The government has approved a 65m euro package for the damaged tourism sector, extending measures aimed to help the the economy weather the world cash crunch. The package includes an extension of measures approved by the government last year, plus town planning incentives, loan guarantees to upgrade hotels and tourism complexes, and a social tourism package worth euro 10m. A VAT reduction for hoteliers, a state waiver on its rights in airport charges and an undertaking to pay for overnight levies will continue. The package will be implemented from April 2010 when last year’s measures expire. As soon as more details become available we will update you.

The Cyprus Weekly November 6-12, 2009

The new 656,3 million euro Larnaka International Airport was inaugurated and has officially begun operations on Tuesday Nov 10th. Only flights by Cyprus Airways and EasyJet will go in and out of the new airport. All other airlines will transfer their arrivals and departures to the new airport by November 17.
In his speech, President Christofias said the new airport would play a significant role in establishing Cyprus as a key transit point for decades to come. He noted that today is a landmark, not just in the history of Cypriot tourism, but also the country’s developmental infrastructure in its entirety.
Christofias also noted that “with its operation, we feel the new Larnaka Airport guarantees that Cyprus plays a significant role in the broader Eastern Mediterranean area.”

Source: www.cyprusweekly.com.cy

Plans are underway to build a 5-star airport hotel for an additional cost of 200 mln euros, which would be ready by the end of 2011.
“We have already submitted to the government specific plans and designs for the creation of a modern five storey airport hotel, including restaurants and conference areas, as well as a leisure centre, all totaling 200 mln euros.”  Hermes Chairman Shacolas said he believed the government’s response will be positive and construction of the new hotel will begin three months upon approval. It is believed that before the end of 2011 the new airport hotel will be operational.

Source: October 22, 2009 - www.financialmirror.com

Increasing numbers of Brits are travelling to Cyprus for medical treatment, according to the health tourism website, Treatment Abroad. Keith Pollard, the Director of the website, explained that the main driver of treatment abroad is cost. In some cases treatments in private healthcare clinics outside of Britain can be 70 per cent less. In addition to this, some treatments may be available abroad that cannot be found in the UK. He reported that 40 per cent of medical tourists are travelling for cheaper dental surgery. "The most popular countries for this are Cyprus, Poland and Hungary." He added that "25 percent (of British Health Tourists) are seeking low cost cosmetic surgery in countries such as Spain, Czech Republic, Greece and South Africa."

According to Treatment Abroad's dedicated Cyprus Webpage "Cyprus is a popular medical tourism destination offering low cost dentistry and cosmetic surgery and enabling people to combine treatment with a holiday in Cyprus or a city break in Nicosia.

Source: Cyprus Mail 2009 October 4, 2009

RELIGIOUS excursions have become the focal point of the Cyprus Tourism Organization’s activities this month as the public is encouraged to explore interesting religious routes around the island. With events continuing through each Sunday of November, day-long free excursions led by professional tour guides have been organized as part of a larger plan to promote religious sites and places of interest. “The events mark an attempt to show crowds our heritage here on the island,” said CT0 Tourist Officer, Vakis Loizides. “We have actually had quite a big demand for these tours ever since our last big events that followed the trail of Aphrodite.” Geared to tourists and locals alike, past tours have been particularly popular with foreigners living on the island.
With all different types of journeys planned, many focus on churches designated as UNESCO monuments while others involve a tour round various monasteries.

Source: Cyprus Mail 2009 November 1, 200

The project for the redevelopment of the marina and port of Larnaca, estimated to cost about 1 bln euros, is now on its way.  The investment will be made in port and marina facilities, as well as a waterfront development including hotels, residential units and leisure projects.
After its conclusion, the marina will have a capacity for 1,000 boats, while the port will become the main passenger terminal in Cyprus. A central plaza will be surrounded by entertainment areas, shops, restaurants, cafes and a supermarket. A 5-star convention hotel will provide for international conferences, cultural events and business meetings. The area will also contain a cultural centre, convention centre, museum, parking spaces, exhibition centre and attractive Venetian style municipal building. Talks between the project operator and the municipality are hoped to be completed within the next 6 months.

September 25, 2009 - www.financialmirror.com