its businesses.

In fact, tourism is not only about the number of tourists, suggested Felton, calling on all stakeholders to start thinking about the real impact of the indus-

37 percent of food and beverages bought by the hotels was produced in Cyprus

try in order to make sure that it not only contributes to the economy but also adds value to the community.

BUILDING THE FUTURE In the same context, Preston highlighted the relevance of delving deeper into the figures and assessing that if, for instance, a tourist spends EUR100, how much of that amount actually stays in the destination. Likewise, when employing locals, who will spend most of their salaries within the borders, businesses contribute more to the country’s socio-economic development.

DECEMBER 2015

Travel and tourism directly contributed 6.8 percent of Cyprus’ GDP in 2013

Acknowledging the far-reaching effects of tourism, Angelos Loizou, chairman, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, supported the idea of examining the bigger picture that goes well beyond arrival numbers. As Loizou explained, the island’s tourism has mainly grown by the efforts of the private sector without a clear strategy, the study, however, now gives professionals a tool to assess the widespread impact of the industry and start chalking out a road map that will ensure sustainable development in the long run.

Loizou singled out four cornerstones; supply chain, human capital, en-

Tourist arrivals to Cyprus had peaked at 2.7 million in 2001

ergy and, newly joining the list in view of the latest findings, social impact; the latter being the backbone according to the chairman.

“These four pillars are important to look at in order to improve the end results and [maximise] the benefit of the industry,” stressed Loizou.

According to Preston, in order to exploit the full potential of the industry, professionals need to explore ways to keep the highest possible percentage of related spending and expenditure in the island, and, nevertheless, make the most of the money that actually is being spent in the country.

Hotels generate 1.8kg of waste per customer per night

strategy for the next 20 years, said Preston, calling on decision-makers to see the big picture and consider the possible impact of their actions.

Loizou urged cross-sector collaborations and invited all professionals to contribute to the common goal.

As Philippos Drousiotis, chairman, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, pinpointed, minimum standards for hotels have already been introduced and if all properties adapt these requirements, the island can take a leap towards a sustainable future. As Drousiotis said, it is now time to take everything that has been on paper and put it into action. 

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MONTHLY NEWS New Tourist Centre in Cavo Greco

Limassol

Cape Greco National Forest Park

Limassol Ready for Conference Centre

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n light of data presented by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) during a congress tourism event, Limassol Tourism Board’s management reiterated the city’s readiness to welcome an autonomous venue that will host various events.

Limassol Tourism Board, in collaboration with CTO, has paid longterm efforts to create an international exhibition and conference centre in the coastal destination that will also help alleviate seasonality, as CTO’s presentation suggested that 70 percent of the meetings held in Cyprus occur in autumn and spring.

CSTI Calls for Sustainability Policies

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Buses to Highlight Paphos’ Achievement

OSYPA bus with the Pafos2017 livery

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he Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) is urging all relevant authorities and organisations to build the country’s new tourism strategy around sustainable policies bringing Cypriot tourism in line with the targets of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations.

The successful implementation of sustainable practices requires clear strategies, support at the highest political level, committed financing and investments in technology, infrastructure as well as human capacity, as Andreas Mavroyiannis, negotiator, Cyprus, also pinpointed at CSTI’s recently-held annual general meeting, where the non-profit organisation also presented its current project and future initiatives.

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n the framework of the second meeting of the committee for the management of the Cape Greco National Forest Park, the Department of Forests took delivery of the area’s environmental information and education centre.

The new EUR2 million facility is expected to open its doors to the public by year-end or beginning of 2016 and includes an amphitheatre, lecture rooms, a showroom with three aquariums, book collections dedicated to the area’s flora and fauna, as well as audiovisual material.

The project is set to enhance the park’s offering and attract local and foreign visitors.

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afos2017 European Capital of Culture and Paphos Transport Organization (OSYPA) will collaborate to promote the city’s success in being awarded the title.

In order to celebrate becoming Europe’s cultural epicentre, busses decorated in Pafos2017 colours will roam the streets of the city reminding locals and tourists that Paphos is the place to be.

Christos Patsalidis, president, Pafos2017, said that such partnerships are necessary and the contribution of major enterprises is vital. He also stressed that OSYPA is a key partner for achieving the organisation’s objectives.

DECEMBER 2015

MONTHLY NEWS Solo Travellers Favour Cyprus

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ccording to research from travel specialists, Mercury Holidays, Cyprus is among the top three destinations for solo excursions.

With travel agents reporting that this summer overall individual bookings were up 18 percent year-on-year, Malta proved to be the most popular hotspot while Cyprus and Madeira completed the top three.

The survey supports the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study which revealed that one in four tourists took their last foreign trip alone.

Commenting on the findings, Martin Bugeja, founder, Mercury Holidays, said, “Whilst there is a general tendency to perceive single travellers as being young and single, the evidence actually shows that they are more likely to be married or in a long-term relationship.”

He added that women were more likely to travel abroad independently than men.

Cyprus – China Ties to Deepen

Archaeological Excavations Conducted in Paphos

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yprus’ Department of Antiquities announced the completion of this season’s investigations at the site of the Hellenistic-Roman theatre of Nea Pafos by the Australian archaeological mission from the University of Sydney.

The team completed a geo-mapping survey of the ruins of the town’s Roman colonnades and uncovered the oldest theatre on the island. The structure was used as a venue for performance and spectacle for over six and a half centuries until its final destruction in an earthquake in AD365. Most recent excavations have attempted to position the building within its ancient urban context, by understanding the surrounding structures.

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Beijing

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usiness as well as cultural relations between the island and China are set to further strengthen, following a meeting between Nicos Anastasiades, president, Cyprus, and Xi Jinping, president, China, in Beijing.

During their discussions in the Asian capital, the two leaders thoroughly examined the possibilities of economic partnerships and investments particularly in the fields of tourism and transportation.

According to Anastasiades, Chinese companies have shown great interest in doing business in Cyprus.

The Hellenistic-Roman theatre of Nea Pafos

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DECEMBER 2015

MONTHLY NEWS Salamis Adds New Vessel to Fleet

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alamis Tours received another commercial container vessel which is now being deployed as M/V Alasa.

Built in Germany in 1998, the ship is now serving the Greece – Cyprus – Israel line. Salamis Tours invested USD1.8 million (EUR1.6 million) to acquire the latest addition to its extensive fleet.

In 2014, the company’s profit rose to EUR2.5 million, as compared to EUR458,900 in 2013, while in the first half of the current year, earnings amounted to EUR1.5 million.

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imassol Marina’s team joined forces with the Cybarco Russia sales office to update a core group of Moscow-based journalists on the latest developments at the destination.

New and familiar faces turned up to hear about the recent delivery of the Peninsula Villas and the completion of the beach. The management also took the time to introduce the media representatives to the latest additions to the marina’s dining and shopping scene.

Russia continues to be an important market for property sales, and the initiative came at a time when Limassol Marina had already sold 90 percent of its apartments and 60 percent of its newly-completed villas.

Russian journalists welcomed by Limassol Marina

Limassol Marina to Lure Russians

Next ETC Meeting to Be Held in Cyprus

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ollowing Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s participation in the 90th general meeting of the European Travel Commission (ETC), the island has been selected to host the authority’s next summit in April 2016.

Attendees at the recent event expressed concerns regarding challenging situations such as the present humanitarian refugee crisis, armed conflicts and the destruction of cultural heritage, as well as the belief that these should be addressed with a common voice of unity.

ETC was founded in 1948 with the objective of contributing to the social and economic recovery of Europe, conflict solving, peace and understanding in the aftermath of World War II.

DECEMBER 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS Golf Credentials Showcased at IGTM

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n a bid to draw attention to the island’s offering for golf aficionados, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) participated in the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Tenerife, Spain.

The exhibition, which attracted over 1,400 industry stakeholders, offered the tourism body the chance to meet specialist tour operators and media representatives from 21 countries and highlight the competitive advantages of the island under the theme Golf Cyprus–Fairway to Heaven. Currently the country’s main markets include the UK, the Nordic countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.

Based on statistics, golf tourism also contributes to the lengthening of the tourist season since 80 percent of the total number of over 100,000 annual golf rounds on the island is played between September and May.

CTO Invests in Special Interest Tourism w. . s o n k u Did yo g to Cyapur,uthe

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yprus Convention Bureau, operated by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), hosted a number of sales officers from the authority’s UK, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Poland branches to train them on promoting special interest tourism in their respective markets.

The week-long programme was particularly intensive and included presentations, on-site visits and group workshops, and gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas. Moreover, they met new developments in Cyprus and explored attractive ways of promoting the island and niche tourism forms.

CTO delegation at IGTM

CTO Pushes for Investment

Cyprus Recognised for Responsible Tourism Endeavours

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yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) concluded its annual public consultation for grants regarding projects that enrich and upgrade the tourist product.

According to Annita Demetriadou, deputy director general, CTO, the scheme concerns the period between 2014 – 2020 and is expected to drive investment of over EUR50 million within the tourism sector.

“The plan is an important tool in the context of a comprehensive strategy that CTO is implementing for the sustainable development of the industry and aims to develop tourism and improve the profile of the sector. ”

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Representatives of CTO

yprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) won the silver award as one of the best destinations for responsible tourism at the World Responsible Tourism Awards, held during the annual World Travel Market in London.

The accolade recognises locations that excel in various aspects.

This year, the number of applicants exceeded 500, making the island’s achievement particularly rewarding.

The trophy comes as recognition of CTO’s continued efforts to create a sustainable tourist product, assisted by its five-year partnership with The Travel Foundation, in cooperation with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

DECEMBER 2015

MONTHLY NEWS Limassol Targets British Segment

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n a bid to further promote the destination and its unique proposition, Limassol Tourism Board participated in the World Travel Market, the business-to-business event which takes place annually in London.

With the UK market becoming increasingly important for Limassol by contributing 19 percent of the total tourism influx to the city, Limassol Tourism Board representatives showcased the coastal destination’s products and services through printed and electronic material.

According to recent projections, British visitor numbers to Cyprus are expected to exceed one million this year.

PCCI Focusses on Online Advertising

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aphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held a seminar under the theme Online Advertising to Increase Corporate Sales.

Presented by Giorgos Petrakidis, CEO, Social Space Global Academy, the event aimed to inform industry professionals about the benefits of Internet and social media considered powerful tools in the public relations, marketing and sales fields.

“With the seminar, participants [had the chance to] discover how to create a successful and effective online advertising strategy and how to promote a product or a service through Facebook or Google,” commented Makis Tsiatsios, public relations manager, PCCI.

Ayia Napa Remains Popular for Weddings

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he number of civil marriages taking place in Ayia Napa is on the rise, the municipality reported.

As a result, there has been a year-on-year revenue increase for the destination.

Accordind to Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa, the town is very attractive for foreigners who want to get married by the sea. He revealed that one of the most popular places in Ayia Napa is Ammos tou Kampouri beach, with the picturesque Cavo Greco following.

Wedding in Cavo Greco

DECEMBER 2015

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MONTHLY NEWS kno u o y d Di

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Limassol

Limassol Achieves Noteworthy Win

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imassol Tourism Board, in collaboration with the management team of Carob Mill Restaurants, secured the second place as a Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism.

This year’s event, which was organised by the European Cultural Tourism Network and included holiday locations across the continent, held the theme of Industrial Heritage Tourism with winners being recognised as examples of excellence.

The authority applied for the award via the Lanitis Carob Mill project, titled Limassol (Cyprus): Turning a carob mill and warehouse into the old town hotspot.

Cultural Winter in Ayia Napa

Voroklini Lake

Larnaca Enhances Winter Options

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yia Napa Municipality, in collaboration with Cyprus Tourism Organisation, is organising its already established cultural winter initiative, with events planned until the end of March 2016.

For the past 20 years, the community has been launching the programme which is oriented at presenting and promoting the Cypriot culture to local and foreign visitors.

All events under the cultural winter umbrella will be free for locals and tourists to enjoy at the municipal hall, every Thursday from 20:00.

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ue to popular demand, Larnaca Tourism Board has relaunched its complimentary winter activities programme for the third consecutive year. Aiming to offer authentic and varied experiences during the colder months, the initiative will run until the end of April 2016.

On Mondays, participants can enjoy a trip to Voroklini Lake where they can prepare traditional delicacies, engage in bird watching and partake in a traditional basket-weaving workshop. Tuesdays include a day out at Mazotos Camel Park, and on Wednesdays a professional guide takes tourists on a walking tour of the old town. On Thursdays, a trip to Athienou gives participants the opportunity to experience halloumi making, whilst there is a second guided tour on Friday, to see traditional crafts practised at local workshops. Saturdays are packed with excursions to the three picturesque villages of Lefkara, Kato Drys and Skarinou.

All activities are free of charge upon presentation of a voucher issued by local hotels.

DECEMBER 2015

ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS Louis Hotels Expands Its Horizons

Lenios Beach Hotel Reopens

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Lenios Beach Hotel

ouis Hotels incorporated two new properties in Protaras to its growing portfolio and is also upgrading its offering.

A completely redesigned four-star plus resort will reopen in May 2016 with the name St. Elias Resort. All rooms will be fully renovated to superior studios and one- and two-bedroom suites offering modern amenities. It will also feature a new 200m2 swimming pool, a Greek tavern, a kids’ clubs and spa.

Moreover, The King Jason Protaras, coming up also in summer 2016, will boast 88 deluxe studios and one-bedroom suites, two lounge bars, two restaurants, infinity hydro-contact pools, a spa with an array of treatments and a state-of-the-art gym.

Further to the opening of the new hotels, Louis Nausicaa Beach is to undergo major renovations this winter.

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fter years of being closed, Lenios Beach Hotel in Oroklini will relaunch in June 2016 following a complete overhaul.

The three-star property features 54 rooms, amongst which are two suites and four units for disabled guests.

Moreover, visitors will have various food and beverage options ranging from a pool bar to a roof garden outlet and a fine dining restaurant with buffet and a la carte choices.

The hotel’s roof garden as well as its outdoor areas have been designed to cater to large meetings and events.

The King Jason Protaras

Columbia Beach Hotel

Columbia Honoured for Sustainability Endeavours

DECEMBER 2015

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olumbia Hotels & Resorts has been acknowledged for its unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Mary Frangou, health and safety manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts and Dimitris Ioannou, front office manager, Columbia Hotels & Resorts, took part in a series of seminars and workshops aimed at creating island-wide unity pertaining to sustainable practices.

Having successfully completed the two days of intensive training, the team members were recognised for their involvement by the presiding institute of tertiary education.

“Taking part in the programme actually made us aware of how far along we have come […]. Having implemented and integrated these vital systems is not enough: being sustainable is a life-long endeavour for us here at Columbia, and every little really does help,” commented Frangou.

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MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION Sounds of Jazz Fill the Air at Londa

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ollowing a successful summer season, Londa Beach Hotel’s popular jazz sessions returned in autumn.

Having enticed crowds of music aficionados to the property’s Caprice restaurant during the year’s hottest months, the concerts once again attracted a large fanbase following from all over the island.

The sounds of soft jazz music filled the air in the chic ambience of Limassol’s boutique hotel.

“Caprice is a delightful setting to enjoy live music,” said Jochen Niemann, general manager, Londa Beach Hotel, suggesting that more jazz events of such calibre are to follow in the future.

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phrodite Hills Golf Club staged the Glenfiddich Team Cup 2015, sponsored by Glenfiddich’s William Grant & Sons together with the distributing company of the product in Cyprus, Vassos Eliades.

The four-day golfing event attracted 23 teams with a total of 92 players from the UK, US, Spain, Sweden and Germany. The tournament held a different format each day, where two days of competition were allocated to ladies’ teams.

A gala dinner at Aphrodite Hills Resort concluded the event and was attended by 150 members and guests.

The next edition of the gathering will take place between September 29 – October 2, 2016.

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Go lub c ntica Atla 's health zi, z h u c c a a e y B saJ erap offer hydroth a, ous saun nd vari ts? a n tme trea

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s many as 13 accolades landed at Atlantica Hotels & Resorts at the annual award ceremony of TUI UK and TUI Nordic, held in London.

From Cyprus, Paphos’ Atlantica Golden Beach won TUI UK’s overall gold award, and properties flying the Atlantica flag in Crete, Corfu, Kos and Rhodes were also recognised with the travel company’s golden honours.

TUI UK includes First Choice and Thomson, while Fritidsresor, Finnmatkat, Star Tour form part of TUI Nordic.

Mediterranean Beach Hotel Receives Recognition

S Aphrodite Hills golf course

Atlantica Hotels & Resorts Scoops 13 Trophies

tademos Hotels’ Mediterranean Beach Hotel was awarded the Thomas Cook Quality Seal for Proven Quality.

The accolade is given to properties that perform above average and are deemed to be the best in their star category in a destination.

The rating is based on clear criteria with special focus on customer feedback, service, hospitality, cleanliness and value for money.

Commenting on the acknowledgement, Demos Demosthenous, managing director, Stademos Hotels, said, “This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of Mediterranean Beach Hotel.”

Mediterranean Beach Hotel

Aphrodite Hills Hosts Golf Extravaganza

DECEMBER 2015

TRAVEL TALK

The industry has entered a growth trajectory

DINOS LEFKARITIS Chairman, Larnaka Tourism Board

“The opening of the six new hotels that have or are expected to launch this year, as well as other properties that are to come online in the future, create substantial development prospects for Larnaca’s tourism sector. The industry has entered a growth trajectory. The fact that we are welcoming new units did not come about by chance; Larnaca has comparative advantages and this has been discovered by local and international investors. This is just the beginning.”

Currently, over 40 airlines operate in Cyprus

MARIOS DEMETRIADES Transport, communications and works minister, Cyprus

“What is important for any country is to achieve maximum air connectivity at the lowest price. Currently, over 40 airlines operate in Cyprus and two of them, AEGEAN Airlines and Blue Air, use the island as a base for their planes. The closure of Cyprus Airways not only did not affect connectivity, but the number of available airline seats has been upgraded. At the moment, there are three applications for licensed local operators pending at the Department of Civil Aviation; […] and we will see one launch operations before year-end.”

Thanks are due to our high calibre speakers

ALECOS MICHAELIDES Permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Cyprus

“This was the 14th Maritime Cyprus conference and the overwhelming participation of more than 800 distinguished participants from all around the world, proves once again that this is one of the most successful and popular shipping conferences worldwide. […]

Particular thanks are due to our high calibre speakers, panellists and moderators. Furthermore, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the conference coorganisers; the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, as well as to all conference sponsors.”

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DECEMBER 2015

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

Airports Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer Hermes Airports together with CTC-ARI and Cyprus Airports F&B organised an amateur futsal championship in support of Europa Donna Cyprus’ initiatives.

Futsal championship

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he charity event aimed to raise funds and awareness of the European coalition’s endeavours to inform the public about breast cancer prevention methods.

Besides the three companies, Larnaka Airport Police and Security department, immigration, security specialist G4S, ground handling expert LGS and CHAPO also joined the competition.

All revenues generated from the programme were donated to Europa Donna Cyprus.

Blue Flags for the Past 20 Years

Kadis: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Is Paramount

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onserving intangible cultural heritage, fostering creativity and protecting the diversity of cultural expressions, by promoting regional and international cooperation, are of great importance, emphasised Costas Kadis, education and culture minister, Cyprus, addressing participants at UNESCO’s recently-held general conference.

“Cyprus acknowledges the role of culture, cultural expressions and creative industries as driving forces for development. We greatly share the vision of UNESCO, of the United Nations and of the European Union for a more integrated approach towards culture, aiming at mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and economic development,” added Kadis.

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yprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Blue Flag programme on the island with representatives of the two authorities joined by Foundation for Environmental Education members.

The Blue Flag eco-label has been awarded to 57 locations in Cyprus and 49 other countries take part in the scheme.

The concept was originally founded in France, when in 1985, French coastal municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag for complying with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.

DECEMBER 2015

PHOTO ALBUM

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Larnaka International Airport Crisis Centre welcomed refugees rescued in the open waters of Cape Greco

Andrea Pahiti was the winner of The Mall of Cyprus' Scratch & Win campaign, receiving a EUR1,000 cheque

Pomeranian champions from the Linnanhaltijan kennel in Finland stayed at Asty Hotel in Nicosia

DECEMBER 2015

Hilton Park Nicosia hosted the national futsal team of Armenia

Kings Avenue Mall hosted the Movember campaign with men shaving their moustaches for a good cause

Sean McFarlane, sport consultant, Almyra, was one of the best at O3 OlympusMan Triathlon

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NEWS & EVENTS EVENTS

CTO Presents Wedding Product

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yprus enjoyed a successful representation at The National Wedding Show in London since Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), alongside other industry stakeholders, attended the event under the umbrella of the well-established slogan Marry Me Cyprus.

According to Antigone Kapodistrias, officer, CTO, the UK market is one of the most important ones for the segment, representing 50 percent of the 8,000 ceremonies performed annually on the island.

Paphos is the most popular city for British visitors to have their nuptials or their honeymoon.

Local Wine Promoted in Greece

VITALY PISARENKO Nicosia December 03 www.pharosartsfoundation.org Pharos Arts Foundation, with the support of The Keyboard Charitable Trust in London, presents a recital with Russian pianist Vitaly Pisarenko.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

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he embassy of Cyprus in Athens held an event to showcase commandaria as a Cypriot wine of protected designation of origin.

The presentation, which was organised in the context of promoting commandaria as a national product, followed the publishing of a relevant booklet which records its history, identity, characteristics of place of origin, production process, as well as traditional and modern types of the sweet commandaria wines.

Paphos December 04, 05, 06 rubberear.wordpress.com This pantomime will launch Rubber Ear Productions’ endeavours in a new space where it will perform throughout 2016.

Amathus on Display

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One of the findings at Amathus site

new periodical exhibition titled Amathus 1975-2015: The Life of a French Archaeological Expedition in Cyprus is being presented in the garden of the Cyprus Museum to mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of excavations at the site.

Running until January 2016, the event is organised by the French School in Athens and was initially presented in the Greek capital on the occasion of an international conference on the city-kingdoms of Cyprus.

At the same time, an exhibition on the excavations of the French archaeological mission to Salamis is also open to the public at the archaeological site of Kition, commemorating the 50th anniversary since works started at the equally significant city of Salamis.

ASPECTS OF LIFE OF TWO DISTANT WORLDS Limassol Until December 14 www.mcw.gov.cy The Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works presents the temporary exhibition on the Qin-Han Dynasties of China and Roman Cyprus.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Tradition Takes Centre Stage in Farmakas

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he village of Farmakas held the third annual festival of traditional food and products, jointly hosted by the municipality and the Association of Expatriates and Friends of the community.

Socrates Hasikos, interior minister, Cyprus, attended the event and underlined that such initiatives are a reference point and display of customs and cultural tradition of the country.

“The culinary tradition of the place is an integral part of our identity, which was formed through the centuries and was inherited to us as a legacy,” he commented.

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Nicosia December 17 www.cyso.org.cy A special concert by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra devoted to Charles Jennens libretto which consists of verses from the Bible and is divided into three parts, addressing specific events in the life of Christ.

DECEMBER 2015