TOURISM: Radisson Blu will help Cyprus become a year-round destination

Cyprus will soon become year-round destination buoyed by record tourism figures of 3.24 million for the first nine months of 2018, President Nicos Anastasiades said during the grand opening of luxury hotel Radisson Blu in Larnaca.

He expressed conviction that through a joint effort of both the private and public sector, Cyprus will become an attractive and competitive tourist destination all year-round.

Anastasiades also pledged that by the end of his term in office (2023) Larnaca will have the image envisioned by all its residents such as a redeveloped port and marina.

“I am convinced that through the common effort of the public and the private sector, tourism will continue to be enhanced, despite strong competition within the international environment, and Cyprus will become a global attractive and competitive destination, not just for seasonal but also for all year-round tourism,” he said.

Anastasiades said investments in the hotel industry helped Cyprus gain an advantage over traditionally competitive countries and referred to tax and financial incentives offered to hotels which have upgraded the tourist industry.

He said bed capacity has been increased  to 104,000 while investments in new projects have either been completed or are underway such as the casino complex, marinas, hotel and golf resorts which improve the visitors’ experience.

Joep Peeters, Senior Vice President, Franchise, Radisson Hotel Group, stated that his collaboration with his Cypriot partners has surpassed the boundaries of a contractual relationship, and they are now preferred partners for several important projects in the pipeline.

Peteers announced the signing of papers for the creation of Radisson Beach Resort in Larnaca, as a result of their fruitful collaboration, which will involve a complete conversion of the Princess Beach Hotel.

The hotel will close in November for a period of 12 months and will undergo a refurbishment worth over €20 mln, aiming to create 75 additional rooms.