BOOSTING HEALTH TOURISM IN CYPRUS IN THIS ISSUE. Let's TRADE with Europe!

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1 MEET NEWLY-LAUNCHED TRAVEL TRADE EUROPE! Let's TRADE with Europe! ISSUE 22 FOINIKOUDES TO RECEIVE A MAKEOVER THE CYPRUS RUSSIAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS FORUM, IN MOSCOW, PROMOTED HEALTH TOURISM ON THE ISLAND AND PLACED IT ON THE MAP AS AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH HUB. 04 PARALIMNI PROMOTES NEW TOURISM MODEL 07 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE NICOSIA NAUTICAL NEWS TOURISM BOARDS AIR ACCOMMODATION TRAVEL CHANNELS WHO S MOVED IN FOCUS INTERNATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS BOOSTING HEALTH TOURISM IN CYPRUS 8

2 MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Christou Ana Mladenovic PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB DEVELOPER / IT Soteris Constantinou Occupancy Further Declines An Ernst & Young Cyprus analysis indicated that in 2013, the average occupancy rate across the island s licensed establishments narrowed to 43.9 percent, declining by five percent year-on-year. Famagusta and Paphos had recorded the highest occupancy rates, with 50.4 percent and 46 percent respectively. In the first half of this year, however, the gross occupancy rate further declined to 31.6 percent. The districts with the lowest bed occupancy, 23.8 percent and 26.1 percent, were Nicosia and Limassol, whereas at the remaining districts of the island, occupancy stood at percent. The highest gross occupancy rate in the last five years was reported in 2012, standing at 48.9 percent. DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: , Fax: WEBSITE S info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradecyprus.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprinters Ltd P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: , Fax: info@cyprinters.com Traveller Numbers Drop in September The results of a passenger survey by the Statistical Service of Cyprus showed that arrivals of tourists reached 316,602 in September compared to 357,653 in the same month of 2013, recording a drop of 11.5 percent. EXCHANGE RATES COUNTRY CURRENCY 1EUR= US (USD) UK (GBP) Switzerland (CHF) Japan (JPY) Dollar Pound Franc Yen Accurate as of 24/11/ Decreases were recorded in tourist arrivals from the UK by 17.1 percent, from Russia by 16.2 percent and from Sweden by 12.3 percent. However, a growth of 21 percent was observed in traveller numbers from Switzerland, while visitors growth from Israel climbed to 22.8 percent. However, for the period January September, arrivals of tourists totalled 2.05 million compared to 1.99 million in the corresponding period of 2013, recording an increase of 2.8 percent. The Mall of Cyprus 2

3 NICOSIA MONTHLY NEWS Christmas Spirit in Nicosia Council of Europe Honours Nicosia After the huge success of the Christmas Avenue in downtown Nicosia held in 2013, the network of the capital s volunteers, in collaboration with the city s municipality, is planning to fill Nicosia s street with Christmas spirit from December 7 January 2, Wooden houses will be placed along Makarios Avenue, which will be closed for motor vehicles, and a variety of festive activities and products will be available to all visitors. The organisers of the event are aiming to turn the capital s centre into the talk of the town, offering children and adults a great form of entertainment, and help stimulate the commercial centre. The event will have a charitable status and all net proceeds will support children in need, in Nicosia. Did you know... The Council of Europe s Committee of Ministers set up the Europe Prize in 1955? Nicosia was awarded two distinctions from the Council of Europe within the context of the Europe Prize institution. For 2013, the Municipality of Nicosia has been honoured with two separate awards; the Plaque of Honour and the Flag of Honour, for actively promoting the European ideal through events of European interest, exchange visits and the participation of the municipality in various forums organised by the European Union. The Europe Prize consists of four awards handed to local and regional authorities by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; the European Diploma, the Flag of Honour, the Plaque of Honour and the Europe Prize. Cheaper Parking in Downtown Nicosia Awarding ceremony Nicosia Municipality has decided to reduce the monthly parking fees by nearly half in specific locations within the capital s commercial zone. Moreover, the committee in charge of parking areas and traffic decided to allow a 10 percent discount to locals and tourists who purchase parking vouchers in bulk. A 20 percent discount is offered when obtaining yearly parking vouchers. 3

4 MONTHLY NEWS Preserving Traditional Arts Everything You Need to Know about Larnaca The famous mountainous village of Lefkara has opened a new handicrafts centre where the traditional crafts of handmade lace and filigree silver will be taught, to ensure the art is kept alive for generations to come. The new centre is housed in a building that belonged to the committee of the village s main church, the Holy Cross, and was donated to Lefkara Municipality. The church committee also contributed financially to the project, which additionally received European funding following a pilot scheme in 2013 by the Cyprus National Commission of UNESCO. Savvas Xenophontos, mayor, Lefkara, said that the new centre was a longenvisaged project for the village. Lace making A new and improved thematic map of Larnaca and the region has been published by the Larnaka Tourism Board (LTB) in cooperation with Choose your Cyprus, and is now free to obtain from the region s hotels and the LTB offices. The map is divided into three sections; the first depicts the entire region, complete with areas of interest, from museums and archaeological sites, to traditional tavernas. The second is a map that highlights all the region s tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, kiosks and bakeries, while the third section is dedicated to rural attractions and agrotourism in the region s mountainous areas, including traditional houses that offer accommodation in villages. Foinikoudes to Receive a Makeover Foinikoudes Foinikoudes, Larnaca s most famous promenade, is set to witness a transformation with a series of changes planned for this autumn. According to Andreas Louroutziatis, mayor, Larnaca, the facelift will include the repair of any damaged areas of the paved surfaces, a renovation and upgrading of the seafront stage which is used for performances and events all year round the sowing of grass along the road towards the beach, and generally, adding more greenery to the area. 4

5 NAUTICAL MONTHLY NEWS Limegrove Spa & Fitness Club Opening Event Limassol Marina Assists Clients to Obtain EU Citizenship On October 8, Limegrove Spa & Fitness Club at Limassol Marina organised its official opening party with overwhelming success. Guests who attended had the chance to tour the facilities including the private spa treatment rooms and relaxation room, the state-of-the-art fitness club with its sea view cardio deck, the group exercise studio, the hair spa and salon with nail lounge and the health bar with an indoor lounge and a sunbathing deck. Staff was on hand to answer questions about the facilities, signature products, personalised services, and Limegrove s holistic approach under the banner of Look Better. Feel Better. Live Better. Limassol Marina Limassol Marina has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting its non-european Union (EU) clients with the procedure for acquisition of Cypriot, and consequently EU, citizenship through investment. According to the new scheme, applicants must invest EUR2.5 million in a collective investment worth at least EUR12.5 million, in addition to a property purchase at the value of EUR500,000. Alternatively, those who do not wish to take part in the collective investment scheme are obliged to make direct contributions of at least EUR5 million in the island. Larnaca Ideal for Sailing The Famagusta Sailing Club BegaFigo and Israel Yacht Club organised for the fourth consecutive year the Cyprus Israel Regatta. Easy Swissa, president, Israel Yacht Club, commented that the groups were satisfied with both the hosting and premises at Larnaca Marina, adding that the Bay of Larnaca provides the best conditions for sailing races in the world, compared to the other countries where he himself has travelled. Parallel and alternating currents, waves and wind are the parameters of racing success and Larnaca has all the specifications and has become an excellent destination for organising such international events, he concluded. 5

6 MONTHLY NEWS Eléa Estate and Montgomerie Links Vietnam Collaborate Eléa Estate Eléa Estate in Paphos has announced a new club reciprocal agreement with Montgomerie Links Vietnam, a world class, semi-private golf club. For the duration of this agreement green fee rates for the reciprocal members will be at the current member guest rate of each club on the day of play. The 18-hole Montgomerie Links Vietnam has many natural features. The sandy soil, wind-blown dunes and indigenous vegetation combine to create the framework for a very strong links-style golf course that caters to players of all abilities. Cyprus Exhibited in France Education Aids Sustainable Tourism The Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) held its annual general meeting alongside the event The role of education in the promotion of sustainable tourism, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Attendees enjoyed a presentation by Sean Owens, director, Thinking Tourism, titled Sustainable Tourism in Cyprus Business as usual, while a keynote speech on the theme itself was given by Aravella Zachariou, coordinator, environmental education unit, Cyprus Pedagogical Institute. CSTI is an independent organisation established in 2006, following a two-year long project of The Travel Foundation. Agen The House of Europe, located in the area of Lot-et- Garonne, organised an event devoted to Cyprus culture which was held in Agen, France. The event included a lecture on Cyprus and a presentation of a photo exhibition entitled Cyprus of Culture. There was a discussion with the audience which focussed on the country s national problem, both from a historical perspective and in light of recent developments, as well as the participation of Cyprus as a member of the European Union in the last 10 years. 6

7 MONTHLY NEWS Paralimni Promotes New Tourism Model I n line with the European programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME), Paralimni Municipality made its own contribution titled COAST2COAST Develop and promote sustainable sports tourism from coast to coast. The project aims to create a transnational tourism product on sailing tourism, with the main objective being to address seasonality and create an alternative tourism product in response to mass tourism and the outmoded sun, sea and beach model. According to the relevant announcement, the municipality s target is to make Paralimni a modern, sustainable and yet uniquely attractive tourist resort. CTO Restructures Team In a bid to modernise its operations and respond to challenging rising needs, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has restructured its management team. After a meeting with Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, energy, commerce, industry and tourism minister, Cyprus, Marios Hannides, director general, CTO, announced the reorganisation, commenting that the development is moving in the right direction to ensure cooperation with all stakeholders and tourism partners, with a view to further develop and promote the tourism industry. Following the management changes, Annita Demetriadou will now head the department of quality assurance, Lefkos Phylactides will be in charge of the marketing and communications sector, Michalis Metaxas is taking over the strategy department, while Lygia Dermatis was appointed to coordinate the product development department. 7

8 MONTHLY NEWS BOOSTING HEALTH TOURISM IN CYPRUS Philippos Patsalis, health minister, participated in the Cyprus Russian Health and Wellness forum, in Moscow, promoting health tourism on the island, with the aim to place it on the map as an international health hub. The visit constituted an initiative of the Cyprus Health Services Promotion Board in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was supported by the Ministry of Health. Patsalis undertook a presentation on Cyprus An International Health Centre, during which he outlined Cyprus health system, the ongoing improvements and the prospects for the islands development into an international health and medical tourism centre. Troodos Poised for Development Ayia Napa Boasts New Tourism Ambassadors Nicos Kouyialis, minister, agriculture, natural resources and environment, Cyprus, confirmed that the Troodos region is poised for growth. We have decided to utilise the Troodos square, government housing units and the Amiantos mine. The ministerial committee has also decided the appointment of a new technical committee to coordinate the promotion of the project. This new committee will advise on all property that can be used and then the Ministry of Communications and Works will prepare bidding documents for potential investors. Kouyialis added that the delegation was given a year to complete its task, while more details on the area s development will be revealed before the end of the year. 8 Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa Municipality has recently proclaimed two new ambassadors of Ayia Napa tourism, who were honoured with a commemorative plaque. The couple, Alexander and Albina Makhova from Russia, chose Ayia Napa as their holiday destination 46 times. Karousos warmly thanked the couple for repeatedly returning to the coastal town, emphasising that their continuous visits are the most effective advertising for the destination. He confirmed that they truly deserve the title awarded to them by the municipality. Yiannis Karousos (right) with Alexander and Albina Makhova

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10 MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS Making Limassol Green Limassol Tourism Board organised a photographic competition focussing on environmentally friendly means of transportation. The initiative was part of the European programme SEEMORE on sustainable commute, and the related images promoted the use of bicycles, buses or other ecological means. Titled Travel Green & Win, the contest gave participants the chance to win entrance to a water park every week. The winning photo was taken by Romos Kotsonis. CTO Completes Cycling and Wine Routes Paphos Claims European Funding Attendees at CTO s event showcase their biking skills In a joint effort of all tourism stakeholders of the district, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism has tabled two proposals for finding resources and expertise that will assist it in achieving its specific goals. The first proposal concerns the project FOOD.TOUR-EUROPE for highlighting local gastronomy by promoting products and wine tourism in Europe in order to strengthen European identity and differentiate the tourist experience. The second project refers to COSME SMART, which deals with sustainable forms of coastal and marine tourism and its expected results are aimed at attracting more visitors, upgrading tourism product, extending the tourist season and promoting the improvement of policies for regional and local sustainable development. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosted an event to inform its partners, local authorities and communities on the completion of the project Enrichment and Enhancement of Themed Routes, co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Anita Demetriadou, director of tourism, CTO, presented the projects, mentioning, Through synergies and targeted activities, we aim to position Cyprus as a destination with limitless opportunities for leisure and all-year-round activities, showcasing our countryside as a dynamic component of our island s tourist identity. The routes aim to assist the development of special products and contribute to the enhancement of rural areas, mitigating seasonality and giving the island a competitive advantage as a tourist destination. 10

11 TOURISM BOARDS MONTHLY NEWS CTO Tees Off in London PCCI Boosts Paphos Image Larnaca Steps Up Hard Work In line with its efforts to promote golf tourism on the island, Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) held an event at Buckinghamshire Golf Club in the UK. Attendees at the promotional initiative included representatives from 10 tour operators specialising in golf tourism. They were presented with the advantages offered by Cyprus in this field, namely excellent golf courses with modern clubhouses, high standard hotels and excellent service from experienced staff. CTO also promoted Cyprus general tourism advantages which include favourable weather, rich history, superb natural surroundings, unique dining options and more. As part of its efforts to promote the city abroad and thus attract more investment into the region, Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held presentations and events celebrating the coastal destination in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. In a relevant statement, PCCI welcomed the participation of Paphos municipality to the overall efforts to promote the city outside the borders of Cyprus and enhance international cooperation for Paphos business world. Paphos Castle St Lazaros Church, Larnaca Larnaka Tourism Board and the city s municipality have joined forces to enhance efforts already in place by Hermes Airports and Cyprus Tourism Organisation, which aim to offer further incentives to airlines operating on the island. The initiative concerns the allocation of advertising space on external sites within the municipality of Larnaca for carriers that add new routes, increase their flights to Larnaka International Airport or promote the city as a tourist destination abroad. Andreas Louroutziatis, mayor, Larnaca, and Dinos Lefkaritis, chairman, Larnaka Tourism Board, both explained that the action is part of promotional efforts aiming at strengthening cooperation with international airlines. 11

12 MONTHLY NEWS TOURISM BOARDS Managing Mediterranean Ecosystems Polis Honours German Tourists Following an initiative from Cyprus Tourism Organisation and in collaboration with Polis Chrysochous municipality, a German couple was awarded for showing their preference to Cyprus and Polis in particular. Mr. and Mrs. Lohmann have visited Cyprus 36 times up until this day. The municipality of Polis Chrysochous held an international conference titled Management of Mediterranean Habitats. Welcoming the participants, Angelos Odysseos, mayor, Polis Chrysochous, said, Polis is one of the most beautiful and romantic areas of Cyprus, near the location where the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, met her lover Adonis. [...] The area of Polis combines greenery, mountains and the sea, as well as an excellent climate which makes it more attractive; ideal for people with special interests who love their vacation activities; an appropriate reserve for mental and physical relaxation and recreation. By participating in the programme, the municipality aims to turn the region into a European model of regional sustainable development, an innovative and intelligent eco-tourism resort, free from carbon and with zero waste, according to Odysseos. Mr and Mrs Lohman receive the award German-speaking Markets Are Priority for Paphos SEEMORE Guide by Limassol Tourism Board Did you know... Cyprus received nearly 100,000 German tourists in 2013? Paphos tourism sector is teaming up to attract and further penetrate into the German and Austrian markets with coordinated actions. For the period spanning to the end of March 2015, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism and local stakeholders are planning to participate in workshops in Vienna, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Erfurt and Cologne, host familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns and more. The board s main goal is to attract wide attention to the city and raise awareness about Paphos local tourism product. In line with the city s participation in the European project SEEMORE, Limassol Tourism Board issued an electronic and hardcopy guide on how the public can commute within the city, promoting the use of sustainable modes. Available in English and Russian, the document is distributed in hotels, Cyprus Tourism Organisation s offices and other key points. It includes information on how to use bikes, public transport and pedestrian routes in Limassol, while it indicates biking, wine and religious routes as well as commercial streets, museums, historical monuments and much more. SEEMORE guide 12

13 AIR MONTHLY NEWS airberlin and Alitalia Celebrate Codeshare Deal SWISS Delights with New SIM Card Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has recently introduced a brand new prepaid SIM card, SWISS Mobile, offering users attractively discounted roaming rates for calls and Internet use. The card, a part of the SWISS Choice range of supplementary products and services, can be used in over 180 countries, providing rates that are up to 80 percent lower than regular roaming fees. Expected to particularly appeal to frequent flyers, SWISS Mobile SIM card comes in several sizes, making it compatible with any type of mobile phone. airberlin and Alitalia have signed an agreement, sharing codes on more than 400 weekly nonstop flights and providing optimised flight connections in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Milan-Linate and Rome. Under the deal, airberlin s daily flights from Düsseldorf and Berlin-Tegel have been redirected to Milano Linate Airport instead of Milan Malpensa. This was also the case for NIKI, which is part of airberlin group, and its flights from Vienna. Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO, airberlin, stated, The codeshare agreement with Alitalia raises the importance of Italy for airberlin to a new level. We are optimising our service for both business and holiday travellers by operating our flights to Linate, the most convenient airport to Italy s number one business and fashion destination Milan. Blue Air: 2015 Summer Flight Schedule Blue Air has launched its 2015 summer schedule which is now available on its website, through its call centres, and through its partner agencies. A concise list of all destinations in Blue Air s 2015 summer schedule, which also includes a five times per week flight from Larnaca to Bucharest, can be found on the company s website. Furthermore, with its dedicated smart flying concept, the airline enables its passengers to pay less for tickets the earlier they book their flights. 13

14 MONTHLY NEWS ACCOMMODATION A Sweet Week in Limassol by Four Seasons Hotels Did you know... The 304-unit property is owned and operated by Muskita Hotels, a Cypriot venture formed in 1989? Four Seasons hotel in Limassol hosted its 10th annual Chocolate Week at the Colors Café, between November This year s Chocolate Week theme was Herb & Chocolate Infusions. The event boasted variations of the hotels homemade pralines, with a variety of flavours and chocolate creations. The five-star Four Seasons Hotel is independently owned and operated since its opening in The property, which saw a full renovation in 2005, lies on a sandy beach east of Limassol. New Larnaca Hotels to Welcome Visitors in 2015 Columbia Excels in Working Practices Larnaca is responding to the influx of visitors with a host of new hotels scheduled to open in 2015, as Larnaka Tourism Board announced. The five properties consist of a mix of brand new establishments and reinstated and adapted buildings, spread out across the town in a bid to offer a better variety of accommodation. Ciao Stelio will be in the popular area of McKenzie and is set to open its doors in April 2015 with a capacity of 102 beds. The area of Saint Lazarus will also see two new launches in the first quarter of 2015; Mikes Kanarium, a cosy 52-bed hotel and a 35-bed boutique property that will be hosted within a restored house and a modern complex. The town centre s shopping street of Zenonos Kitieos will also welcome a new city hotel featuring a rooftop swimming pool, while another city boutique hotel will also open near the historic American Academy private school. Finally, the coastal strip of Dekeleia Road will see the restoration of Lenios Hotel. The Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance held a ceremony to celebrate the Health and Safety at Work Week. During the event, Andreas Assiotis, director general, Ministry of Labour, Cyprus, announced the top three companies which secured a good practice award. Amongst those were Columbia Hotels & Resorts, as the company was chosen by the technical committee of the Pancyprian Safety and Health Council as one of the employers which effectively addresses health risks and hazards at the workplace. The campaign aimed to help employers, employees and their representatives recognise the existence of stress and psychosocial risks at any workplace and learn how to manage them. Columbia Beach Resort 14

15 ACCOMMODATION MONTHLY NEWS Hilton Cyprus Donates Blood Paphos Ranks First in the Upscale Segment Caravel Hotel Renovated Hilton Cyprus hotel has successfully concluded a blood donation campaign dedicated to children with thalassemia. The initiative was coordinated in cooperation with Cyprus Blood Bank. A mobile blood bank unit was set up in the hotel ballroom, where volunteers were welcomed on October 21. The blood donation drive, widely supported by Hilton Cyprus hotel management and staff, is part of the property s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, as well as the Global Week of Service, an annual CSR campaign organised by Hilton Worldwide across its global hotel portfolio. Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA) s Paphos committee has announced that the region attracted 39 percent of the overall tourist arrivals to Cyprus in 2013 and ranked first concerning guest nights at four- and five-star hotels. Having welcomed a new management team, Caravel Hotel completed a renovation of its rooms. A total of 50 of the property s standard rooms, family rooms and suites have been updated, while the hotel also boasts a new fully renovated pool bar and pool area. All rooms are decorated and furnished to the highest standards and offer an excellent range of facilities. All are fully air-conditioned and heated, with a balcony and private bathroom, a TV set, as well as a fridge in all suite and family rooms. Featuring a garden, Caravel Hotel is a modern property situated in Ayios Tychonas touristic area and provides guests with a relaxed setting while visiting Limassol. Hilton Cyprus Themis Philippides, chairman, Paphos district committee, CHA, said that after achieving the first objective which involved the launch of flights to Paphos, the next step is to attract interest from tour operators to fill up available airline seats. To this end, in collaboration with the Paphos Regional Board of Tourism and Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the committee has initiated various actions mainly targeting Germany, he said. Caravel Hotel 15

16 TRAVEL CHANNELS Kourion Made Accessible to the Visually Impaired Cultural Celebrations at Limassol Marina The Department of Antiquities has introduced specialised facilities to Kourion s House of Eustolios and the theatre. This was done in cooperation with the St. Barnabas School for the Blind, initiated by the department s commitment to providing visually impaired persons full access to the island s archaeological sites. Visually impaired visitors can now enjoy bilingual informative panels and complimentary site guides in Braille alphabet and enlarged font. Furthermore, the guards at the Kourion site have been trained to adequately assist those in need. The event was held under the auspices of Marios Demetriades, communication and works minister, Cyprus, and included a guided tour of both sites and a musical performance, among other activities. Once a warehouse which stored carobs, the listed building of Tracasol at Limassol Marina, hosted a walk down memory lane with the Cyprus Photographic Society and the vocal tones of Diastasi, celebrating Limassol Marina s commitment to culture within its community. The building s convenient location, a few steps from the Old Port, made it an ideal storage space for a variety of goods, as well as fertilisers. Now renovated as part of the Limassol Marina master-plan design, it houses a marine training school and a cultural centre with multi-purpose function rooms for exhibitions, conferences and events. Did you know... The Tracasol building is at least 200 years old, dating back to the early 19th century? Local Tastes Offered at Sotira Greek and Turkish Cypriots Come Together More than 2,500 visitors attended the tasting evening held by Sotira Municipality at a beachfront restaurant. The event was organised within the festivities commemorating 40 years since the launch of a local festival celebrating kolokasi, an indigenous root vegetable considered a delicacy on the island. The highlight of the event were the various recipes presented by members of the Cyprus Chefs Association which gave an alternative dimension to the local delicacy as they included kolokasi Teriyaki, kolokasi panacota and a cake made from the popular vegetable root. Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder, easyjet, recently awarded 10 cash prizes of EUR10,000 to Cypriot entrepreneurs helping to build the island s bi-communal relations. A well attended ceremony saw company teams drawn from the Greek and Turkish communities receive cash in Entrepreneurs with their cheques the form of giant cheques from Haji-Ioannou s philanthropic foundation, which can be used to help develop their businesses. This is the sixth year we have run this competition and I never cease to be amazed by the determination of our entrepreneurs to use business as a medium to break down the barriers that separate our two communities. Long may this continue, commented Haji-Ioannou. 16

17 WHO S MOVED ANDREAS DEMETRIADES Andreas Demetriades has been voted as the new president of Pafos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), a position he will hold for the next three years. After the conclusion of PCCI s annual general meeting, it was decided that he will also head the Pafos Regional Board of Tourism. Demetriades priorities include lending dynamic and effective help and support to small- to medium-sized enterprises, establishing a model of development for Paphos with a focus on its international business activities, and the spearheading of alternative avenues of tourism. CHARIS MICHAEL Charis Michael has been appointed hotel manager at Hilton Cyprus. Michael has vast experience in the market and is eager to assist and contribute to the hotel s continued success. He holds a master s degree in business administration, international business, from the Johnson & Wales University in the US. He began his professional career at Hilton Cyprus in 2006 as food and beverage manager. He was then promoted to director of operations, a position that he held between June 2009 and April Most recently he served as director of operations at Hilton Athens. In focus Who are you? I am the officer of Larnaka Tourism Board for the last four years. The board was established in 2008 and we are working really hard to promote Larnaca as a tourist destination, offer new initiatives to attract visitors and solve any issues that could impact Larnaca s potential as a holiday destination. When did you join the industry and why? I have been in the tourism industry my entire life. As a child I helped at the family business in the hotel accommodation sector and after my studies in tourism management and marketing, I worked in various positions at Larnaka International Airport, for a tour operator and at the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises. NAME: POSITION: COMPANY: LOCATION: WEBSITE: Nana Asmeni Pavlou Officer Larnaka Tourism Board Larnaca What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? The most important benefit you gain for working in the tourism field is self-development since you learn to deal with and appreciate other cultures and yet strive to find ways in maintaining and promoting your own country s culture. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Anywhere where I can be a traveller, not a tourist. Why is Cyprus an ideal destination to visit? Cyprus uniqueness lies in the fact that it is varied and diverse but at the same time it is compact. Our tourism product is set in such a way that it matches the needs of the majority of different types of travellers and special interest forms of tourism. 17

18 MONTHLY NEWS TUI Travel Achieves Good Carbon Results TUI Travel has received a perfect score of 100 for the depth and quality of the climate change information it has disclosed to investors and the global marketplace through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the international investorled non-governmental organisation that drives sustainable economies. Recognised as a leader, TUI Travel will be featured in the UK Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. Johan Lundgren, deputy CEO, TUI Travel, said, We are thrilled to have been awarded full marks in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. We are committed to providing a lasting legacy of reducing our carbon emissions and as a business, we wholeheartedly recognise our responsibility and the importance of accurate and transparent carbon reporting to all our stakeholders. Ayia Napa Mayor Inaugurates Ceramics Exhibition Expressing support to local artists, Yiannis Karousos, mayor, Ayia Napa Municipality, has recently inaugurated a group exhibition of ceramists Fotos Demetriou, Tasos Demetriou, Miros Psara, Stavros Stavrou, Efthymios Symeou, Anastasia Lampaski, Christiana Charalambous, Nina Iakovou and Antri Iona, titled The Mediterranean. Karousos stressed that he himself and the local municipality council are committed to improving the tourism experience for visitors to Ayia Napa, and supporting local artists. This is demonstrated with a series of initiatives aimed at preserving the arts of ceramics, pottery, sculpture and alike. One of such initiatives is the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park, which opened in 2013 and is constantly being improved. Pilot Study Reviews Tourism Impact in Cyprus The Travel Foundation, in partnership with TUI Travel and Aeolos Travel, launched a pilot study that will focus on understanding and measuring the impact of tourism on a destination. Cyprus was chosen for the pilot study as it is a mainstream tourism destination, popular with tourists from the UK as well as an important destination for TUI Travel. For the study, the Total Impact Measurement & Management (TIMM) methodology developed by PwC will be applied to TUI Travel s mainstream tourism operations, whereas the main focus will be on local hotels TUI Travel works with. The study aims to provide new insights into the impacts of mainstream tourism on a holiday destination and identify key areas to focus on to deliver a more positive overall impact from tourism. Cyprus to Collaborate with Algeria on Tourism Issues 18 Yiannis Karousos (right) Ioannis Kasoulides, foreign affairs minister, Cyprus, completed an official visit to Algeria where he held separate meetings with members of the Algerian government, amongst which was Yamina Nouria Zerhouni, tourism minister, Algeria. The two delegations reviewed the course of the bilateral relations between the two nations and examined possible ways of expanding the cooperation between Cyprus and Algeria in a number of sectors, such as energy and tourism.

19 INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY NEWS Greece Eyes Swedish Tourists WTM Examines Challenges to European Tourism Promoting Wild Atlantic Way Heathrow Boosts Steady Business Through a business forum, Greece opened its doors to Swedish investors and tourism stakeholders. Olga Kefalogianni, tourism minister, Greece, noted that the industry is a key pillar of the economy which supports directly and indirectly more than 700,000 jobs. She said that the all-important Swedish market sent 368,834 tourists to the country this year, registering an increase of 15.3 percent year-on-year. In the first quarter of the year, 8,795 Swedes visited Greece, this time recording an impressive growth of 93.5 percent, she stressed. European tourism experts used this year s World Travel Market (WTM) as an opportunity to discuss key challenges faced by the European tourism sector, including an ageing population, the euro crisis, globalisation and growing youth unemployment, as well as a complex regulatory framework, fiscal and legal handicaps, a lack of a clear brand image, insufficient promotional funds and increasing competition from other destinations. Experts on the panel included Pedro Ortún, director of tourism, European Commission; Tom Jenkins, CEO, European Tour Operators Association; Martin Craigs, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association; and Eduardo Santander, CEO, European Travel Commission. Tourism is a major socio-economic activity in the European Union (EU), contributing to its economy nine percent of its GDP and 10 percent of the workforce. Tourism Ireland s latest campaign to promote the Wild Atlantic Way in the UK sees the organisation team up with Canon and Secret Escapes, an exclusive members-only travel club. Using photography of the Wild Atlantic Way supplied by Canon and promoting accommodation offers through Secret Escapes, the three-week online campaign is encouraging people in the UK to book their break to Ireland. The promotion involves marketing to some 50,000 customers of Secret Escapes, bringing Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of high end customers. Did you know... In 2013 Ireland welcomed an estimate eight million overseas visitors? Some 6.58 million passengers chose to travel through Heathrow Airport in September, an increase of 0.3 percent year-on-year, making it the airport s busiest ever September. Passenger growth continued to be supported by larger and fuller aircraft, while seats per aircraft increased 0.4 percent and load factors increased 1.1 percentage points to 81 percent. Cargo figures were also up 7.8 percent overall, increasing 57.2 percent to Mexico, 52.2 percent to Nigeria, 37.1 percent to Russia, 25.6 percent to China and 20.8 percent to India. John Holland-Kaye, CEO, Heathrow Airport, said, September saw growing support [ ] for expansion at Heathrow as the best solution to the UK s hub capacity crisis. Heathrow handles a quarter of all British exports by value, but is full. 19

20 NEWS & EVENTS Cyprus Represented in Hong Kong EVENTS Hong Kong The Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism announced its intention to take part in at least four international exhibitions in Amongst the intended exhibitions will be HOFEX held in Hong Kong between May 6 9, HOFEX is one of the region s leading food and hospitality trade shows. It aims to blend the best of food and beverages equipment, supplies, services and hospitality technologies. 2nd NICOSIA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Nicosia December Includes live chocolate shows, lessons and exhibitions from chocolate professionals, surprise chocolate entertainment from Portugal, contests and much more. Street Festival in Ayia Napa A pioneering event, Art Street Festival, was held by Ayia Napa municipality in cooperation with Paparazzi Art Studio. The project aimed at showcasing the various forms of art in public spaces, the upgrade through the artistic creation, thus, transforming it into a colourful city, even more friendly to citizens and visitors. The ultimate goal was to establish Ayia Napa as an international reference point for street art. During the event, 12 artists were hosted in Cyprus and created art pieces on buildings exteriors, which have been chosen by residents, while they gained inspiration from sights and the overall feel of the city. SAMBO STUDENTS WORLD CUP Limassol December Held in Limassol by the Cyprus Sambo Federation, this event is for year old male and female athletes. Made in Cyprus Exhibition Crosses Borders World Trade Center Cyprus announced that its exhibition of Cypriot products and services, Made in Cyprus, will continue its presence in a number of global events, with the participation of local organisations. One of the events where the island was promoted was the first China (Quanzhou) Maritime Silk Road International Brand Exposition held in November, while a number of other shows are also in line to welcome Made in Cyprus. Amongst these shows is Djazagro exhibition, a leading event for food industry professionals in Algeria, as well as the local Made in Cyprus event to be held in Limassol in September 2015, and also the Jordanian edition of the expo to be also staged during CHRISTMAS AVENUE Nicosia December 7 January 2, A festive atmosphere in the capital s central avenue to celebrate Christmas and revive the city s commercial centre. SOLIDARITY CONCERT A Successful Race in Larnaca The first part of the sailing race Cyprus- Israel Regatta 2014, which took place between October 10 and 12, was fulfilled successfully. The event was organised for the fourth consecutive year by the Famagusta Sailing Club BegaFigo and Israel Yacht Club, at the marina in Larnaca. The purpose of the event was to promote the offshore sailing and the establishment of this event as an international sporting event of the Eastern Mediterranean, assisting in strengthening the relations between neighboring countries. This year s participation was almost twice that of 2013, with a total of 42 competitors from Israel and Cyprus. Nicosia December 12 A concert for all offered as a gift of love from the musicians of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and its conductor. 20