The IN BUSINESS awards, aiming at celebrating leadership and achievement in Cypriot private companies, chose Aeolos Travel as leader in its field. The first prize of the institutional event “IN-BUSINESS AWARDS” was organized by the publication IN-BUSINESS. This distinction was the outcome of a competitive analysis and evaluation of major tourist organizations in Cyprus. It constitutes a proof that Aeolos’ business profile, being a product of many years of hard work, is characterized by a wealth of experience, sense of responsibility, respect to the customer, honesty, trust and social spirit.

It is our aim to keep you up to date on the progress made concerning the negotiations of the Cyprus problem, since the outcome of developments might be important for our future planning. Since early September last year, the leaders of the 2 communities have been engaged in direct negotiations, aiming at reunifying the island. Following successful talks on governance and power sharing, the leaders have recently entered their 17th meeting with the subject of property rights. All issues on the agenda are complex and there are those which are still open, there are disagreements but on several issues progress has been made. The United Nations believes there is a real possibility of reaching a settlement. As meetings are scheduled frequently we intend to keep you posted as their outcome becomes known

Brand new walkways, parking spaces and three town squares are part of the planned projects for the transformation of the centre of Larnaca, which is expected to be completed by summer. Aspects of the project include:

All work will be completed by the end of July, beginning of August.

(Source: The Cyprus Mail Thursday January 22, 2009)

Cyprus tourist arrivals fell 0.5% during 2008, official figures show. January to December 2008 arrivals reached 2.40 million down from 2.41 million a year earlier. The global credit crunch is deemed responsible for the reverse in fortunes. It’s only the fourth time year-on-year tourism numbers have dropped since 1996 and hotel bookings are said to be 25% down for this summer. Due to concerns the global financial crisis will trigger lower tourism revenues the finance ministry revised its GDP growth forecast downwards to 3.7% for 2008 and a slower 2.1% for this year. Tourism contributes 15% to Cyprus’ GDP. In addition to a Euro 52m injection announced last November, the government is currently preparing a Euro 40m plus stimulus package for the tourism and construction industries.

(Source: The Cyprus Weekly 23-29/1 & 30/1-5/2, 2009)

In the findings of an EU quality of life survey Cyprus ranked 15 out of 31 countries with Denmark taking first place. The survey which was conducted by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, aimed to explore the quality of life in a number of countries highlighting the social and economic challenges that ultimately influence the extent to which we feel happy. The research involved in the survey does not just take into account income but also focuses on a number of other factors considered important to people’s satisfaction and well being. Issues such as health, unemployment, family life, freedom, political stability, climate, crime rate, gender equality and community life were all studied.

(Source: The Cyprus Weekly Jan 30-feb5, 2009)