Dubai, UAE: On the back of a record-breaking year for tourist arrivals, which saw Cyprus welcome a double digit growth in visitors for 2017*, the idyllic Mediterranean island is readying for a host of new hotels, renovation completions and the expansion of tourism offerings across the island, with an emphasis on its most popular coastal cities and destinations.
Larnaca, celebrated as the longest continually inhabited region of Cyprus and gateway from the Middle East; neighbouring Limassol, the island’s second largest urban area after its capital Nicosia; and the famed beach-front resort area of Ayia Napa, will boast a wealth of new accommodations and attractions during the course of this year, adding further appeal for an island escape, within a four hour flight of the GCC.
Celebrating upcoming developments and recent archaeological finds across the island, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, which is responsible for organising and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus, has collated a list of the latest news and development updates that will be sure to entice greater visitors this year and beyond.
HOTEL & RESORT UPDATES
Columbia Beach Resort Reopens Following Renovations
Following intensive renovations that spanned almost 12 months, the luxurious Columbia Beach Resort, nestled along Pissouri Bay has reopened its doors. The five-star resort, spread over 75,000m2, boasts 169 artfully appointed suites, an award-winning spa, a host of 12 restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a revamped children’s club and new dedicated crèche for infants, and an array of activities, including cycling and hiking tours, watersports, tennis, golf, cooking lessons, and more. For more information about the property and its offerings, please visit: https://www.columbiaresort.com/.
Ayia Napa Marina Development
The landmark €250mn luxury development of Ayia Napa Marina includes 190 apartments, housed in two iconic twisting towers, 29 villas, a 600-berth full-service marina and a collection of retail, waterfront dining and lifestyle amenities. Launched in 2016, 50 per cent of the available units have been sold and construction is progressing with 85 per cent of the reclamation works complete. The development will be completed in 2021. For more information about the project, please visit: http://marinaayianapa.com/.
Larnaca New Port & Marina Development
Plans for the development and privatisation of the Larnaca Port and Marina are on track and proposals by the three shortlisted tenders were submitted in September 2017. The aim of the development is to make Larnaca Marina the largest in Cyprus with around a thousand berths, including some for superyachts. Three consortiums/companies of the five that initially expressed interest were shortlisted in June to proceed to the next phase in the tender for the development of Larnaca Port and Marina. The building phase of the project is due to take place in 2018.
Parklane Cyprus Opening March 2018
Parklane Resort & Spa Limassol – formerly Le Meridien – will open on 26th March 2018 following renovations. The resort has 274 guest rooms including 52 suites. Three swimming pools, inclusive of a seawater pool, glisten in front of the main building, surrounded by cabanas, waterbeds, and lounge areas for outdoor dining and drinks. The perfect seaside getaway is completed with a special all-day facility for children, a luxurious spa area, a vast ballroom, conference facilities, seven restaurants, four bars, a nightclub and a 300-meter-long beach of volcanic sand. The facilities are open throughout the year for work or pleasure to both guests and the public. Designed by The Studio Harrods, the resort and its facilities embody a refined interpretation of Cypriot landscape and culture. For more information visit: http://www.parklanecyprus.com/.
Two Radisson Blu Hotels to Open in 2018 and 2019
Cyprus’ first Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence is set to open in an area close to Larnaca port. The 12-storey Radisson Blu Hotel, with a total of 106 rooms, is expected to see its completion before the beginning of the summer 2018 season. The hotel is located about 15 minutes’ drive from Larnaca International Airport and so is perfectly located for hosting both leisure and business visitors. There are also plans for a second Radisson Blu, which would be the island’s first airport hotel and conference centre, to open in 2019. The hotel, 1km from the airport will have 180 guest-rooms, and extensive conference and events facilities. For more information about the two hotels, please visit: https://www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-larnaca/location.
Aphrodite Hills Resort becomes the PGA National Cyprus
Aphrodite Hills Resort is proud to announce that it has attained the highest standard recognition in Golf, the PGA National, Cyprus. The world-class golf course is currently undergoing a major investment upgrade of €2.5 million and full modernisation, including the rebuilding of greens and bunkers. Top recognition such as the PGA National, Cyprus, places the award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf in the highest positions of Mediterranean golf courses. For more information about the course, please visit: www.aphroditehills.com.
Amara Hotels & Resorts to Open in 2018
Amara Cyprus, a hotel masterpiece combining timeless elegance with indulgent opulence is poised to make its grand debut in 2018. Named for the ancient Greek word amarantos meaning ‘everlasting’, the ultra-deluxe, five-star, Amara – nestled near to the famed royal ancient kingdom of Amathus on the outskirts of Limassol – with 207 all sea view rooms - will feature a host of facilities, spanning a signature spa and palatial pool, to grand ballroom and landmark branded restaurants headed by world renowned chefs.
ANCIENT SITES – NEW DISCOVERIES
‘Hercules Mosaic’ Accidentally Unearthed by Construction Workers
A priceless, surprise discovery was made during the recent construction of sewerage pipes in Larnaca town, with workers accidentally unearthing the ‘Hercules Mosaic’. This rare mosaic from the Roman Era (30-330AD) is almost 20 metres long by five metres wide, with sections depicting the Labours of Hercules. According to Dr. George Philotheou, Curator of Antiquities, it is part of a complex of baths and is in remarkable condition, making it incredibly significant. It is believed that there is much more to be revealed at the site, with further excavations and studies planned.
Discovery of The Mediterranean’s Oldest Organised Library in Pyla
The Mediterranean’s oldest, organised library has been discovered at the Kokkinokremos archaeological site in Pyla village, once a Mycenaean city. Hailed as the most significant discovery on the island in the last 50 years, the library, which holds clay tablets on shelves – along with other Minoan and Mycenaean artefacts – reveals details about the evolution of the island’s civilizations with a high degree of organisation.
New Discovery at Pervolia
Pervolia is home to the ‘Rigena’ tower; one of Larnaca region’s four Venetian watchtowers (the other three are in Kiti, Pyla and Xylofagou). Built in 1563, the network of towers was used by the Venetians to alert both the Larnaca and Famagusta areas of any Arab raids. Dr. Nasa Patapiou recently revealed new information pertaining to the meaning behind the three coats of arms (COA) engraved on the entrance of the tower. The central COA is the only instance in Cyprus where the Republic of Venice’s official COA depicts the winged lion of St. Mark raising a sword instead of a bible, indicating the underlying war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire at that time. The left coat of arms (with three rosettes) belongs to Zuan Mattio Bembo, General Proveditor of Cyprus, who completed the construction of the tower, whilst the third belongs to the Gradenigo family, who may have donated money for the construction of the tower.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS UPDATE
Award-winning Larnaca Winter Experiences Return
The Free Winter Experiences programme for Larnaca region hotel guests is returning for its fifth year and has also been officially recognised with a TripAdvisor ‘2017 Certificate of Excellence’. The programme of complimentary activities and experiences, which runs until 30th April, 2018, was created by the Larnaca Tourism Board (LTB) and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) to offer winter tourists something authentic and interesting during their stay.
Larnaca’s Hilly ‘Eden’ Declared European Destination of Excellence
The beautiful area of mountainous Larnaca has been declared a European Destination of Excellence on the island; with a particular emphasis on 18 of its unique, traditional communities that are part of the EU programme ‘Eden 2017 - Cultural Tourism’. The 18 destinations highlighted in the European Destination of Excellence label are: Agioi Vavatsinia, Agios Theodoros, Choirokoitia, Delikipos, Kalavasos, Kato Drys, Kato Lefkara, Kofinou, Kornos, Layia, Melini, Odhou, Ora, Pano Lefkara, Skarinou, Tochni, Vavatsinia, and Vavla.
New Projects in Larnaca
Larnaca’s Mayor, Mr Andreas Vyras, has unveiled exciting new plans for Larnaca city that will see 2018 and beyond deliver many, great new facilities in the town centre and surrounding areas. These include:
- A one-of-a-kind new EU-funded development project for municipal markets, mixing traditional stalls and artisan spaces with modern facilities, including cafes, restaurants, a stage for events, and a dedicated exhibition area
- The large-scale renovation of the Municipal Gardens, which is set to transform the gardens and increase green and leisure areas, set to finish by the end of 2018/beginning of 2019
- Work to make Larnaca town centre more wheelchair and pushchair accessible, which is due to begin towards the end of 2018
- The restoration of the Zuhuri area in the old town, which will take place by 2019, creating a new square, shops with a traditional character, and a youth hostel and artists' meeting point with a capacity of up to 20 beds
WATERSPORTS UPDATE
Larnaca to Create an Artificial Reef
Larnaca’s reputation as a diving destination will be boosted further with the announcement that an artificial reef will be created this year, adding to the region’s underwater allure for both novice and professional divers. The new reef will be created in the first quarter of 2018 when the aptly named ‘Elpida’ vessel (which means ‘hope’ in the Greek language) will be sunk off the coast of Voroklini (along Larnaka-Dekeleia Road). For more information please visit: http://larnakaregion.com.
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About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. As a fully-fledged member of the European Union (EU), Cyprus is the closest European destination for GCC travellers. Providing a wealth of history, culture and nature, international travellers can experience a diverse array of outdoor activities, nature pursuits, relaxing retreats and cultural explorations across the island all year-round.
To learn more about Cyprus, visit us at: www.visitcyprus.com
About Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) is a semi-governmental organisation under the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. CTO, which is responsible for organising and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus, operates offices both in Cyprus and abroad.
To follow Cyprus Tourism Organisation on Facebook, visit us at: www.facebook.com/visitcyprus.ar
For further information, please contact:
Action UAE
+971 (4) 390 2960
CTO@actionprgroup.com
