ExpoCyprus to get €15-20 mln facelift

The Cyprus Fairs Authority plans to invest some 15-20 mln euros to give its ExpoCyprus facilities in Nicosia a major facelift in order to compete with other international exhibition venues.
Authority chairman Loris Tryfon said that plans have reached a “final stage” and the aim is for the whole project to be completed by 2012 when Cyprus hosts the EU presidency.
The centrepiece of the upgraded ExpoCyprus will be a 10,000-capacity facility for major events, as well as a number of smaller purpose-built halls, all supported by the latest in communication technology.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the 34th Cyprus International Fair that will open its doors on May 22, Tryfon said that ExpoCyprus will host 20 exhibitions and events this year with an anticipated 350,000 visitors.
He added that the International Fair remains the most popular trade exhibition in Cyprus, despite the worldwide trend for diminishing general exhibitions and a growing interest for specialised shows.
This year’s event will include 150 exhibitors with goods and services from 1,000 companies in Cyprus and 20 other countries.
Tryfon said that the state subsidy of up to 70% of an exhibitor’s cost, not exceeding 2,500 euros, encouraged many companies to take part.
Hall 3 will host a number of events through the international fair that closes on May 31. Cytour will promote home tourism, while in Hall 7 a mobile planetarium will have three daily shows, as well as an exhibition of books about space, documentaries and night-time stargazing using telescopes.
Hall 1 will see the ‘Boys Stuff’ exhibition of toys for the modern man, including mobile telephony, electronic equipment and sports cars.