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UAE: The Cyprus Convention Bureau, the dedicated meeting and events division of Cyprus Tourism Organisation, is ramping up its efforts to position the Mediterranean island as the ideal destination for business and events following a successful UAE roadshow.
As part of its regional promotional activities, the Cyprus Convention Bureau, which uses an attractive programme of grants, benefits and incentives to internationally promote Cyprus as a conference and incentive travel destination, hosted a workshop with more than 50 key travel agents and corporate travel bookers in Dubai this week. The event was supported by the Cyprus Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Vasilis Polemitis, and representatives from Cyprus-based airline, Cobalt, which launched a new Abu Dhabi service earlier this month.
“The UAE and Cyprus has long favoured a fruitful business relationship, which is expected to continue following the recently launched flight with Cobalt, providing additional accessibility for those considering hosting events and conference on the island,” H.E. Vasilis Polemitis said. “To a great extent Cyprus is one of the most safe and dynamic tourist and business destinations, and it is now an opportune time to take advantage of the short distance from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
Cyprus, now accessible by direct, four-hour flights from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, presents a wealth of opportunities to create new business, and is the ideal destination for seasonal outbound incentive trips due to temperatures cooler than those experienced in the Middle East.
“The reputation of Cyprus as a quality destination that offers a complete and world-class MICE package is set to reach meteoric heights this year,” Michalis Metaxas, Director of Tourism, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, noted. “The island’s location, favourable weather conditions and its status as a modern and progressive member of the European Union are just some of the reasons for its fast-gaining popularity.”
As one of the world’s oldest civilisations and a rich history dating back more than 11,000 years, Cyprus allows delegates to immerse themselves in a wealth of ancient culture, whilst also enjoying hospitality as warm as its yellow-hued beaches. From delicious cuisine and traditional tavernas, to diverse relaxation and entertainment options, business can be seamlessly combined with pleasure.
Combining a conference with the many outdoor activities the island offers is easy thanks to the island’s fantastic year-round weather and the short travel distances across the island.
In addition to its core programme of grants, benefits and incentive available in its technical and financial support schemes, the Cyprus Convention Bureau can offer travel bookers perks such as informative material, any kind of technical support such as permits to archaeological sites, as well as financial support and schemes.
“During the busy summer period for leisure travel, Cyprus hosts a number of international events, and we’re also keen to encourage further inbound business during the October-April off-peak season,” added Metaxas. “This period not only presents wider availability, but also provides additional value for money.”
Having recorded record-breaking international visitor numbers in 2017, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation anticipates further double-digit growth this year. According to the Statistical Service of the Ministry of Finance, international visitors to Cyprus in 2017 increased by 14.6 per cent year-on-year. Arrivals from the GCC grew by 21.3 per cent, with the UAE achieving 19.6 per cent annual growth in arrivals.
For more information about business facilities and venues in Cyprus, visit: http://www.cyprusconventionbureau.org.
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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 The Cyprus Convention Bureau
The Cyprus Convention Bureau (CCB), within the framework of its role in promoting Cyprus as a conference and incentive travel destination and in upgrading the quality of the services offered, has proceeded with the setting of minimum criteria which will be applied towards the classification of local licensed tourism and travel offices, which offer professional services for the organisation of conferences and incentive trips from abroad in Cyprus, as Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and / or as Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs).
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.
For further information, please contact:
Action UAE
+971 (4) 390 2960
CTO@actionprgroup.com
