Island life

by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Friday, 21 March 2008

At just three hours’ flying time from Dubai, Cyprus could be the perfect answer for customers who crave a taste of Europe, but don’t want to travel to a long-haul destination on the continent.

As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus welcomes more than 2.4 million tourists annually. ATN outlines its appeal to Middle East travelers.

A short flying time from the GCC (three hours from Dubai), a temperate climate and a laid back lifestyle make Cyprus a perfect holiday and weekend getaway destination.

In 2007, Cyprus attracted 53,232 arrivals from the Middle East, an increase of 74% over 2006 figures, pointing to the island's increased popularity with regional travellers in recent years.

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While part of this increase can be attributed to the fact that neighbour Lebanon's tourism fortunes have taken a dip, the activities of the Cyprus Tourism Office (CTO) through its GCC operations in Dubai, should take some credit.

"Cyprus' close proximity, hospitable people, snow in the winter and fantastic beaches in summer, are all positives," says Vassilis Theocharides, director, CTO in Dubai.

For those wanting a taste of Europe without the long-haul flight, Cyprus is the perfect solution. The island joined the European Union in 2004, and adopted the Euro as its official currency on January 1, 2008.

However, sitting at the crossroads between east and west, Cyprus still exudes some eastern charm. Mosques can be found across the country, Halal cuisine is served in some restaurants, and the traditional Cypriot mezze is more than equal to its Lebanese or Arabic counterparts.

Tour operators

Dnata Holidays has added Cyprus to its new 2008 brochure, expecting the destination to prove a big hit with GCC travellers. The operator's product development manager Nathan Adams estimates that the average stay will be five nights, making Cyprus a perfect long-weekend break.

Dnata has teamed up with a number of five-star hotels on the island, including Le Méridien Resort & Spa, Amathus Beach Hotel and Londa in Limassol; the Elysium Beach Resort and InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort in Paphos; and the uber-chic Anassa in Polis.

Meanwhile, Alpha Tours sent 15 families to Cyprus in 2007, and is expecting more interest in the island in 2008.

"Cyprus is a great destination for the Eid, Easter or New Year breaks," says John Flower, product manager, Alpha Tours Dubai.

The operator is currently working on putting together a ‘Gateway' package of three nights, with the option to extend.

Tourism districts

Cyprus offers four distinct tourism districts. Larnaca, the main entry point for most visitors, is a popular destination with Arab travellers. The town itself is rich in history and also boasts a large mosque close to its centre, where prayers are heard daily.

A second mosque, the Hala Sultan Tekke or the Mosque of Umm Haram, located on the outskirts of the city on the shores of a salt lake, is a must for any visiting Muslim, not only because of its beauty, but also because it is one of the most revered sites in Islam.

Tips for the trade

Where to stay

Le Méridien Resort & Spa in Limassol is an exclusive resort perfect for families. It offers its own Kid's Village, nine restaurants and a Thalassotherapy Spa.

The Elysium Beach Resort in Paphos offers a more authentic Cypriot experience. The four-star resort boasts unique architecture that evokes the rich history and colours of Cyprus, boasting courtyards, Cypriot maisonettes and Greek amphitheatres.

Hotel-e Pervolia is an eco-chic boutique hotel opening in Pervolia in June. Located close to the airport and the Mosque of Umm Haram, the property will offer 52 rooms and nine spacious garden villas - perfect for families.

What to see

Cyprus is awash with historic monuments, picturesque villages and cultural centres.

The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos are among the largest Roman ruins on the island. They are rock cut and date to the Hellenistic and early Roman periods.

The Roman amphitheatre at Curium is another must-see. Located just outside Limassol, the 2nd century BC site has been sympathetically restored and hosts a number of musical and theatrical performances in the summer.

What to do

It is said that you can ski and sunbathe all in one day in Cyprus, which certainly points to the island's diversity of things to do. Skiing is available in Troodos during the winter and early spring months. For those looking for sun, sea and sand, there is plenty of that too.

More active holiday makers might want to take a hike, or a bike, through Troodos or many of Cyprus' historical sites. The island is littered with antiquities, from Roman ruins to Greek goddesses, with the sites of Amathus in Limassol and Aphrodite's Rock outside of Paphos being two mustsee places.

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