You may already know the fact that the government approved a Bill reducing from 8% to 5% the VAT paid by hotels and other tourism-related establishments, as part  of the effort to help the tourism industry face the global economic crisis. It was also decided to extend the tax cut to all catering establishments, places of entertainment and local restaurants that are not accommodated in hotels. The Bill will be in force for one year (May 2009 to April 2010) and still requires the signature of the president which might be delayed due to the catering included in the scheme now. We will keep you posted on the issue.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the launch of a new research project that will classify the types of tourists that come to Cyprus according to their lifestyle choices, in order to design holiday packages that meet their needs. In essence, tourists will be classified in four main sections according to their beliefs, lifestyle, preferences and needs. Visitors will be divided between those motivated by materialism such as luxury goods and money, hedononism that includes adventure and freedom, post-materialism such as environmentalism and the simple life, and Puritanism, which embraces religion and tradition.

Titled A Comprehensive Model of Lifestyle Segmentation of Tourists, the research project will present findings for tourists from the UK, Germany and Russia. “Cyprus is facing competitiveness problems, particularly in view of the changes in the international market. The findings of this project will contribute to the effort to increase demand, or at least preserve the existing numbers of tourists. Our tourist product is ageing and certainly needs a revamp,” explained a CTO official.
The project will start immediately and conclude in one year.

(Cyprus Mail  February 28, 2009)

In line with efforts to streamline business activities, Aeolos has formulated a new structure for the handling of group, MICE and
special interest business. With the merger of the former MICE and    Groups teams, the new department will handle a range of activities in the fields of special interest tourism. Experienced teams within the department will handle Groups, Round Trips, Special Interest Products, Weddings, Cruise Handling and MICE business, drawing together their combined knowledge and expertise to offer greater innovation, flexibility and efficiency.

Cyprus’ tourism revenues fell 11.6% in the key holiday sector in January signaling a hard year ahead during a global recession. In January, revenues reached Euro 31.2m compared to Euro 35.3m in the corresponding month in 2008. Total tourism income last year fell 3.5% to Euro 1.79 b from Euro 1.85 b in 2007. In January the average daily spending by tourist was Euro 60.4 and the average and the average stay was 11 days. The biggest spenders were Italian visitors, followed by the Belgians. The Danes were the most prudent spenders.

March 13 - 15
“CYPRUS RALLY” FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
The Cyprus Rally is one of the world’s most exciting motor sports events, organized
by the Cyprus Automobile Association.

March 29
GSO – INTERNATIONAL OPEN MARATHON The Gymnastic Club “TA OLYMPIA” (GSO), is hosting for a third consecutive year
an International Open Marathon that will take place in Lemesos (Limassol). This event is under the auspices of the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Federation.

April 17 – 20
GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER
Easter the biggest Greek Orthodox religious feast is celebrated in Cyprus with great
solemnity. Evening services take place throughout the Holy Week. Interesting processions,  traditional Easter games are organized in towns and villages, and plenty of Easter delicacies are on offer. Cypriot dances and music concerts and many other events.

April
GOLF – CYPRUS AMATEUR OPEN
Organized by the Cyprus Golf Federation at the Secret Valley Golf Club, Pafos District.

9th-10th May
FLOWER FESTIVAL “Anthestiria” Anthestiria is a celebration of the coming of spring and the renewal of nature and life dating back to ancient Greece.The Limassol celebrations comprise a flower exhibition and market in the Potamos Yermasoyias parking place at the heart of the tourist area on the Saturday, followed on the Sunday by a parade. Floats decorated with flowers, bands, dancers and children process along the sea road in the Yermasoyia tourist area. Similar events take place in Larnaca on 10/05 and Paphos on 30/05