New Structure
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.
Issue 3: Spring 2009
Groups & Special Interests Newsletter
Issue 3: Spring 2009
Dear Partners,
Welcome to the 3rd edition of our newsletter created especially for organisers of groups and
special interest tours.
In this, our spring issue we look forward to new developments left within Aeolos and elsewhere
on the island with a special focus on incentive events and agrotourism.
We hope you find our newsletter left enjoyable and informative and look forward to receiving
your comments and feedback
Happy Reading
Contents
Aeolos News
New Structure
Cyprus News
Plans for conference centre in Limassol
Larnaca Makeover
Features
Incentives
Agrotourism
Sport & Leisure
Upcoming Events
Culture
Upcoming Events
Aeolos News
Cyprus News
Conference Centre for Limassol?
Plans are afoot to build a conference centre in the coastal town of Limassol. Although the resort
already provides excellent provisions for conferences within the hotel sector, this would be the
area’s first purpose-built conference facility.
The project which will be constructed by the BOT method stands to cost €40 million, plans have
been submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration but already have the support of
Limassol’s mayor and the Minister for Commerce who expressed the view that the prospects for
conference tourism to Limassol were good.
Larnaca Makeover
A project designed to give a facelift to the centre of Larnaca is due to be completed by the summer. The project aims to transform the towns centre with the construction of new walkways and three new town squares. Other measures include the building of a covered events space, the building of two new roads to relieve congestion in the town centre and two new multi-storey car parks. The whole project is scheduled to be completed by early August at the latest.
Source: Cyprus Mail 22/01/09
Features
Incentives
With the economic crisis impacting the industry, recent trends show that Incentive organisers are going back to basics, looking for affordable more “traditional” events with a twist. A perennial favourite that combines team building, exploration and fun is the treasure hunt. There are so many variations on this theme available here in Cyprus that can be tailor-made to suit any programme and budget but all give guests the chance to participate in an entertaining event and see something of the real Cyprus. We believe that to truly experience the destination guests need to get away from the tourist trails and have the chance to interact with the local people. Whether you want your group to work on their communication skills, test their mental or physical agility or simply bond and have some fun a treasure hunt is a great solution. Whether on two wheels or four on foot or even by donkey the islands’ treasures are waiting to be discovered!
With the economic crisis impacting the industry, recent trends show that Incentive organisers are going back to basics, looking for affordable more “traditional” events with a twist. A perennial favourite that combines team building, exploration and fun is the treasure hunt. There are so many variations on this theme available here in Cyprus that can be tailor-made to suit any programme and budget but all give guests the chance to participate in an entertaining event and see something of the real Cyprus. We believe that to truly experience the destination guests need to get away from the tourist trails and have the chance to interact with the local people. Whether you want your group to work on their communication skills, test their mental or physical agility or simply bond and have some fun a treasure hunt is a great solution. Whether on two wheels or four on foot or even by donkey the islands’ treasures are waiting to be discovered!
Agrotourism: The Village
Experience
Agrotourism has grown in popularity in recent years and as people travel more they want to get away from the tourist traps and head off the beaten track to see the true destination. The real character of Cyprus can be found in the villages and mountain areas where life unwinds at a slower pace and the friendly local people live much as they have done for generations. Recent years have seen an increase in the availability of agrotourism accommodation from traditional village houses to Inns and apartments set at the heart of picturesque villages. Continuing this theme we have created a number of events and tours that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, meet the local people and enjoy the village experience. From craft workshops to cookery, orange picking to wine tasting our tours and events will give your guests the chance to truly live the Cyprus experience!
Agrotourism has grown in popularity in recent years and as people travel more they want to get away from the tourist traps and head off the beaten track to see the true destination. The real character of Cyprus can be found in the villages and mountain areas where life unwinds at a slower pace and the friendly local people live much as they have done for generations. Recent years have seen an increase in the availability of agrotourism accommodation from traditional village houses to Inns and apartments set at the heart of picturesque villages. Continuing this theme we have created a number of events and tours that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, meet the local people and enjoy the village experience. From craft workshops to cookery, orange picking to wine tasting our tours and events will give your guests the chance to truly live the Cyprus experience!
Upcoming Cultural Events
Orthodox Easter 17th-20th April
The most important holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar is the feast of Easter; with solemn church services taking place throughout Holy Week. The 50 days of fasting end on Easter Saturday with evening masses taking place in churches all over the island. Huge bonfires are built in the churchyards on which an effigy of Judas is burned. At midnight the priest brings forth the holy light which is passed through the congregation. Church goers take care to keep their candles burning until they reach home so that they can bless their houses by making the sign of the cross above the door, protecting their families throughout the year. After the service families gather to break their fast as they share a traditional soup of “avgolemoni” or “mageritsa” and homemade “flaounes” and “tsoureki”. Brightly painted red eggs are then passed around, taking turns to tap the eggs against each other- the winner is the one with the unbroken egg!
The most important holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar is the feast of Easter; with solemn church services taking place throughout Holy Week. The 50 days of fasting end on Easter Saturday with evening masses taking place in churches all over the island. Huge bonfires are built in the churchyards on which an effigy of Judas is burned. At midnight the priest brings forth the holy light which is passed through the congregation. Church goers take care to keep their candles burning until they reach home so that they can bless their houses by making the sign of the cross above the door, protecting their families throughout the year. After the service families gather to break their fast as they share a traditional soup of “avgolemoni” or “mageritsa” and homemade “flaounes” and “tsoureki”. Brightly painted red eggs are then passed around, taking turns to tap the eggs against each other- the winner is the one with the unbroken egg!
Flower Festival “Anthestiria” 9th-10th May
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
Kataklysmos 6th-8th June
Kataklysmos is a religious feast unique to Cyprus; Kataklysmos means flood and is found in the book of Genesis and the Greek myth of Deucalion in left cases referring to the destruction by flood of almost all living creatures in order to give life to a new and better generation. Ceremonies take place in all seaside towns and celebrations include games, dances, swimming competitions and boat races. The most popular Kataklysmos events take place in Larnaca from the 5th to 10th of June.
Shakespeare Festival 19th-21st June
The stunning Greco-Roman amphitheatre at Kourion has witnessed dramatic performances since ancient times and in recent years has been home to the annual Shakespeare Festival. This years’ production organised by the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities will be “The Taming of the Shrew”.
The stunning Greco-Roman amphitheatre at Kourion has witnessed dramatic performances since ancient times and in recent years has been home to the annual Shakespeare Festival. This years’ production organised by the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities will be “The Taming of the Shrew”.
Troodos Mountains Traditional Festivals June 2009
The communities of Kalopanayiotis, Pedhoulas and Kampos have organised this festival which includes a great mix of cultural demonstrations and performances covering traditional dance and music, food and drink exhibitions, arts and crafts fairs.
Upcoming Sports & Leisure Events
12th European Dance Festival 2nd-31st May
Organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture this annual event offers a feast of contemporary dance.
Organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture this annual event offers a feast of contemporary dance.
World Aqua Bike Cyprus Grand Prix 2009 8th-9th May
The World Aqua Bike competition will take place in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa
The World Aqua Bike competition will take place in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa
Xlll Games of the Small States of Europe- Cyprus 2009 1st-6th June
This multi-sport competition uniting the small states of Europe is held every two years and includes up to 11 sports. 2009 will be the second time that Cyprus plays host to competitors from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Malta and San Marino for a variety of sporting events. The competition is held at a number of venues starting with the opening ceremony at the GSP stadium; athletics, basketball, judo, shooting, table tennis, tennis and volleyball competitions will be held in Nicosia whilst the disciplines of Beach volleyball, gymnastics, sailing and swimming will compete in Limassol with mountain bike events also being held in Machairas. In honour of the Games numerous side events of a cultural and educational nature will also be organised. For further details: www.cyprus2009.org.cy
This multi-sport competition uniting the small states of Europe is held every two years and includes up to 11 sports. 2009 will be the second time that Cyprus plays host to competitors from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Malta and San Marino for a variety of sporting events. The competition is held at a number of venues starting with the opening ceremony at the GSP stadium; athletics, basketball, judo, shooting, table tennis, tennis and volleyball competitions will be held in Nicosia whilst the disciplines of Beach volleyball, gymnastics, sailing and swimming will compete in Limassol with mountain bike events also being held in Machairas. In honour of the Games numerous side events of a cultural and educational nature will also be organised. For further details: www.cyprus2009.org.cy
Published quarterly for Groups & Special Interests Specialists:
Aeolos Travel
18-20 Kolonakiou Street
Ayios Athanasios CY 4103
Limassol
Tel:+357 25 846 811
Fax:+357 25 344 572
E-mail: [email protected]