A British politican has called for the UK to close Cyprus property developers offices in the UK.
To read why click here
On a more positive note The Times had a very good article recently about what activities there are for children during holidays in Cyprus - to read it click here
We saw a very good article by Linda Cookson in The Independent - well worth reading if you haven’t visited Cyprus before.
Here’s an extract:
As a newcomer to Cyprus, I’d decided to let the island give me its best shot and had opted for an awesomely luxurious destination – the Anassa hotel and spa, built like a mini-village on the coast of the secluded Akamas Peninsula.
The Akamas peninsula is part of the Republic of Cyprus (rather than the self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). The peninsula is the spectacular rugged outcrop on its north-west coast, encompassing a host of small coves and turtle beaches. The fine sandy beach on Chrysochou Bay, which the hotel leads down to, is said to be one of the best on the island.
Being a bit of a beachcomber, I sometimes have a struggle with exclusive hotels. But it was hard not to like the Anassa. Complete with its own market square and Byzantine church, the complex is made up of pretty, whitewashed villas with biscuit-coloured roof tiles, set amid lovely gardens that are laden with bougainvillea and lanterna and awash with lavender and aromatic herbs. It was wonderfully restful. Birds sang in the trees, and tiny white butterflies floated like rose petals.
To read the full article click through here
Recently released figures for 2009 holidays in Cyprus have started alarm bells ringing in the island’s tourist industry as the recession has stopped many people taking an overseas holiday.
And it’s disappointing news for the hotels and Cyprus tourist related businesses that have developed over the years to make holidays in Cyprus so popular, and with many businesses assuming continued popularity it could mean some facing closure, or laying some staff off for the 2009 season.
Official figures show that Cyprus started the year off as it is set to continue in 2009 - poorly. A 7 per cent drop in tourist arrivals compared to the previous January.
The biggest drop in holidaymakers was from the traditionally good source of the UK - down over 8 per cent, reflecting the anxiety in the UK over their economy and the reluctance of many consumers to buy big ticket items like cars and holidays just after Christmas at a time of economic uncertainty.
But Cyprus will remain one of the most popular holiday destinations for British holidaymakers this year, unless the Euro strengthens even further against the pound over the summer months and stops people booking last minute Cyprus holidays, and go outside the Eurozone or maybe even take a holiday at home.
But what will new visitors to Cyprus find when they arrive, apart of course from the superb Cyprus weather?
Cyprus has long been known as an excellent destination for holidaymakers. Her golf courses are renowned in Europe as first class, and its beaches are too for those who prefer their holidays in Cyprus to be more beach based than sport.
Cyprus is currently home to three golf courses, with plans to create some more. The Aphrodite Hills Golf Club is a short drive from the Paphos-Limassol motorway and overlooks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The Secret Valley Golf Club is also located near the birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou. The valley’s beautifully landscaped gardens help bring out the beauty of the natural rock formations. The Tsada Golf Club is on the grounds of a magnificent 12th century monastery near Tsada village.
For younger tourists taking their first trip abroad Ayia Napa with its famous club scene is a magnet. About a mile east of Ayia Napa, Konnos Bay and Cape Greco await those who want a little quieter environment. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the water is astonishingly clear. You won’t need snorkeling equipment to see some fascinating sea life, especially the starfish that abound. Cape Greco is has many sea caves. Any one of the many boat tours are worth the trip for a close up experience. If water sports are your thing, you’ll find them all at Konnos Bay and Cape Greco. You can also rent a speedboat to do your own sightseeing. For the more adventurous, jet skis are also available.
For those who want to see some of traditional Cyprus, the hiking trails winding through the rugged terrain are worth the trip. The rural areas that tour guides generally do not put on their schedule brings visitors in touch with traditional Cypriot life in remote villages along the way. Cyprus, since its earliest history, has been inhabited by Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Venetians, Ottomans and Brits. Each of them imparted cultural values that remain a part of the island today. Cultural artifacts from these civilizations can be found throughout the island. Castles and abbey ruins among other things are found particularly in the north. It is this diversity that fascinates tourists and makes Cyprus such an attractive destination, along with the Cyprus weather.
But whatever the reason for visiting Cyprus, with less people visiting, the welcome you receive this year might be even warmer than their usual warm hospitality.
We’ve seen some good articles about Cyprus recently, and here are some extracts with links to the original source if you would like to read the whole story:
From Reuters:
Tourism represents about 11.0 percent of Cyprus’s gross domestic product, with more than two million visiting the east Mediterranean island annually.
The economic growth outlook this year has been trimmed to around 2.0 percent, from 2008 GDP growth estimates of 3.7 percent, on forecasts of a 10 percent drop in tourism and weaker construction activity.
To read more click here
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From the Cyprus Mail:
A third of EU citizens have planned a holiday in their home country for 2009. About one in six said they planned to take a holiday within the EU and 20 per cent indicated that a non-EU country was their main destination in 2009.
“Many of the most important tourist destinations attract a large number of domestic visitors. Greece, for example, has the vast majority of its residents, some 75 per cent, spending a vacation within its own border,” said the report.
“But a significant number of all respondents in Spain, Italy, and Poland are aiming to holiday “at home”.
The least likely to do this are those from the some of the smaller member states such as Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia, and Ireland.
To read more click here
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We saw a good article by Isla Campbell about some of the island’s history.
Here’s an extract:
On a holiday in Cyprus there are several destinations worth bearing in mind. One of the most popular of these is the Church of Ayios Lazaros.
Built in the 9th century AD, the Church of Ayios Lazaros holds the reputation of being the second tomb of Lazarus. According to popular Greek belief, after Lazarus was raised from the dead he moved to Cyprus and is believed to have been buried there. Unfortunately, while the initial resting place of Lazarus was commonly known at the time of his death, it was later disturbed by Arab raids and since then the exact location has remained unknown.
To read the full article click here
Tourist officials in Cyprus are working harder than ever to discover more ways to attract visitors. The latest push is to increase their number of golf courses from the four that are currently up and running to fourteen complete courses.
The idea behind an increase in the number of choices both keen and novice golfers can choose from when visiting Cyprus is to build the attraction and income collected from holiday golfers. The government believes that more golf courses will effectively build the tourist industry through their offering of more courses for holiday golfers to enjoy and alternate between.
Government Efforts
The Cyprus government is encouraging development, but wants there to be a good, healthy balance between development and care for the environment. By creating more varied types of golf courses throughout the area, holiday golfers will bring tourist income to Cyprus, but will also respect and support the courses’ efforts to preserve and protect the local environment.
Both businessmen and environmental agencies are voicing concerns over future development and whether it will do more harm or good to continue with the creation of these added holiday golfing attractions. The strong arguments for environmental conservation and economic development each bring their own points to the table in favour of the plans for the new golf courses.
Government officials are determined to find a neutral ground that offers a healthy balance between both sides of the debate in order to satisfy all those concerned with the new propositions.
More Interest in Cyprus Holidays
It has only been in recent years that Cyprus has attracted interest from holiday golfers. The focus for groups determined to increase income from tourism has become building several more golf courses in order to raise more interest in Cyprus as a mecca for this popular pastime.
Cyprus in and of itself offers a fantastic combination of spectacular beaches and archaeological sites that attract a large number of tourists unrelated to the golfer. The goal is to combine its current attractions with more golfing opportunities for families who wish to travel to destinations that offer something for each member to enjoy.
Golfers’ Paradise
The well known holiday golfing destination of the Algarve (Portugal) boasts the type of atmosphere Cyprus would like to offer its own tourists. The Algarve has a golfing season that lasts about 10 months out of the year. Even in the winter months, golfers are still out there enjoying their beloved sport and leisurely pastime.
Other outdoor activities include tennis, swimming and various other water sports. This is the atmosphere that Cyprus strives to provide her own tourists. Course layouts appease the avid golfer, while other activities aim to please all other members of a family on their holidays.
A Reachable Goal
Cyprus officials, businesses and environmentalists are coming together with a common goal. They have fully realised the potential that offering more holiday golfing opportunities to tourists offers. It will not only make them a more popular travel destination, but will also bring added support for their economy and environment. All of this in the form of an activity that has been and still is a beloved national pastime for millions around the world.
We’ve seen an excellent article by Tom Aspell, NBC News Correspondent.
Here’s an extract:
The credit crunch, coupled with the high cost of tourist services, is suddenly making Cyprus much more expensive. British tour operators have warned Cyprus that unless it slashes its costs, they will encourage customers to go to Turkey or other cheaper holiday spots around the Mediterranean.
It was a wakeup call to the Cyprus tourist industry. At least $50 million of the latest cash injection will be aimed at attracting more foreign visitors. Hoteliers will slash their value-added tax from 8 percent to 5 percent, and the government will waive airport surcharges, enabling airlines flying to Cyprus to cut their ticket prices. There will also be reductions in utilities bills and municipal taxes for hotels. It’s hoped that will enable tour operators to offer cheaper packages.
Farah Shammas of the San Rafael Hotel in Limmassol welcomed the changes.
“It’s definitely been a positive move on the part of the government,” Shammas said. “Tourism is a vital part of the Cypriot economy, and it’s nice that the government is recognizing this. We’re doing our best, but we are facing stiff competition from other Mediterranean countries who give generous tax breaks to their hotels. Last year was really difficult for hotels in Cyprus, but this year now looks a little better. It’s a nice gesture.”
To read more of Tom Aspell’s blog and this story click here
In the grand scheme of things, it’s unlikely that you will find Limassol listed with cities like London, Madrid, New York or Hong Kong. Cyprus’ port city may not be known worldwide for clubs or commerce or international flair. Nonetheless, it is a city worth visiting. Its clear blue Mediterranean waters and cultural wealth surprise thousands of tourists every year.
Limassol is the second largest populated city in Cyprus. It is the largest in geographical size. Its population of 176,000 is, by many city standards, barely a blip on the radar. But its relatively small population is perhaps its most alluring attribute. It is large enough to be considered an urban destination, but small and close knit enough to provide a warm welcome to visitors.
Limassol has a great deal to offer the holidaymaker. It is most widely known as a port city. It is, in fact, the biggest port in the Mediterranean trade route. A world class marina is currently in progress, in keeping with Limassol’s close ties to the sea, travel and trade. It is hoped that the new marina will attract boating enthusiasts from around Europe. It will be a centre not just for sailing and yachting, but for playing, eating and holidays too.
Cyprus is more than just great beaches...
Limassol’s other famous festival is the annual Wine Festival. Some of its origins have faded with time, becoming largely a mix of history and lore. Some Cyprus historians regard it as a modern version of lively celebrations of worship for the ancient god of wine, Dionysus. The Wine Festival also pays a nod to Aphrodite, the well known and regarded goddess of love. The Wine Festival of the 21st century embraces appreciation for fine Mediterranean wine. It’s also a chance to enjoy merrymaking just for the fun of it.
Visitors to Limassol who prefer sightseeing to revelry can enjoy any number of historical and cultural sites. The city’s coastal front is a sight to behold, with tree-lined walkways for a stroll along the ocean - wonderful when the weather in Cyprus is at its best. It’s dotted with shops and a mix of modern and ancient architectured buildings.
The medieval castle of Limassol dates back to 1000 A.D. It was built during the Byzantine era. The castle now houses a museum full of artifacts. Knowledgeable docents give tourists a full picture of the castle’s history and its contribution to ancient society.
Limassol is also home to the Cyprus University of Technology. CUT is a relative newcomer to the city. It was established in 2004, but accepted its first group of students just in the 2007-2008 school year. Its primary focus is trades and technology. Its founders envisioned an institution that would complement the University of Cyprus, located in the capital city of Nicosia.
The new university was a much anticipated addition to Limassol. Students have been warmly welcomed by locals. It draws pupils from all over the Mediterranean and even further afield international locations.
Limassol boasts accommodation from four and five star Cyprus hotels to economy bungalows. Tourists don’t necessarily have to break the bank account to enjoy all that Cyprus’ prominent port city has to offer, and even a day trip will ensure holidaymakers get to know a bit of Limassol.
Given the quality of many of the hotels in Cyprus, a surprisingly high number of tourists stay away from the island’s hotels and stay elesewhere - with the recession this trend is likely to continue.
Not everyone thinks that a holiday means having to stay in a hotels. Some countries just offer so much more for tourists to stay in while enjoying the country. Cyprus happens to be one tourist mecca that offers visitors alternative accommodation to traditional hotels.
Statistics indicate that only about 48 percent of visitors to Cyprus actually stay in hotels. Information from Cyprus’ Statistical Service revealed that less than half the tourists stayed in hotels.
Alternative Accommodation In Cyprus
Some popular rooming options for visitors to the island include the following:
o Staying with relatives and friends: Some tourists opt to stay with friends or relatives while visiting Cyprus. There are many benefits from going this route apart from the monetary savings. Friends and relatives have an ear to what’s happening in Cyprus and help make a holiday more memorable. Recommendations of good beaches to enjoy the Cyprus weather , splitting the cost of food and even transportation makes this a popular cost-saving method for the thrifty holidaymaker. Guests can offer to reciprocate so that the host can stay with them when they go on holiday.
o Apartments: These can be self-contained, or daily or twice weekly often is included with the rental. They generally cost less than hotels. If apartments are rented by a group, everyone pays less.
o House swapping: This involves swapping houses, whether residential or vacation homes, with others in various countries or regions. This is normally free, and guests only cover food and small incidentals. Finding people to swap houses with is possible through word-of-mouth or websites dedicated to this.
o Self catering villas: There are many such vacation accommodations to choose from in Cyprus. Tourists can save money by staying at these villas if they are willing to take care of their own needs. Since visitors do not have anyone cooking for them, the cost of these villas and apartments is much less than traditional hotels.
With the recession hitting both the USA and Europe, people are looking at cutting costs for their 2009 holidays. Vacations to other countries have taken a downward turn especially in the US and Britain. Savvy tourists have turned to cheaper accommodation to make their vacations happen.
The list of alternative and cheaper accommodation above offers some of the options available to tourists. They are attractive alternatives because, unlike hotels, they typically don’t increase rates based on number of occupants.
One popular way of cutting costs while having holidays in Cyprus or and elsewhere is to share villas and hotel rooms with friends. This results in significant savings as the cost of everything is divided among the guests. These kinds of arrangements work well with close family members, friends or college students. Motor homes as vacation accommodation are also beginning to find favour with tourists, especially since fuel costs have come down again from the highs seen in the summer and early autumn months.
Most of the alternatives to hotels allow tourists to prepare their own meals. By preparing their own meals, tourists will realise substantial savings as well. The decision to prepare meals instead of eating at a hotel is even more important with larger groups.
With these kinds of cost saving methods, tourists will find that their major expense is just the airfare. Travelling and enjoying your vacation without spending a lot is possible as long as research is done to find the right accommodation. Normally, the hotel is the most expensive component of any holiday. If this cost can be controlled by finding cheaper or free accommodations, vacations are possible even during a recession.
How many holidays have been ruined by mosquito bites?
Too many most would argue, the sound of a mosquito buzzing round late at night in the bedroom is enough to have most people up and and about trying to track it down, while those who sleep on could wake up the next morning, their remaining holiday spoiled.
Fighting the mosquito has become more difficult over the last decade for two major reasons. First, global warming has led to an increase in the mosquito population.
The second roadblock to eradicating the mosdquito is the public’s decreasing tolerance for the use of pesticides. Reduced pesticide use is a positive thing overall. The United Nations has commisioned several studies on the worldwide impact of pesticide use. Bans on the cosmetic use of pesticides are growing increasingly common all over the world as a result.
The use of pesticides to reduce the mosquito population is a complicated problem. Some pesticides have been associated with illnesses like cancer, birth defects, chronic respiratory problems and other negative health issues. Some pesticides have been proven to cause health problems in humans. Many others remain on suspect lists.
The mosquito, on the other hand, has become more than just a cosmetic nuisance. Mosquitoes have long been some of the biggest culprits in the transmission of disease. They are known to transmit illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever and Yellow fever. One of the latest problems to emerge in North American mosquitoes is the transmission of the West Nile virus.
Humans are not the only ones affected by mosquito borne illnesses. They also affect animals. Various strains of mosquito borne viruses causing equine encephalitis are becoming more common.
Mosquito borne diseases that were once all but eradicated in some countries are beginning to emerge again. This is one reason Cyprus officials began to look into alternative methods for reducing the number of mosquitos on the holiday island. Another reason was a noticeable increase in the number of these insects. The result is a three year study on the island’s mosquito population.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, and the weather in Cyprus is conducive to mosquitoes - hot and sunny.
The study, which began in 2005, was a joint effort between local scientists and researchers from Greece and the United States. Together they tested a number of more environmentally friendly methods for targeting the elimination of mosquitoes. Some incorporated the use of pesticides which have little or no negative impact on humans and animals. Other methods saw certain types of natural mosquito predators introduced into key breeding areas.
The three year study yielded some fascinating results. Dragonflies turned out to be fairly effective killers. Other natural predators used included frogs, flies and fish.
Another test used the chemicals Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen. These products inhibit the growth of mosquito larva rather than killing the adult insects. Researchers in Cyprus discovered that these chemicals were effective even at half the recommended dosage.
It appears that so far tourists haven’t abandoned Cyprus as a holiday island because of the mosquito. The allure of sunshine and sandy beaches along with Cypriot culture means holidays in Cyprus are popular. It’s likely there will always be more reasons to visit Cyprus than to stay away. However, tourists on Cyprus who consider the insects vacation invaders may find the problem reduced in years to come.
