LEISURE: Cyprus & Melco reaffirm goal to establish island as a must-visit destination

Newly appointed Minister of Tourism was welcomed by Lawrence Ho CEO of Melco Group, to Cyprus Casinos Nicosia where they exchanged views on the new strategy for tourism and Melco’s main objectives for the City of Dreams Mediterranean Integrated Casino Resort.

Ho informed Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios about the successful operations of the three Cyprus Casinos so far, as well as the design and construction planning for City of Dreams Mediterranean, which is expected to commence in the next few months. 

Melco strongly believes that Cyprus can become an integral part of the international map of must-visit destinations by enhancing and augmenting its tourism product.  It is the goal of both Cyprus Casinos and City of Dreams Mediterranean to function as a catalyst for creating a destination for all seasons and contribute to sustainable economic growth and growing the tourism market in Cyprus.

Ho stressed Melco’s commitment to the project, asserting that “Cyprus has all the prerequisites to enhance its reputation as a regional and global premium “must-visit” destination and emerge as a genuine point of reference for luxury tourism and responsible gaming.”

He said “the ICR will provide extraordinary benefits to Cyprus’ economy with a positive impact on the country’s Gross Domestic Product and in tackling unemployment”.

Perdios said: “We consider Melco an important contributor to Cyprus’ tourism in establishing the island as a popular and must-visit destination. Our goals are aligned, and we will have a close cooperation in establishing Europe’s biggest casino resort and putting Cyprus on the global tourism map.”

The two parties are also aligned with the goal of creating new quality jobs for local citizens. Currently, Melco employs 796 persons in Cyprus, the vast majority of those being Cypriot citizens.