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Hellenic Bank sees 2020 profit after tax of €50.5mn
Hellenic Bank has posted its financial results for the previous fiscal year, exhibiting a solid foundation for the year to come, despite reduced profit and total net income due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the broader economy. The bank posted a total net income of €391.3 million, reflecting a 3 per cent drop year-on-year, as well as profit after tax of €50.5 million, a 53 per cent drop from the previous fiscal year. Both of Read More
EnergyIntel Group Signs Contract With Voici La Mode Group
The EnergyIntel Group announces the signing of contract for the PayGreen Energy Saving Solution with one of the biggest retail Companies in Cyprus, Voici La Mode Group. The contract was signed on March 11, 2021 and includes the installation of 2 Photovoltaic systems at Acropolis and Dhali buildings and another one at Strovolos Public parking place, for the total capacity of 385 KWp. In addition, Voici La Mode has chosen to install Electric Vehicle Chargers in the parking areas Read More
Shipping Deputy Ministry announces inclusion of Cyprus in Seabourn Cruise Line’s programme
The Shipping Deputy Ministry announced on Thursday the inclusion of Cyprus in the Seabourn Cruise Line`s programme, which is a member of the Carnival Cruise Line. The addition of Cyprus became possible following coordinated efforts by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and the Tourism Deputy Ministry, the Shipping Deputy Ministry says in a press release. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus to get vaccines for 2 million people
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, said on Wednesday that Cyprus has ordered and is ready to receive COVID-19 vaccines for two million people. Anastasiades, who made statements to the media after a visit he paid to the Vaccination Centre which operates at the State Fair in Nicosia, accompanied by Health Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, and other officials, noted that Cyprus is one of the first countries successfully implementing a vaccination programme, one of the first countries successfully carrying out PCR and antigen Read More
Cyprus welcomes Russian, Israeli tourists, waits for UK travel update on Covid restrictions
Cyprus welcomed tourists from Israel and Russia over the weekend as it waits for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s full-scale travel update on Covid restrictions on Monday. From April 1, tourists from these countries vaccinated with a jab approved by the European Medical Association are not required to undergo a PCR test to travel to Cyprus. And they do not have to quarantine on the island, either. Continue reading at source: Read More
“Pay As You Throw” program to be implemented all over Cyprus
The successful example of Aglandjia Municipality “Pay As You Throw” is expected to be implemented all over Cyprus with the new year. The target is to reduce the burial of biodegradable material, increase the amount of materials to be recycled and to prevent the establishment of waste. According to the program of the Aglandjia Municipality, waste is put only in prepaid special bags and at the same time garbage collection fees are abolished. Continue reading at source: Read More
Post-Brexit British nationals in Cyprus to also be able to vote in municipal elections
Authorities are working on ways to pave the way for UK citizens living in Cyprus to also be able to cast a vote in municipal elections just like other European nationals. If you are an EU national living in another bloc member state, you have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections in that country. Continue reading at source: Read More
Coronavirus: cabinet meeting to discuss relaxations
Further relaxations of restrictive coronavirus measures was being discussed by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday morning. During the session, chaired by President Nicos Anastasiades, protocols which will be in place until April 24 will be decided upon. According to the Cyprus News Agency, it is likely that gymnasium students will return to school on April 2 and the number of people allowed in gyms and other indoor sports facilities will increase depending on the size of the premises. Read More
Hellenic Bank appoints German finance specialist Oliver Gatzke CEO
Hellenic Bank has named Oliver Gatzke, a German banker with years of experience in both financial restructuring and fintech as CEO. The 52-year old Gatzke is well-known in European banking circles for his work in privatising and restructuring Hamburg Commercial Bank. “Gatzke successfully initiated the privatization of the bank and played a leading role in its financial restructuring. In addition, as CTO, Gatzke was responsible for the extensive business and IT transformation, including the bank’s strategic digitisation projects. ”said Chairman Read More
Tree planting for peace and for the environment
Ruling Disy announced on Saturday it would distribute one million trees in the next three years to plant the “seeds of hope” for a united Cyprus. In his statements after the tree planting ceremony of Disy’s Woman Organisation (Godisy) in Latsia early on Saturday, the leader of the party Averof Neophytou announced the party’s green initiative. “In the next three years, Disy will distribute one million trees. This is the party’s ‘green deal’ for Cyprus,” he said. Continue reading Read More
EAC vision ‘a green energy future’
The Electricity Authority (EAC) is ready to move into a new energy era with the use of natural gas and renewable energy sources (RES), chairman of the board Michalis Komodromos told the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday. “Our goal is to contribute to the energy empowerment of Cyprus through the development of natural gas supply infrastructure. A project of special importance for the country,” he said. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
New phase of measures into effect in Cyprus as of Tuesday
A new set of measures comes into effect on Tuesday in Cyprus while the epidemiological situation remains worrisome and the state hospitals continue to admit patients with COVID-19. Figures released on Monday show that a total of 208 patients are getting treatment , 40 of whom are in serious condition or in an Advance Care Unit (ACU). The positivity rate in Limassol, where the situation is alarming, reached 1,72% yesterday. Continue reading at source: Read More
‘Cyprus bookings up 840%’ – UK travel agency
“I just can’t wait to be back on the beach!” The words of Jo Pink, 48, who has already received both doses of her Covid-19 vaccination. Hopeful that the UK will lift travel restrictions on the 17th of May, she has booked an all-inclusive June getaway to Cyprus. She is not alone. Cyprus’ recent announcement that vaccinated UK travellers would be able to enjoy restriction free travel to Cyprus from May 1 has further fuelled a travel industry recovery Read More
Coronavirus: Restriction free entry for vaccinated Brits from May 1
Starting on May 1 British nationals vaccinated against the coronavirus will be allowed entry into Cyprus without any restrictions, deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said on Thursday. “We have informed the British government that as of May 1 we shall facilitate the arrival in Cyprus of those British nationals who have been inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, so that they can come here without needing a negative [Covid] test and without needing to quarantine,” Perdios told Read More
Cyprus IT firms partner with Lebanese colleagues, discuss Cyprus relocation
The Cyprus IT Community on Thursday announced its formal partnership with the Lebanese IT Syndicate, as an increasing number of Lebanese tech companies consider relocation to the island. The Lebanese IT Syndicate integrates the professional IT community in the country, while the Cyprus IT Community is the only active group of International IT and Tech business owners. At the virtual event today, the founders of the two groups will sign a Memorandum of Understanding for mutual cooperation. Continue reading Read More
Cyprus implements EU directive on company ownership
Cyprus on January 4 activated the beneficial owners register, thus completing the transposition of the 4th AML Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing) into national law. On March 16, details of thousands of companies domiciled on the island will be collected 16 to be entered in a so-called Ultimate Beneficial Owner Read More
EU to propose vaccine certificates in time for summer holidays
The European Commission will propose this month an EU-wide digital certificate providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination that could allow Europeans to travel more freely over the summer. The EU executive aims to present its plans for a “digital green pass” on March 17 and to cooperate with international organisations to ensure that its system also works beyond the European Union. Continue reading at source: Read More
€4m scheme to promote bicycle as means of transport
Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos on Tuesday unveiled a €4m, 17-point plan of action aiming to encourage cycling as an alternative form of transport. He told a press conference that the programme was in line with EU initiatives to combat carbon emissions. The ministry wanted to make the bicycle part of peoples’ daily routines as a safe and reliable means of transport, as well as for exercise and recreation. Cycling promotes quality of life, improves health, reduces emissions and urban noise, Read More
Coronavirus: Three stages to easing of lockdown
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Thursday announced the gradual return of high school pupils to their classrooms from March 1 as part of the next phase of relaxations. Restaurants are expected to be allowed to resume full operations from March 16. According to Ioannou, cabinet decided the return from Monday, March 1, of the remaining two classes of lyceum pupils (grades 1 and 2) to their classrooms. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Transformation of Nicosia into smart city officially gets underway
Nicosia will become the first smart city on the island, improving services and increasing sustainability, the municipality announced on Tuesday. The digital transformation of the capital got underway after the signing of contracts for the supply, installation and operation of smart city infrastructure between the municipality, Logicom Solutions and the Cyprus telecommunications authority (Cyta). The project, which is divided in two parts, is expected to be completed in three years while the first infrastructure and smart city systems will be Read More
Cysec Launches A Brexit Information Hub To Facilitate A Seamless Post-Brexit Transition
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (‘CySEC’), the financial regulatory Authority of Cyprus, has launched a dedicated section on its website to serve as a Brexit Information Hub (accessible here), aiming at facilitating a seamless navigation of Brexit related information and the compliance of interested parties with legal obligations following the transitional period of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The Brexit Information Hub is being launched in conjunction with the Temporary Permissions Regime (‘TPR’) which enables UK financial services firms that Read More
Dog park opens in Limassol
A specialised dog park has been created in Zakakiou, Limassol, which will cater to the “daily increase in the number of dog owners”, the municipality of Limassol said on Monday. The park is 8,000 square meters and has grass, trees and dog training equipment – ramps, tunnels and so on. The municipality said work on the park was carried out in consultation with various animal rights NGOs and state veterinarians. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus welcomes Chinese buses featuring style and safety
The 200 King Long high-end city buses that arrived in Cyprus from Xiamen on May 27, 2020 are both stylish and safe for use in the pandemic. In what was the biggest export order for Chinese-made buses in the EU, two different models, the U12 and B12, have been imported to Cyprus. Both are stylish with a blue and white pattern design. And the buses are equipped with the automatic spray system of the King Long Quan Health Bus, Read More
Government announces new housing schemes and incentives
New housing schemes and incentives with an emphasis on rural areas and young people were announced on Wednesday by the Government. The schemes, which were earlier approved by the Cabinet, aim at further supporting the economy and entrepreneurship. The new plans were unveiled in detail at a press conference at the Presidential Palace by the Interior Minister Nicos Nouris. In his speech President Nicos Anastasiades said that the Government wants to turn the rural and less privileged areas into attractive Read More
Revolut Opens Its European Bank To Customers In Cyprus
Revolut, the global financial platform with more than 15 million customers worldwide, has today operationalised its European specialised banking licence in Cyprus. Customers in Cyprus who upgrade to Revolut Bank for additional services will now have their deposits protected under the deposit guarantee scheme. Customers in Cyprus are now able to upgrade to Revolut Bank for additional services from within the app. The upgrade process will only take customers a mere few minutes. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Cyprus gains €8 billion in EU defence and security projects
In the coming years Cyprus stands to benefit substantially from funds allocated to defence and security projects via the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (Pesco), MPs heard on Tuesday. Deputy minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Kyriakos Kokkinos briefed lawmakers on the actions being taken by Cyprus to participate in Pesco programmes and tap into a portion of the some €8 billion set aside by the EU for the 2021-2027 period. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
American University of Cyprus to target job creation
The American University of Cyprus (AUCY) will open its doors in Larnaca in September 2021, and its second campus, in Ayia Napa, still under construction will begin welcoming students in the near future. The new university, offering undergraduate and graduate courses largely in business, science and technology, will be the only university in Cyprus to follow the American model. It is intended to fill a gap in the Larnaca and Famagusta regions. Like American universities, AUCY will offer a robust Read More
Radisson announces second property, and serviced apartments in Larnaca
The Radisson Hotel Group is to open a string of new properties in Cyprus, according to a press release published on Friday. The planned Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca will offer an additional 202 keys and will be the city’s first internationally branded resort when it opens this summer. Construction is also starting “in the coming months” on the island’s first branded serviced apartments product, also under the Radisson Blu brand. In addition, the recently signed strategic partnership with Sunnyseeker Hotels Read More
Plans for re-opening of airports move ahead
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Transport Minister Giannis Karousos, said that even though 2021 may not have started well for the country’s airports since arrivals in January were reduced by 90.5% compared to 2020, prospects for the improvement of the situation remain encouraging. The Minister said that the planning for the implementation, as of 1 March, of the Action Plan for the gradual resumption of flights and re-opening of airports, will not be reversed. Continue reading at source: Read More
Nicosia and Athens convey “clear position” for Cyprus settlement in line with UN resolutions
Nicosia and Athens reiterated their readiness to attend an informal five-party conference on Cyprus, which the UN Secretary-General intends to convene soon, with the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, conveying on Monday their “clear position” that the form of settlement needs to be in line with UN resolutions. In statements after their meeting, at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, President Anastasiades and Premier Mitsotakis said they were in favor of abolishing “anachronistic Read More
Where to get rapid tests on Friday and over the weekend
A free screening program of rapid antigen testing is in progress the whole week for employees who are returning to their workplace on 8 February. Consequently, and in order to render possible the testing of all employees who will be returning to their workplace, the employees will be grouped alphabetically according to their surname. The testing units will, therefore, serve these employees as follows: Continue reading at source : News in Read More
Commissioner says children should be involved in running of schools
Children’s rights commissioner Despo Michaelides has expressed concern that domestic laws in Cyprus still do not fully comply with the provisions and principles of the Convention of Rights of the Child as regards education. She also highlighted the need for better representation of children’s views in the running of schools through the student councils. In a report on the best interests of the child (BIC) in educational administration, Michaelides said that it was important to monitor the state’s budgetary allocations Read More
New Era For Cyprus As Forthcoming Arrival Of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Limassol Is Officially Announced
Marfields Group today announced the signing of a milestone agreement with Marriott International, confirming the highly anticipated arrival of the first branded residences on the island, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Limassol. Renowned as one of the world’s top three residential brands, The Ritz-Carlton Residences set the standard for refined experiences in the most vibrant locations around the globe, from New York to Singapore, Puerto Rico to Bangkok. The Residences now expand their global footprint to Limassol, Cyprus, offering an elevated lifestyle Read More
Paphos wins creative tourism award
Paphos has won another European award, the local tourism board has announced. The Paphos Regional Board of Tourism has been awarded, ‘Best Strategy in Creative Tourism Development 2020’, by the creative tourism network. “The international network based in Barcelona, within the framework of the annual international awards for 2020, announced Paphos as the Best Strategy in Creative Tourism Development,” the Paphos tourism board said. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Greek Prime Minister to visit Cyprus during the next days
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will visit Cyprus during the next days for better coordination between Cyprus and Greece with a a view to jointly address challenges, Cyprus Government Spokesman Kyriakos Koushos, said in a written statement. Koushos noted that Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Greek Premier had a telephone conversation on Monday with a view to update each other on the current developments in the Cyprus problem, after the expressed intention of the UN Secretary – General to Read More
Cyta launches first 5G network in Cyprus
Cyta on Sunday announced the operation of the first 5G network in Cyprus by Cytamobile-Vodafone, “marking the beginning of a new era in the evolution of communications in our country”, the company said. In a presentation on social media, Cyta Chief Executive Officer Andreas Neokleous announced the operation of the new network of Cytamobile-Vodafone, which provides high speeds (up to 1Gbps) with increased simultaneous connection to thousands of devices, and new levels of speed. Continue reading at Read More
Government Aims At Gradual Lifting Of Restrictive Measures
The Cyprus government aims at the gradual lifting of restrictive measures against the spread of COVID-19 in the context of a concrete plan, with a view to maintain the epidemiological outlook of the county at a level that will not jeopardize public health, Deputy Government Spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said in a written statement. The statement was issued following a meeting of the advisory scientific committee on COVID-19 that took place on Monday at the Presidential Palace, under Cyprus President, Nicos Read More
Cyprus has talent – InvestCyprus
Cyprus is evolving, attracting new investment with business-friendly initiatives that have substantially increased the island’s appeal in today’s hi-tech world, and part of that is an ever-growing database of high achievers. According to the latest figures, Cyprus has the highest number of higher education graduates per capita in the whole of the EU, thereby providing the local workforce with an exceptional level of excellence to complement an already extensive and internationally recognised pool of skilled professionals in the financial and Read More
Cyprus FM travels to Brussels for FAC, will meet with Borrell
Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Christodoulides travels to Brussels on Sunday to take part in the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday which will discuss EU-US relations following Biden`s election, developments as regards Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, relations with Turkey and the rollout of COVID vaccines to third countries. Climate crisis and Energy Diplomacy will also be on the agenda of the FAC. Continue reading at source: Read More
Expert says lifting of all measures possible by March, if epidemiological figures allow it
Dr Petros Karayiannis, member of the Scientific Committee on the pandemic and Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School has told the Cyprus News Agency that lifting of all restrictions for the containment of the coronavirus pandemic could be possible by March, given that epidemiological figures allow it and there is no setback. He also expressed the opinion that the aim for a two digit number in cases next week, is possible. Continue reading at Read More
Moody’s: Bank Of Cyprus In A Better Position To Deal With COVID Downturn Due To New Bad Loan Portfolio Sale
Moody’s rating agency says that the new sale of a bad loan portfolio by the Bank of Cyprus, puts the bank in a better position to deal with an inflow of new NPEs arising from the coronavirus-induced economic downturn, a fact that is a credit positive. Moody’s issued a comment on the bank after the sale on 18 January, of and additional portfolio of non-performing loans with a gross book value of €545 million, to funds affiliated with Pacific Investment Read More
Cyprus electricity market should be open by 2022 — CERA
“Based on current data, CERA is looking forward to the introduction of healthy competition in the electricity market of Cyprus at the beginning of 2022,” announces Dr. Andreas Poullikkas, chairman of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA). This will mean that producers of renewable energy, of whatever type, will be able to sell their production via the national electricity grid at that time. “There are essentially three main objectives of electricity deregulation in Cyprus in line with the EU perspectives: Read More
Health experts, Minister to review gradual lifting of covid-19 restrictive measures
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Thursday meets the country’s covid-19 pandemic consultants to review the epidemiological state of play and exchange views on how to gradually lift the existing strict restrictive measures. The total lockdown is in effect till January 31. At the same time, the health experts keep sending the message that more time is needed before a clear epidemiological picture can be drawn. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus shipping sees 30% tonnage tax reduction for lower emissions
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has announced a new range of green incentives to reward vessels that demonstrate effective emissions reductions. From fiscal year 2021, annual tonnage tax will be reduced by up to 30 per cent for each vessel that demonstrates proactive measures to reduce its environmental impact, ensuring shipowners are rewarded for sustainable shipping efforts. “As a leading maritime nation, we have an obligation to support efforts in reducing GHG emissions. We believe that flag states are Read More
Bank of Cyprus announces sale of €545 mn portfolio of bad loans
Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company announced that it has reached agreement with funds affiliated with Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), for the sale of an additional portfolio of Non Performing Exposures (NPEs) with a gross book value of €545 mn. According to an announcement by Bank of Cyprus, the portfolio known as “Helix 2 Portfolio B”, had a contractual balance of €783 mn and comprises 16,000 loans, mainly to Retail and SME clients, secured over 4,000 real Read More
Rules issued for car imports from UK post-Brexit
The road transport department announced on Tuesday the rules concerning the importation of vehicles from the UK following its EU exit. According to the department, an M1 category vehicle – passenger car with up to eight seats not including the driver – can be registered in Cyprus provided it is up to five-years-old on the date of arrival, counting from the date it had been registered new in any country. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
More than 50% of people over 80 in Cyprus already vaccinated or have appointment
More than 50% of citizens aged over 80 in Cyprus have so far received a vaccine against COVID19 or have arranged an appointment to be vaccinated, Deputy Director of Health Services Olga Kalakouta has told CNA. She said that there are around 33,000 citizens over 80 and so far 10,000 of them have been vaccinated, while 2,000 more received a vaccine in care homes. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus FM To Pay Working Visits To UAE And Saudi Arabia
Cyprus Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulides, will pay consecutive working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.A press release issued by the Foreign Ministry said that Christodoulides who leaves Cyprus on Sunday evening, will fist fly to Abu Dhabi where on Monday, January 18, he will have a private meeting and extended deliberations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to focus, among others, Read More
Cyprus house prices down an annual 1.4% in 3Q 2020
In the third quarter of 2020, house prices, as measured by the House Price Index, rose by 4.9% in the euro area and by 5.2% in the EU compared with the same quarter of the previous year. In the second quarter of 2020 house prices rose by the same annual rates, 4.9% and 5.2% respectively. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Compared with the second quarter of 2020, house prices Read More
‘Largest ever’ affordable housing project planned for Limassol
The mayor of Limassol Nicos Nicolaides announced on Wednesday that, by the end of 2021, he will announce tenders for the construction of 150 apartments in the neighbourhood of Ayios Nikolaos, as part of the agreement on affordable housing signed between the Limassol municipality and the Cyprus land development corporation (KOAG). Nicolaides’ statement came after a teleconference with KOAG president Marios Pelekanou on Wednesday. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus enters lockdown, sending text messages a must to move around
Total lockdown in Cyprus as of Sunday morning and up until January 31 in a bid to curb the alarming spread of the coronavirus and the public is reminded that to move around they have to send a text message and get permission. Specifically, for purposes other than to go to work, people will have to send a text message or SMS to 8998, free of charge. They can do so twice a day. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus President Anastasiades congratulates new US President Biden
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has congratulated Democrat Joe Biden after the US Congress certified his November 3 presidential election victory. “Congratulations to my dear friend Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States,” Anastasiades wrote on his Twitter account late on Thursday. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus on verge of total lockdown, expected to come in effect as of Sunday
Cyprus is on the verge of a total lockdown just like the one back in March with the only exception being the continued operation of the island’s airports, informed sources told Philenews. The stricter new measures aiming to curb the alarming spread of the coronavirus will be announced by the Health Minister around 1pm on Friday after a Cabinet meeting. Continue reading at source: Read More
Koushos: Cabinet To Convene Friday To Decide On New COVID Measures
The Cabinet will convene on Friday instead of Thursday to decide on new measures to contain the spread of COVID pandemic. Government Spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said that it was necessary reschedule the meeting, as Ministers needed more time to go through their planning and table their strategies. The new measures as well as the new schemes prepared by the Ministries of Labor and Finance will be announced after the Cabinet meeting, Koushos said in a written statement. Continue reading Read More
Petrolina buys out Greek SILK OIL for 9 million
According to an announcement, on 31 December 2020, Petrolina bought out SILK OIL, a deal amounting to 9 million euros. As reported, the purchase is expected to affect positively the prospects and results of the Petrolina Group and is part of the group’s plan to further develop its work in Greece. Continue reading at source: Read More
Agriculture Ministry offers ‘Green Harvest’ in grapevines incentive
The Ministry of Agriculture has offered the ‘Green Harvest’ in grapevines incentive with a budget of €1.6 million in a bid to boost the island’s wine sector. This is what Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said in response to the Green Party’s question on incentives offered by the state towards the struggling wine sector in view of the additional burden now of the coronavirus. Continue reading at source: Read More
Televised address by President Anastasiades, on the occasion of the New Year 2021
We say goodbye in a few hours to a year that will be recorded as one of the most destructive in the modern history of humanity, at times of peace. The coronavirus pandemic, the invisible enemy, as it has been called, resulted in the loss of two million human lives, struck the health systems even of countries considered among the most advanced in the sector, led the world economy into an unprecedented crisis, deprived billions of citizens of their human Read More
Ursula von der Leyen: Our Future Is Made In Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel signed the post-Brexit trade and cooperation agreement on Wednesday. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to also sign the text later in the day, after a planned fast-track vote by the British parliament on the deal this afternoon. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
University of Nicosia ranked in top 4% of unis in EECA region
The University of Nicosia placed #126 in the Emerging Europe and Central Asia Region, in which over 3,300 universities operate, according to the QS World University Rankings 2021 The 2021 QS World University Rankings: EECA, released in December, once again ranked the University of Nicosia (UNic) as one of the top 4 per cent of universities in the region, in which over 3,300 universities operate across 24 countries. UNic was ranked for a third consecutive year in the Emerging Europe Read More
Electronic form needs to be filled out before sending a parcel
The Cyprus Post announced on Tuesday that from January 1, people wishing to send parcels abroad must fill out an electronic form with all the necessary information before going to the post office. This requirement is due to international obligations and applies to all items containing goods sent to non-EU countries as well as items sent through the parcel, EPG, EMS Datapost services, regardless of destination and content. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Energy And The Environment In A Competitive Economy
The global energy transformation, climate change and the need for competitiveness were put at the heart of the India Cyprus Virtual Club Meeting, which took place on December 16, 2020. The online event was welcomed by Sunil Kapoor, director of FML Ship Management. Production and consumption model The need to find solutions as each country is driven to energy transformation, without its economy becoming uncompetitive or bankrupt, stressed the former minister of Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism, George Lakkotrypis. Read More
Coronavirus: new decree bans visitors to homes
A new decree issued by the health ministry and in force from 6pm Tuesday until January 10 is now forbidding the presence of other people in houses other than those permanently residing in them. The only exception to the new decree will take place on New Year’s Eve, where up to ten people from no more than two different households will be allowed to meet. The ten includes minors. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
More than 70,000 have visited Varosha since October
More than 70,000 people have visited Varosha in two months since the partial opening of the fenced-off area in the northern part of Famagusta, Turkish Cypriot media reported on Monday. Between October 8 and December 8, more than 70,000 people from the north and the government-controlled areas of the island visited Varosha according to Famagusta’s ‘mayor’ Ismail Arter. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
As Brexit looms over Cyprus UK nationals get helpful advise
As 2020 comes to an end and ‘hard’ Brexit looms over Europe and consequently Cyprus, UK nationals should be aware of certain things that will be different and some that will remain the same. For example, those who come to live in Cyprus after January 1, 2021 will be subject to the Mediterranean island’s immigration rules, the High Commission in Nicosia informs. The current practice in Cyprus is for non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to be admitted Read More
Cyprus President gets covid-19 vaccine live on TV – UPDATED
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades got vaccinated against Covid-19 live on television early on Monday, hours only after the Mediterranean island started its inoculation process. Describing the vaccine a “gift of life”, the President said he was happy because there is hope the end of the pandemic which has turned everyone’s life upside down is coming to an end. Continue reading at source: Read More
CySEC Introduces Temporary Permissions Regime To Facilitate PostBrexit Transition For Cyprus Investment Firms
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (‘CySEC’) has established a Temporary Permissions Regime (‘TPR’) which does not require physical presence in Cyprus for UK firms when providing investment services (including when performing investment activities) solely to professional clients and eligible counterparties, based in Cyprus. This is in order to allow for a smooth transition to new contracts post-Brexit, concluded on a reverse solicitation basis and for UK firms who wish to continue soliciting Cypriot professional clients and eligible counterparties to Read More
Covid restrictive measures could loosen for one or two days only over festivities
Imposed measures to prevent the coronavirus spread in Cyprus could be loosened for just Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and not for any other time in between. This is what Dr Petros Karayiannis, one of the health experts advising the government, told CNA on Monday. Continue reading at source: Read More
First stage of tenders for gas supply completed
The Natural Gas Public Company (Defa) announced Monday it has concluded the first phase of the tender process for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to a press release, 19 interested suppliers were selected for the procedures concerning both the medium-term supply of the basic quantities with an LNG sales and purchase agreement contract, as well as for the procedure for future deliveries of LNG purchased on the spot market. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus has taken ‘huge strides’ to becoming an educational hub
The 53,262 students registered at higher level institutions demonstrate that Cyprus has taken huge strides in establishing itself as an educational hub, Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou said on Friday. Presenting a breakdown of the tertiary education sector for the academic year 2019-2020, Prodromou said that 39,203 of these students are studying at public and private universities and the remaining 14,059 at colleges. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus: A New Age Calls for a New Look
Sponsored by InvestCyprus In the coming decades, information and communication technologies (ICT) will radically influence the global economy – and Cyprus is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Already home to several international tech companies, Cyprus has made unprecedented moves in recent years to secure its future as both an established international business centre and an emerging tech hub. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Auction for 5G broadband in Cyprus starts Thursday, four bidders take part
The auction for 5G broadband in Cyprus is set to start on Thursday with four bidding electronic communication networks taking part, according to Philenews. The bidding is at the office of the Department of Electronic Communications between the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta), Primetel, Epic and Cablenet. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus-Kazakhstan Tax treaty creates investment channel
The Cyprus Kazakhstan Double Taxation Treaty, comes into effect on January 17, 2021, is expected to create a channel for investment from Kazakhstan through Cyprus to Europe, and from Cyprus through its partner country to the east. Cyprus is one of the top 10 investors in Kazakhstan, according to Kazak government statistics, having placed $165 million in direct investment in the country in the first half of 2020. Over 70 Cyprus companies have registered in Kazakhstan, and these will have Read More
Any different covid measures during Christmas holiday last minute decision, expert says
The coronavirus situation in Cyprus is stable and a drop in the daily number of positive cases is anticipated but any decisions on special measures over the Christmas holiday will be taken the very last minute. This is what member of the scientific team advising the government on the pandemic Dr Petros Karayiannis told CNA on Wednesday. Continue reading at source: Read More
The University Of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Among The Top 3 UK Universities In The Hospitality & Tourism Management Field
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) proudly announces that it is now ranked in the top 3 universities in the United Kingdom according to The Guardian University Guide 2021 in the field of Hospitality & Tourism. The Guardian University Guide is amongst the most reliable and accredited university rankings in the United Kingdom and all over the world as well. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Winners announced for the 2019 Hearts of Gold Cyprus Awards
The 12th Hearts of Gold Cyprus Award winners for 2019 have finally been announced. The annual awards celebrate philanthropy, humanity, volunteering and caring and recognise both children and adults from all over the island. Winners were due to be announced at a ceremony held in Paphos in January 2020, however, due to a medical emergency, followed by the coronavirus pandemic, they were delayed. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Brexit website provides info for British residents in Cyprus
A Cyprus government website aimed at providing information on Brexit is being promoted by the Press and Information Office, ahead of the transition period that is coming to an end on December 31. As it’s looking like a no deal Brexit may be likely, a campaign to raise awareness of the site is underway. www.brexit.com.cy holds the latest information for British residents in Cyprus, and is focused on this particular group, although a Greek version is also available, Read More
MountMed to promote and protect mountains
The announcement of the creation of MountMed – Institute for Research Experimentation and Development for the Mountains of the Mediterranean – in Cyprus coincides with World Mountain Day on December 11. Although not yet fully operational, MountMed’s goal is the sustainable development of our country’s mountains. Its aim is to instigate research and innovation for the mountain regions of the Mediterranean islands as regards the environment, economy, demographics and culture. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus miners find more gold, silver, zinc in Troodos
Exploration teams from the Nicosia-based mining company Venus Minerals have found more gold, silver, copper and zinc deposits in the continued work on their Magellan Project in the Northern Troodos. The company, which is working with its investor UK AIM-listed Ariana Resources has found in its New Sha field a combined resource of 9.5 million tons with a high percentage of copper, and with significant additional potential for precious-metals and zinc, Venus Minerals said in a statement released on Read More
Auction for 5G in Cyprus starts December 17, four bidders on high alert
With the auction for 5G broadband in Cyprus starting on December 17, the four bidding electronic communication networks are on high alert, Philenews reported on Thursday. Authorized providers are required to establish and operate a fifth generation broadband electronic communications network to provide electronic communications services that will cover 70% of the population of the Republic. As well as all highways, until December 31, 2025. Continue reading at source: Read More
Limassol to get its first H&M store by end of May
Coastal Limassol will get its first H&M store but the Swedish chain of clothing, accessories and shoes won’t come all on its own. The trendy store will be housed where the former ESEL headquarters used to be, in the heart of the city, along with a boutique hotel. Continue reading at source: Read More
Hellenic Bank sees profit of €40 million after tax for nine-month period
Hellenic Bank saw profit of €40 million after tax in the first nine months of this year (to September 30), according to a statement released on Tuesday. Analysts welcomed this improved performance given the pressure of de-risking the balance sheet and the parlous economic conditions in the pandemic. Profit for the third quarter was at €22.3 million, up 12 per cent from the previous quarter’s €19.9 million. Revenue for the period was at €284.1 million, down slightly Read More
Paphos gets more tourist searches than Tel Aviv, Ibiza Mykonos – Research
Paphos was one of the most searched tourist destinations last summer, according to research by Sojern, a specialist in travel advertising and research. But news of vaccines have only provided a slight overall boost to travel in Europe. “Specifically, from the week of June 14 to the week of October 25, flight searches to Paphos grew the fastest (in comparison with Tel Aviv, Mykonos, Ibiza) peaking at over 100 per cent,” analysts from Sojern told the Cyprus Mail in an interview. As Read More
Lute set to meet Spehar
UN Secretary General special envoy Jane Holl Lute will meet special envoy and head of Unficyp Elizabeth Spehar on Monday ahead of meetings with the leaders of the two communities the following day. Lute was scheduled to meet Spehar and other UN officials involved in the talks on Monday morning. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus’ new covid preventive measures to be announced midday Friday
President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday morning chairs a new meeting with the scientific advisory team on Covid-1 before official announcements are made around midday on what measures will apply in Cyprus as of December 1. What is certain is that restrictions to prevent the further spread of the pandemic will somewhat relax over Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to insiders. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus’ drilling programme to resume in the second half of 2021
Cyprus’ hydrocarbon exploration programme will resume in the second half of 2021, Minister of Energy Natasa Pilides has said, before admitting that the coronavirus pandemic made drilling projects “increasingly complex.” Pilides also told participants at the virtual Economist 16th Cyprus Summit on Tuesday that covid-19’s outbreak forced international energy companies with licenses to carry out explorations in blocks of the Cypriot EEZ had to postpone projects planned for 2020. Continue reading at source: Read More
Health experts, President to decide on festive season’s preventive covid measures
President Nicos Anastasiades and the epidemiological advisory group on covid-19 on Wednesday morning began a meeting aiming to clarify the next steps to be taken to protect the country from the pandemic’s spread. The new measures, to cover the festive season of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, will be announced on Friday by Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cypriot products included list recognised by China
A total of four traditional Cypriot products, Zivania, Ouzo, Commandaria wine and Loukoumi Geroskipou – a type of Cypriot delight – have all been included in a list of EU protected geographic indications (PGIs) that will be recognised by China under a new agreement. The European Council adopted a decision on Monday on the conclusion of an agreement between the EU and China on cooperation around geographic indications (GIs). Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Tender For The Cyprus – Greece Ferry Connection To Be Launched Early December
Cyprus will launch a tender process for a sea passenger connection line with Greece in early December, with the ferry connection expected to begin in the summer of 2021, Deputy Minister for Shipping Vassilis Demetriades told CNA. “The open European tender is expected to be launched in the first week of December,” Demetriades told CNA, adding the Ministry is waiting for some clarifications in order to finalise the tender documents. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Coronavirus phase two of free PCR tests for workers starts Saturday
Phase two of free PCR tests for workers permitted to travel to and from Paphos and Limassol district will start on Saturday at 2 pm and continue till November 27, the health ministry has announced. Travel between the districts is permitted on presentation of a negative PCR test no older than seven days and confirmation from employers. The first phase of testing was marred by huge lines and prompted Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou to issue a personal apology for the Read More
Larnaka Airport Highly Commended By ACI Europe
Larnaka International Airport has received another important accolade during the 30th Annual Congress and General Assembly of the Airports Council International (ACI Europe), as it was highly commended in the category 5-10 million passengers at the Best Airport Awards 2020. The airports were evaluated based on their performance, agility, and results in a newly created environment as a result of the pandemic. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Cyprus receives 250m in EU pandemic loan
The European Commission on Tuesday disbursed €14bn to nine EU countries, including Cyprus, in the second instalment of financial support to Member States under the SURE instrument. “Today Cyprus will receive €250m through SURE for safeguarding jobs over the course of the pandemic. In total Cyprus will receive €479m through SURE,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The support, in the form of loans granted on favourable terms, will assist member states in addressing sudden increases in public Read More
Government expands affordable housing plan
A new revised affordable housing plan for vulnerable groups, young families and incentives for constructing more urban rental properties was unveiled by Interior Minister Nicos Nouris on Monday. The revised plan includes mountain districts, disadvantaged areas and improved urban incentives and covers all communities in Troodos, Akamas and Tylliria. It increases the number of communities in these areas from 128 eligible villages in the original July 2019 affordable housing plan to 259. “That means another 131 communities have been added Read More
RCB Bank rating confirmed by SP - highest in Cyprus
S&P Global Ratings in an annual report published on Wednesday confirmed the creditworthiness of RCB Bank at BB- / B with a stable outlook — this is the highest rating currently among Cyprus banks. A ‘BB-‘ rating shows that the entity is less vulnerable to changes in the external environment. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to its inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. Continue reading Read More
Limassol and Paphos districts enter almost complete coronavirus lockdown
The Mediterranean island’s coastal districts of Limassol and Paphos on Thursday evening will enter an almost complete lockdown which is to last until November 30. In a bid by the government to contain the alarming spread of coronavirus – especially in these two districts – the curfew will be from 8pm to 5am. And movement in or out of these two districts will be prohibited almost entirely at all times. In a televised message late on Wednesday, President Nicos Anastasiades said Read More
Action plan to promote Paphos in place
The Paphos regional board of tourism is continuing to strengthen the promotion of the area and has prepared an enhanced action plan with a budget of over €480,000, officials said on Tuesday. “Sixty five per cent of the budget for 2021 will be allocated for the enhancement of the tourist experience and in new technologies,” head of the Paphos regional board of tourism Nasos Hadjigeorgiou told the Cyprus Mail. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Moody's Affirms Bank Of Cyprus' And Hellenic Bank's Deposit Ratings At B3
Moody's Investors Service has today affirmed all ratings and assessments of Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited (Bank of Cyprus) and Hellenic Bank Public Company Ltd (Hellenic Bank), including their long-term deposit ratings of B3. The outlook on both banks' long-term deposit ratings remains positive. According to a statement, the affirmation of the banks' ratings reflects their improved funding and liquidity profiles, and strengthened capital levels compared to a few years ago, counterbalanced by the downside risks stemming from the Read More
Hotel discounts, with subsidies, continue through March 31
The Council of Ministers has agreed to the request from the tourism ministry to continue its mandate of special offers of hotel discounts to permanent residents, the Deputy Minister of Tourism said in a press release on Monday. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Cyprus has the potential to emerge as a first-class winter tourist destination due to its remarkable mountain regions and rural authenticity, Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios has said.More than 100 hotels across the island participate in Read More
Anastasiades congratulates ‘good friend’ Biden
President Nicos Anastasiades congratulated president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden for his victory. Anastasiades, in a message on social media, referred to Biden his “good friend and friend οf Cyprus.” “My best wishes for a most successful and productive term in office. I look forward to work closely with you in order to enhance the relations between our two countries,” Anastasiades said. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Zara’s online store in Cyprus goes live today
Zara launches online sales in Cyprus today. With this launch, Zara is marking a new milestone in the steady expansion of its fully integrated store and online model across the universe of markets in which the Inditex Group does business. Zara.com/cy will offer online shoppers in Cyprus the full range of women, men and kids’ collections available in the market’s Zara stores, starting with the Autumn Winter 2020 Collection. Available in English language, Zara.com/cy has been designed to provide a user-friendly Read More
Cyprus President to announce additional covid measures on Wednesday eve
President Nicos Anastasiades will address the nation on Wednesday evening to announce stricter measures in a bid to curb the alarming spread of coronavirus in Cyprus. Earlier closure times for bars and restaurants throughout the island are expected to be part of the new measures to be announced following an afternoon cabinet meeting, Philenews reports. Insiders said the advice from health experts appears to lean towards avoiding a blanket lockdown – for now at least. Continue reading at source: Read More
The University of Nicosia: Global leader in business and economics education
The latest results of the annual Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2021 rank the University of Nicosia (UNic) among the top 301-400 universities in the world in the subject area of Business and Economics. This ranking places UNic as the #1 ranked university in Cyprus and Greece, and among the Top 100 universities in the European Union, in this subject area. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Mail Read More
Projects worth more than €10m to upgrade Geroskipou
Projects worth more than €10 million are ongoing in Geroskipou, Mayor Michalis Pavlides said on Monday. The traditional centre of the coastal town will be upgraded, while the old army training centre (KEN) will also be utilised, he said. “Specifically, the municipality of Geroskipou is preparing proposals, so that by November 30 a relevant study will be sent to Greek researchers, in collaboration with the municipality of Paphos, for the promotion of EU-funded projects for the period 2021-2027.” Read More
Do you have to close your UK bank account?
Anyone who has lived and worked in the UK will understand the advantages of having an account in Blighty. You can pay your bills, your taxes, collect your investments – there’s always some business to be done which is much easier to settle if you have at least a checking account in a UK bank. But with Brexit closing in, and quite possibly a no-deal Brexit, do you have to close your account there? Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus remake to begin with business creation
The Cyprus remake, a series of EU funded programmes that will affect every aspect of life in the country, will begin in the new year. The first of these will involve the creation of new businesses, sources at the Ministry of energy, commerce, industry and tourism told the Cyprus Mail. Meanwhile, proposals from the various ministries themselves for grants under the same fund are under review, with the entire plan for Cyprus scheduled to be completed by December. None of Read More
Cyprus welcomes readiness of UNSG to provide his Good Offices for new talks
The Cyprus government welcomed the readiness of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide his Good Offices mission for the resumption of talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos said on Thursday. According to Koushos, Guterres, in his reply to a letter sent to him by President Nicos Anastasiades some two weeks ago, expressed “his readiness to provide his Good Offices for the resumption of talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis Read More
President to inaugurate Paphos Innovation Institute on Friday
The Municipality of Paphos is in the final phase of preparations for the opening of the Paphos Innovation Institute, which will be inaugurated by President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday. Mayor of Paphos Phedonas Phedonos stressed that the project, a collaboration with the Reichman University (IDC Herzliya) of Israel, sees Paphos enter a new era investing in innovation and related education. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Reservoirs still 77% full despite protracted summer
While temperatures in recent days have been 6 to 10C higher than usual for the time of the year, reaching 36C in Nicosia both on Monday and Tuesday, this and a lack of rainfall have not yet affected water levels in the reservoirs. The hot weather will abate somewhat over the next few days, but will remain well above average, with highs of more than 30C in some areas. Rain is also unlikely to fall this week, at least in Read More
Hotel discounts expected to continue through the winter - Tourism Minister
The tourism ministry is considering the continuation of its mandate of special offers of hotel discounts to permanent residents, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios told the press on Monday. More than 100 hotels across the island participate in the scheme, which was originally intended to be active from 1 September through the end of November. The scheme includes apartment complexes, tourist villages and agro-tourism establishments. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Coronavirus: masks to be worn outside, curfew in Paphos and Limassol (Updated)
The use of masks will now be obligatory in all areas, including in the open air in all districts will be in effect from Friday, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced on Thursday. He also announced an 11pm curfew in the Limassol and Paphos districts, after a cabinet meeting in the morning. All measures will be in effect from Friday and will remain in force until November 9. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus remains on UK’s “green” travel list despite rising covid cases
Cyprus has remained in the UK Government’s “green” Travel Corridors list despite a rise in coronavirus cases on the island. This means that travellers from Cyprus arriving anywhere in the United Kingdom will continue to be excluded from the obligation to self-isolate for 14 days, as is the case with arrivals from most European countries. Continue reading at source: Read More
Investors are optimistic about Cyprus’ attractiveness-EY survey
Investors are optimistic about Cyprus’ attractiveness over the coming years but state that there is room for improvement, according to the EY Attractiveness Survey Cyprus 2020 released on Wednesday. The survey showed that COVID-19 triggered a sharp decline in foreign direct investment projects throughout Europe but despite the pandemic investors feel that Cyprus remains an attractive investment destination. Continue reading at source: Read More
Nicosia hosts Cyprus-Greece-Egypt Trilateral Summit
Nicosia on Wednesday is hosting the 8th Cyprus-Greece-Egypt Trilateral Summit with the leaders of the three countries set to discuss several issues of mutual concern. The Summit’s agenda includes talks on the illegal activities of Turkey in Famagusta and in the Eastern Mediterranean region, according to CNA. Deputy Government Spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas has said in a statement that the Summit will take place within the framework of deepening regional cooperation with neighbouring countries. Continue reading at source: Read More
President Anastasiades Congratulates New Turkish Cypriot Leader Tatar
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has congratulated the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Ersin Tatar and has expressed hope that Tatar would show goodwill and respond positively to a UN call for a new initiative to solve the Cyprus issue, as he himself will. In a written statement, President Anastasiades says that “the verdict of our compatriots to select Mr. Ersin Tatar as the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community is absolutely respected.” Read More
Could there really be a new passport scheme?
Dispute rages over how important the citizenship scheme was to Cyprus while the government has already hinted of a different scheme, as called for by business groups Questions have been raised about the importance of the citizenship by investment (CBI) scheme to the economy a few days after the government’s announcement of its termination as business groups, which have described the move as “catastrophic”, have already started calling for a new programme. In an announcement issued on Tuesday, immediately after the Read More
President to chair Covid-19 meeting on Saturday
President Nicos Anastasiades will hold an urgent meeting with the epidemiological team on Saturday amid speculation authorities are considering new measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak after a record 104 positive cases found on Thursday. It was the first time that daily cases went into triple digits since the start of the pandemic in March. Shortly after the numbers were released, Anastasiades called on the public on Twitter to strictly adhere to the measures already in place. “At this time, Read More
Cyprus still a top choice for European travellers
Surprisingly, lots of Europeans are still intent on travel this year, and not surprisingly, Cyprus remains among the top choices for destinations according to a study released this week by the European Travel Commission (ETC). The ETC, which represents the National Tourism Organisations of the countries of Europe, examined the ‘travel intentions’ of more than 5,000 Europe residents. While most are still hesitant to take a trip outside their own countries, one out of four said that they intend to travel within Europe in Read More
The Cyprus - Saudi Arabia Held On Wednesday Its Inaugural Meeting In Nicosia
Participants said the association opens new prospects economic and trade relations between the two countries. Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Natasa Pilides praised the relations between the two countries. “Relations between Saudi Arabia and Cyprus were extremely positive and close and we would like to further enhance them both on a political and an economic level,” she said. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
5G on its way rapidly after licencing, says Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous
5G is on its way soon, Fibre optic internet connections to expand, internet access upgrades coming to all 450 schools in Cyprus – these are all improvements underway for Cyprus telecommunications. The entire Cyprus network is seeing a digital transformation; Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous tells us about the latest developments. CM: One still hears complaints from businesspeople in Cyprus about telecommunications infrastructure. They say that networking with other countries is still too slow? Neocleous: There is some latency in international Read More
British Airways Customer Excellence Award for Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol is delighted to announce that it has received a British Airways Customer Excellence Award for 2019. This award comes from unbiased customer reviews and is designed to showcase the hotels that impress guests the most. Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa received an overall score of 9.3/10. Continue reading at source: Read More
Solar panels on all our houses
European Recovery Fund to finance vast expansion of home solar panels The Cyprus Mail has learned that one of the first projects to be financed by the €1 billion European Recovery Fund is expected to be the vast expansion of grants to put solar panels on Cyprus homes. Currently, about €1,000 is provided as a grant to pay the costs of installing ph0tovoltaic panels on homes. The result has been that about 17,000 Cyprus homes currently operate solar panels, according Read More
Lebanese businesses seek opportunities in Cyprus
For Lebanese businesses, struggling in the crisis, Cyprus offers opportunities. Hundreds of Lebanese have simply up and moved to Cyprus. Others have decided to stay in Lebanon and partner up with Cypriot companies, in order the create a business bridge between the two countries. Joumana Khoury Younes is helping to build these bridges. She is the owner of the Beirut-based “Confiden,” a Corporate Services & Consultancy firm dedicated to providing specialised assistance to clients, in matters related to their personal Read More
Major insurer chooses Cyprus for its European business
Steamship Mutual, one of the most important Protection and Indemnity insurers globally, has chosen Cyprus for the base of its European business, with an office in Limassol officially opened on Tuesday. “We came to Cyprus because we need an office within the EU post Brexit,” Rupert Harris, Chief Executive SSM Europe & Head of Reinsurance explained to the Cyprus Mail in an interview. “EU-based members’ business will be renewed in this entity, and arrangements with relevant third parties will also Read More
Louis Infinity Blu Receives “Best Hotel Worldwide” Award
Louis Infinity Blu owners and operators received on Wednesday, September 30, the “Best Hotel Worldwide” award by TUI during a ceremony held at the hotel, in the presence of local authorities, TUI officials and media representatives. Louis Infinity Blu, located in Protaras, Cyprus, operated by Louis Hotels, stood out in TUI’s rigorous criteria, achieving 98% of the overall satisfaction winning the “Best Hotel Worldwide” at the “TUI Global Hotel Awards”. Speaking about this significant distinction, Chief Commercial Officer of Louis Read More
New tax bills seek to lure foreign high earners to Cyprus
MPs on Monday began discussing two government bills involving tax incentives aimed at luring high earners who are foreign nationals, so that they make Cyprus their personal domicile and headquarter their companies here. Under the first bill, amending the income tax law, foreign nationals not resident in Cyprus can benefit from a tax exemption of up to 50 per cent if their annual earnings exceed €100,000 either during the tax year during which they started working here or for any Read More
Cyprus wants a world free of nuclear weapons-Mavroyiannis
Cyprus will enhance efforts for the promotion of international peace and security and press forward with the ultimate goal of “a world free of nuclear weapons”. This is what Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations in New York has said. Continue reading at source: in-cyprus Read More
Coronavirus: the Cypriot behind the lab-free 90-minute test
Britain’s NHS has ordered 5.8 million of Chris Toumazou’s DnaNudge kits for speedy virus testing By Nick Theodoulou A breakthrough in the battle against Covid-19 has been achieved by a British Cypriot tech entrepreneur and professor, who has pioneered a much-heralded lab-free test that delivers accurate results within 90 minutes. The brainchild of Chris Toumazou, of Imperial College London, the testing kit has been dubbed “a lab in a cartridge” and the British government has ordered 5.8 Read More
Cyprus set to be ‘remade’
With €1bn in EU recovery grants, the scope of the changes is said to be unprecedented By Andrew Rosenbaum IN WHAT is being seen as a giant step forward, Cyprus is set to be ‘remade’ in the coming years through €1 billion in grants – not loans – from the European Recovery Plan, according to documents seen exclusively by the Cyprus Mail. The scope is unprecedented; the work will go on for six years. Some of the candidate projects include Read More
Green incentives for shipping being finalised, ministry says
A series of green incentives rewarding those actively taking steps to support the transition to a zero-carbon future is currently been finalised and will be launched later this year, the deputy shipping ministry announced on Thursday. The incentives will take the form of a tonnage tax rebate for vessels demonstrating further reductions of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index or reductions of the total oil consumption in two consecutive reporting periods. “A long-term strategy for Cyprus is also under development, Read More
Cyprus Airways Announces The Launch Of Ticket Sales For Winter 2020-21
Cyprus Airways announces the launch of ticket sales for winter 2020-2021. The winter schedule includes Athens and Heraklion, as well as, the addition of new route Larnaka-Moscow. The Cypriot airline is also planning to resume flights to Tel Aviv, as soon as the situation with Covid-19 stabilizes. George Mavrocostas, Chief Operations Officer of Cyprus Airways stated: “We continually monitor our route network taking into consideration the situation of Coronavirus pandemic and our customers’ needs. We are delighted that we Read More
European Tour at Aphrodite Hills a huge sporting event for Cyprus
Earlier this month, confirmation was received that Cyprus would be hosting one of its biggest sporting events of all time, with golf’s European Tour including the island in its updated 2020 schedule. The European Tour’s visit to Cyprus will include two separate events, the Cyprus Open, taking place from October 29 to November 1, and the Cyprus Classic, from November 5 to November 8. Both events will be played at Aphrodite Hills Resort near Paphos. The Sunday Mail spoke to Andrew Read More
Six countries move to lower Categories – Changes to take effect September 24th
On Monday, Cyprus’ Ministry of Health announced that 6 countries are being downgraded after reviewing the epidemiological risk for passengers travelling from these countries. New categories will be valid starting September 24. Category A – Low risk countries at the present stage European Union Member States: 1) Germany, 2) Latvia, 3) Lithuania, 4) Finland Continue reading at source: Read More
Brits beat Brexit with Cyprus move
Growing numbers of British nationals are preparing to move to Cyprus ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period, according to local businesses in Paphos. Peter Morton, a British expat living in Paphos with his wife and family, started his successful removal, shipping and storage business 14 years ago. In that time, he has moved hundreds of customers, mostly Brits, to and from Cyprus. Around fifty per cent of Peter Morton Removals clients are British. “Since just after lockdown was lifted, Read More
Fosun to get Thomas Cook flying again
Will Thomas Cook again run flights to Cyprus? It’s possible. The Shanghai-based Fosun International, a conglomerate worth about $100 billion in assets, acquired the assets and brand of Thomas Cook in November 2019 for $11 billion. Some time ago, Fosun announced that it would bring Thomas Cook back to life, but it was only on Monday that the Civil Aviation Authority granted the revived London-headquartered Thomas Cook Tourism (UK) Company Limited an Atol for an initial 364 passengers. Continue Read More
Limassol port in frame for Cyprus-Greece ferry link
Deputy Shipping Minister Vassilis Demetriades visited Limassol port to review its facilities and discussed the potential of using the island’s main cruise terminal as the home for a renewed Cyprus-Greece ferry link. Demetriades met with the management of the operator, DP World Limassol, and discussed the port’s potential to contribute to the development of Cyprus shipping as well as the possibility of the port serving the Cyprus-Greece ferry route. Continue reading at source: Financial Read More
Cyprus welcomes diplomatic relations established between Bahrain and Israel
Cyprus has welcomed the recent agreement for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Israel. An official announcement in Nicosia on Monday also said that this constitutes another positive development for peace and stability in the region following a similar decision announced by Israel and the United Arab Emirates last month. Continue reading at source: Read More
Ministry updates Covid-19 country categories (updated)
The health ministry has updated the classification of countries as regards Covid-19 and how this impacts arriving passengers. Four countries have been downgraded and two upgraded. There have been no changes for Cyprus’ major travel partners Greece and the UK. Under the new rules that come into effect on September 18: Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus happy with outcome of Pompeo visit, FM says
Cyprus on Sunday expressed satisfaction over the results of the talks it had on Saturday with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who paid a fleeting visit to the island. In statements to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) , Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulides said that during his talks with President Nicos Anastasiades, which Christodoulides attended, the US official expressed the US commitment and interest in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region and the need for conditions of security and stability to Read More
Ayia Napa Marina Awarded ISO 13687-1:2017 Certification
Ayia Napa Marina is particularly pleased to announce that it has been awarded the ISO 13687-1 certification from the Cyprus Certification Company (CCC), pertaining to the operation of the first phase of the marina. The certification constitutes a particularly important recognition of the exceptional international standards which characterise the development of this iconic project in the Ayia Napa area. The ISO certification primarily provides operators of harbours and marinas for leisure craft with a practical tool to promote health, Read More
DP World Limassol Welcomed The Ambassador Of Israel To Cyprus To The New Passenger Terminal
The development of the maritime tourism sector and ways to boost cooperation between Cyprus and Israel, were discussed at a meeting held at the Limassol port, between the Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus, H.E. Shmuel (Sammy) Revel, the Chairman of the Limassol Tourism Board, Tony Antoniou and DP World Limassol officials. DP World Limassol officials welcomed the Israeli Ambassador and the Chairman of the Limassol Tourism Board to the Limassol port on Thursday, 10 September 2020. Revel had the opportunity Read More
EIB head foresees more projects with Cyprus
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will continue to support Cyprus with new investment, possibly involving broadband companies, the national road system or the Vasilikos Power Plant said President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Werner Hoyer on Monday after his meeting with Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides. The president of EIB visited Nicosia on Monday and met with President Nicos Anastasiades as well as with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides, Energy, Natasa Pilides, and Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides, who Read More
First visitors after Cyprus airports reopened were from Greece, Germany, Poland
Coronavirus fear has forced many to cancel tourism plans this summer but those who dared come over to Cyprus after the reopening of airports were mainly from Greece, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark and Austria, Philenews reports. Cyprus reopened for tourism and started accepting visitors from a green list of countries in early June, and data compiled from the CyprusFlightPass platform shows the total number of visitors in July standing at 64,914. Continue reading at source: Read More
Council Of Ministers Approves The Creation Of A Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism
The Council of Ministers has approved yesterday the creation of a Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism for setting up a company in Cyprus by third country nationals. The mechanism is aimed at attracting foreign investment to the island. According to the PIO release, the proposal, which was put forward Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Natasa Pilides, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance and Labour, suggests that all necessary procedures for the registration and incorporation of Read More
Cyprus internet speed gets faster — Research
Cyprus’ internet speed saw a 42 per cent increase within the last year, aligned with a global broadband speed rise. The island ranked 89 out of 221 countries after tests in research designed and compiled by Cable.co.uk, and gathered by M-Lab, an open source project .Cyprus’ mean download speed was 15.62 Mbps, and it takes about 43 minutes to download a 5GB movie, the survey showed. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
US Looks To Cyprus As Being An Important Partner, State Department Official Says
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades of Washington’s decision to lift the arms embargo to Cyprus, Matthew A. Palmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs announced. “The US looks to the Republic of Cyprus as being an important partner “, he added. In a virtual conference with Greek correspondents, Palmer said that Secretary Pompeo spoke with President Anastasiades over the phone and informed him of his “determination that within the Read More
New pricing policy leads to cheaper power
The cost of electricity has decreased by 20 per cent since new pricing measures were introduced in 2017, the head of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority Andreas Poulikkas said on Wednesday. Poulikkas, who was submitting his report to President Nicos Anastasiades, said the new pricing measures were implemented in 2017 and within the year there was a decrease in costs. “The usage fee for the network has decreased 20 per cent from 2016 to present,” he told the president. Read More
Real cheap flights from Cyprus to the UK in Autumn
Travellers these days are lured with real low airfares from Cyprus to the UK in the Autumn but the coronavirus fear is probably going to overtake enthusiasm. Philenews reported on Monday that prices for departure from Larnaca to the UK on September 28 and return on October 4, range between €150, €156, €187 and €220 for almost all airports. Continue reading at source: Read More
Chevron to exploit Aphrodite gas ‘as soon as possible’
President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday held a teleconference with energy giant Chevron CEO Michael Wirth whose company has recently acquired a share in the Aphrodite gas reserve. David Stover, CEO of Noble Energy, which previously owned the share also took part in the call, as well as other officials from the two companies. Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou and government spokesman Kyriacos Kousios were also present. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Twelve Museums slated to operate with free admission
The Council of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works for the adoption of the policy for free admission to the twelve Museums which fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Antiquities during its meeting today. For the preparation of the above proposal, the Ministry of Transport took into account: » Recommendations by UNESCO. » The results from the implementation of free admission policies in Museums of other European countries such as the UK and Sweden. Read More
‘Hotel prices will be attractive’ with new scheme – Hotel Association
Cypriots are ready to extend their holidays through September to November, after the Tourism Deputy Ministry announced better prices and partial funding for certain tourist accommodations, the Cyprus Hotels Association told the Cyprus Mail on Tuesday. For decades, locals were choosing to take their vacations starting from June to July with the favourite month for employees to take days off being August. But things are about to change after the Deputy Ministry of Tourism launched a Special Support Scheme for Read More
University of Cyprus among the best in the world
For the third consecutive year, the University of Cyprus was ranked in the # 601-700 best universities in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking. The University of Cyprus is the first and only Cypriot university that manages to be included in the famous list of Shanghai among the 1,000 best universities in the world. The ARWU ranking, known as the Shanghai list, is considered one of the three most important Read More
Out with fuel refineries, in with towers in Larnaca
The area where the fuel refineries used to be in coastal Larnaca are to get revamped with buildings up to 15 floors and 68 meters high to come in, according to a recently-released “Area Plan”. This is what Philenews reported on Monday, adding that “encouraging the construction of a limited number of tall buildings which will be of a high architectural and quality level will function as landmarks and reference points”. Such buildings could be allowed in plots with a Read More
Cabinet approves incentive plan for Paralimni tourist development
Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said on Friday the cabinet approved an incentive plan for tourist development in the Paralimni area. After a cabinet meeting, Nouris said: “At today’s session, the cabinet has rectified a chronic injustice regarding the tourist zones.” He said considering that the local plan of Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Dherynia would be ready around July 2021, the government had proceeded to modify the incentive plan, so that the tourist developments in the specific areas, the tourist Read More
Wizz Air Announces New Larnaca-Bergen Route
Wizz Air announced new route from Larnaca to Bergen in Norway, proving its commitment to further develope its network in Cyprus. Passengers can already book tickets from as low as EUR 24.99/ / NOK 279 on www.wizzair.com or via the WIZZ mobile app. The new route brings more exciting travel opportunities for affordable travel from Larnaca, as well as continues to further stimulate Cyprus tourism and hospitality industries. Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway and the Gateway to Read More
Price of houses shows small increase
The housing price index (HPI) was up 1.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year, according to the Central Bank figures released on Wednesday. It was a smaller rise than in the last two quarters of 2019, when it rose by 2.8 per cent in the third and 2.2 per cent in the fourth, indicating a small downward trend. The Central Bank report said the modest rise of the HPI “owed to the decrease in Read More
Final building permit given for EuroAfrica Interconnector
Cyprus has issued the final building permit for the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnection EuroAfrica Interconnector, it was announced on Wednesday. EuroAfrica Interconnector is the official project developer of the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnection. The permit provides the green light for the construction of the HVDC converter station, for which Siemens has been chosen as the preferred constructor. The Cyprus Planning and Housing Bureau approved in November 2019 the planning permit for the HVDC converter station with a capacity of 2,000 MW, as Read More
Russia highlights relationship with Cyprus on 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties
Russia marked 60 years of diplomatic relations with Cyprus on Tuesday with a post on the Nicosia embassy’s Facebook page, outlining the friendly relations between the two countries. The post says that on August 18, 1960, diplomatic relations were established between the then USSR and Cyprus. The official Cyprus independence day is August 16 but it is celebrated on October 1. The Russian embassy post said: “Relations were established after the exchange of government telegrams between the President of the Read More
Wizz Air to fly to Larnaca from Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Wizz Air said on Thursday it was setting up a new base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and that it would launch seven new routes from there including to Larnaca. The airline said that with the creation of a new base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, it will launch new connections to destinations including the Spanish cities of Alicante and Malaga, Larnaca in Cyprus, Faro in Portugal, Lublin in Poland, Kosice in Slovakia and Suceava in Romania. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cypriots seeing lowest electricity bills in years
Cypriots are set to enjoy the lowest electricity bills in almost 20 years, as the price of oil has tanked and the electricity authority is further knocking 10 per cent off the bill. A household of four people, using 800 kilowatts – which is a considerable amount for such a unit – will come to €126 this August. Just two months ago, in June, the bill would have been €150. “If we compare a bill in August 2020 to Read More
Polis mayor ‘satisfied’ with visitor numbers
The mayor of Polis on Thursday expressed his satisfaction with the number of people visiting the area. The efforts by the municipality have brought results and Polis welcomes many tourists, mainly Cypriots but also foreigners, Giotis Papachristofi said. “We hope this will continue in the next days, and we expect even in September and October Cypriots will continue to visit Polis Chrysochous, which offers much beauty and clean and beautiful beaches.” Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus Troodos copper and gold mining sees significant investment
Cyprus-based copper and gold miner Chesterfield Resources has raised £630,000 to move ahead with development of gold deposits that the company has located on its site in the Troodos mountains. The company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON: CHF), announced on July 27 the successful private placement of 12 million new ordinary shares, along with incentive options, to raise the funds. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Jet2 resuming flights to Cyprus from August 17
Jet2 is set to resume flights to Cyprus from August 17 as there is “clear demand” from the British market, the airline said on Tuesday. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said that: “We are delighted to be recommencing our flights and holidays programme to Cyprus from 17th August and looking at the demand it’s very clear just how much our customers are looking forward to their well-deserved holidays in the Cypriot sunshine. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus gains in Russia Double Tax Treaty agreement (Updated)
by Philippe Orphanides Cyprus and Russia have just agreed on an amendment of the double taxation treaty between the two countries, according to Cypriot Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides, cutting short the two-day negotiation agenda initially scheduled. The Cypriot side ensured, among other things, the exemption from a 15 per cent withholding tax on dividends for regulated entities, such as pension funds and insurance companies, as well as listed companies. In addition, interest payments from corporate and government bonds as well Read More
Upgrade of Cyprus-France relations expected says minister
After President Nicos Anastasiades’ visit to France an upgrade of the relations between the two countries is definitely expected, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said on Sunday. In statements at a memorial service for the fallen in battle in Tylliria in 1964 in Pachyammos he said some news and some plans are expected to be announced soon. Following the outbreak of intercommunal violence in December 1963, Turkish Cypriots had established a bridgehead at Kokkina in 1964, used to bring in arms, Read More
Cyprus to assist Lebanon with 5 million, opens up ports, airports and air base
President Anastasiades announced a 5 million euro assistance to Lebanon, following the August 4 deadly explosion and opened up the country’s ports and airports, as well as the ‘Andreas Papandreou’ air base to UNIFIL (UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon) and the international community. The President addressed an international donor video conference on Lebanon, following an initiative by the UN and French President Emanuel Macron. In a written statement, government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios said that during his conference address, President Anastasiades Read More
Ministry announces conclusion of international tender for Larnaca port and marina development
The Cyprus Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announced on Monday the successful conclusion of the international tender for the development of the port and marina area of Larnaca. In its press release, the Ministry states that it has sent a ‘Successful Tenderer Letter’ to the consortium Eldeman Holding BV and Alexandrou Corporate Services Ltd, of Cypriot-Israeli interests. Continue reading at source: Read More
What you need to know if you are travelling to Cyprus
As part of the Government’s strategy for managing the corona virus pandemic, the safeguarding of Public Health and limiting the entry of Covid-19 incidents through gateways into the country, the Ministry of Health has been implementing a country categorisation system since May that changes according to the assessment of their epidemiological risk. Depending on what category the country they’re coming from is in, passengers must comply with specific measures, as follows: For passengers from Category A countries, nor a Covid-19 Read More
Cyprus and Egypt reaffirm energy priorities
Cypriot and Egyptian priorities on energy issues were reaffirmed during a video conference between Energy Minister Natasa Pilides and her counterpart Tarek El Molla, it was announced on Tuesday. Speaking to CNA, Pilides said that the discussion on Monday was very constructive and focussed on issues related to the cooperation between the two countries. Pilides said that among others, issues related to Cyprus’ Aphrodite gas field and the acquisition of Noble Energy by Chevron were discussed, with the Egyptian Minister Read More
Completion and delivery of two additional photovoltaic parks
Two additional photovoltaic parks, with a total capacity of 2.5MW were completed and connected to the EAC national network, from L&T Sun Power Ltd. The two parks are part of a larger development program of photovoltaic parks of the company, aiming at producing energy from Renewable Energy Sources with a total capacity of 10MW. L&T Sun Power Ltd, combines the joint efforts and the common goal of the investors and company’s shareholders which are Justy Business Ltd of Dr. Read More
Cyprus gets EBRD and EU financing for natural gas
Cyprus’s dependency on oil for energy will be reduced after a €374 million landmark project introduces natural gas to the country for the first time. Cyprus will benefit from cleaner air and reduced energy costs thanks to the introduction of natural gas to the country, with a project jointly financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU). The EBRD is providing a €80 million loan to the Natural Read More
Coronavirus: revised list of countries for travel to Cyprus
The health ministry announced three amendments to the list of countries from which Cyprus accepts visitors on Tuesday which mean changes in categories for Greece, Thailand and Morocco. The changes will take effect on Thursday. Greece will move from category A to B, Thailand from category B to A and Morocco from B to C. “The categorisation of countries, based on epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and can change at any time, as the pandemic evolves and epidemiological data Read More
Heatwave has hit Europe, including Cyprus
A heatwave has hit Europe, including Cyprus, and just as Athens and Madrid made wearing masks compulsory to prevent a surge in coronavirus infections. Temperatures soared across Europe, heading above 40 Celsius in places, and with meteorologists in Cyprus forecasting 43 C inland by noon on Friday. On Cyprus, the heatwave hit earlier this week, with temperatures already up in the 40s since Monday. Continue reading at source: Read More
University of Cyprus awarded Energy Globe Award 2020 for sustainability
The international environmental award Energy Globe Award 2020 for Cyprus was awarded to the energy sustainability research unit FOS of the University of Cyprus. The research team of the laboratory of photovoltaic technology and the research unit FOS participated in the international environmental competition with the European research programme SmartPV. The laboratory was awarded the International Environmental Award «Energy Globe 2020» for Cyprus by the International Jury Energy Globe, based in Austria. The Energy Globe Awards are the most well-known Read More
Tender for 5G network platforms in Cyprus launched
A public tender with a mandate to roll out 5G network platforms by 2025 covering at least 70% of the population of the Republic of Cyprus and all highways has been launched. This is what Philenews reported on Tuesday, adding that the permit process specifies that the tender will grant licences between the frequency spectrum available on the 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz bandwidths. And that the tender, announced by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Read More
Revised list of countries from which Cyprus accepts passengers made public
he Health Ministry on Tuesday announced the revised list of countries from which Cyprus accepts passengers. This will be in effect from Saturday, August 1. As already announced on Monday, the UK has been moved from category C to B, while Georgia now from category B to A. Also, Bulgaria and Algeria are now being moved from category B to C. The following countries are on Category A which lists those deemed safer compared to the rest as regards their Read More
UK passengers to Cyprus upgraded to Category B as from August 1
The Health Ministry on Monday announced that the United Kingdom is upgraded to Category B as from August 1, following an assessment of the countries’ Covid-19 risk. All passengers arriving from Category B countries are required to present a negative test result taken at least 72 hours before departure. And, regardless of nationality, they are required to apply for permission from https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/ within 24 hours prior to their departure for Cyprus. Continue reading at source: Read More
Chevron ‘remains interested’ in East Med after Noble buyout
Chevron and its latest acquisition, Noble Energy the concession holder for Cyprus’ Aphrodite field, reaffirmed their intention of continuing cooperation with the government, Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said on Saturday. The minister told the Cyprus News Agency, that after contacts with both companies, she received reassurances that nothing has changed after Noble’s buyout by Chevron as regards their interest in the eastern Mediterranean and their strategic plan regarding the utilisation of the various licences they have in the region. It Read More
Final building permit issued for EuroAsia Interconnector converter station
Cyprus is now one step closer to lifting its energy isolation after issuing the final building permit to EuroAsia Interconnector for the construction of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station in Cyprus to connect its electricity networks with Greece and Israel. Energy Minister Natasa Pilides welcomed the development in a post on twitter, saying it was “an important development for Cyprus”. According to a press release by the project developer, the issue of the permit to Siemens is Read More
Cyprus-Switzerland amend taxation treaty in trade boost
Cyprus and Switzerland on Monday signed a protocol amending the Treaty for the avoidance of double taxation in a move both sides said will boost their trade ties while attracting investment. The Protocol signed by Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides and Swiss Ambassador Pierre-Yves Fux introduces the minimum standards of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPs) as well as provisions concerning benefit entitlement. Continue reading at source: Financial Read More
No new corona virus cases out of total of 2,465 tests
No new cases of corona virus were detected on Wednesday out of a total of 2,465 laboratory diagnostic tests carried out, according to the the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health. In detail, the following laboratory diagnostic tests were carried out, without the detection of a case: 261 tests carried out with samples taken through private initiative. Continue reading at source: Read More
Visitors from 51 countries in Groups A, B and C as from 23 July
As of today, visitors from 51 countries can enter Cyprus after the Epidemiological Monitoring and Control of Infectious Diseases Unit of the Medical Services and the Public Health Services carried out a reassessment of the epidemiological risk regarding Covid-19. Published today July 20th, 2020, the list is made up of 22 countries in Group A that can enter Cyprus without a corona virus free certificate, 21 in Group B that require a certificate showing negative PCR of Covid-19 administered within Read More
Cyprus ready to welcome more tourists, all precautionary measures in place, Transport Minister says
Cyprus is ready to welcome more tourists taking all precautionary measures against Covid-19, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Sunday. Speaking to the press, the minister said that authorities are following all necessary protocols and procedures in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. He said that when the flights resumed and the airports opened, there were only a few flights and a few hundred passengers but now we have reached approximately 6,000 passengers on a daily basis. Read More
One of Europe's largest Lidl stores has opened
This week saw the grand opening of the 18th Lidl store in Cyprus, in Kapsalos, Limassol. The ribbon was cut by Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides, who said the opening should greatly improve choices for the residents of the area. The store, on Ayias Filaxeos Street, is one of the largest Lidl stores in Europe and is set to offer consumers a renewed experience of shopping in a modern environment. “The new ‘Metropol’ style store is situated in the heart of Limassol, a Read More
Wizz Air adds Larnaca-Bergen route to itinerary
Wizz Air has announced a new route from Larnaca to Bergen in Norway from August, with passengers already able to purchase tickets starting from €24.99. Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, a convenient gateway to the country’s fjords, a Unesco World Heritage City and former European Capital of Culture back in 2000, Wizz Air said. On May 28, the airline announced that Larnaca airport would be its newest permanent base, creating around 100 new jobs in the process. Read More
EAC opens Smart Poles competition aiming to transform cities
The Electricity Authority has invited proposals for the acquisition of Smart Poles in Cyprus worth up to €3 million, Phileleleftheros reported on Friday. Smart Pole manufacturers participating in the competition will be asked to supply upcoming projects as part of a “Smart City” transformation. The Smart Poles will be offered to interested Municipalities to erect them at designated areas within their territory. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus to set up agency to promote tertiary education sector
House President Demetris Syllouris met on Tuesday with Ministers and academia representatives to discuss the establishment of an agency to promote the tertiary education sector both in Cyprus and abroad. In statements to the press, Syllouris said the meeting took place after a consultation with President Nicos Anastasiades with a view to promote an initiative with a specific time frame that would lead to the establishment of an agency for the promotion of the Cyprus tertiary training both at home Read More
Grand Hyatt coming to Limassol
A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Anolia Holdings Limited for the first Hyatt hotel in Cyprus, Grand Hyatt Limassol. The 300-room luxury resort is expected to open in 2025 and signifies Hyatt’s continued growth into Europe’s leading travel destinations, the company said in a press release. The new-build 300 room beachfront resort will be situated at a Blue Flag beach east of Limassol and will feature a 43,000-square-foot (4,000-square-metre) beach club including premium spa and fitness Read More
Ministry updates travel list; Serbia in Group C
The Health Ministry on Tuesday issued a revised list of countries regarding their epidemiological risk as regards coronavirus for travel purposes, moving Serbia from Group B to Group C and Australia from Group A to Group B. The new list is effective as of July 16. The Ministry said that for the update it also took into account the recommendation of the European Council dated June 30 for the gradual and coordinated lifting of travel bans to the EU. Read More
Further easing of restrictions in force from today
The further easing of restrictions on gatherings and in the outdoor areas of catering establishments come into force from today, July 12, reflecting what the Health Ministry has described as the very good epidemiological indicators being recorded in Cyprus in recent weeks. The changes are as follows: 1. Maximum number of persons at social gatherings at home and/or in public spaces: The maximum number of persons allowed to attend social gatherings at home and/or in public places (physical presence in Read More
Wizz Air to launch Abu Dhabi flights in October
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, announced on Monday a new route to Larnaca starting from October 3. The Abu Dhabi based airline, the newest national airline of the United Arab Emirates, said the flight to Larnaca from Abu Dhabi was a “highly anticipated route”. It is set to start on October 3, 2020. “I am delighted to announce Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s new route connecting Larnaca with Abu Dhabi. We are excited to welcome our distinguished Cypriot passengers on board our Read More
Cyprus to enter the natural gas era, Defa chairman says
From Thursday when President Nicos Anastasiades lays the foundation stone for the construction of the Cyprus LNG import terminal project in Vasilikos, Cyprus will enter the natural gas era, Natural Gas Public Company chairman Symeon Kassianides said on Wednesday. The project with a total budget of €289 million is considered to be the largest energy project Cyprus and features an LNG floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a jetty, mooring facilities, a pipeline on the jetty and other onshore and Read More
Emirates SkyCargo expands network to Larnaca
Emirates SkyCargo will be operating scheduled cargo flights to 100 destinations across six continents during the month of July 2020, including Larnaca, Cyprus. Apart from Larnaca, the new cities added to the air cargo carrier’s network include Accra, Algiers, Athens, Fort Lauderdale, Glasgow, Los Angeles, Male, Moscow (SVO), Phnom Penh, Rome, Santiago, Sialkot and Tunis. According to a press release, Emirates SkyCargo’s network expansion is in response to the growing economic activity and demand for air cargo capacity from markets Read More
Visitors from 40 countries in Groups A and B as from today
As of today, visitors from 40 countries can enter Cyprus after the Epidemiological Monitoring and Control of Infectious Diseases Unit of the Medical Services and the Public Health Services carried out a reassessment of the epidemiological risk as regards Covid-19. Published late on Friday, the list is made up of 23 countries in Group A that can enter Cyprus without a coronavirus free certificate and 17 in Group B that require a certificate showing negative PCR of Covid-19. In the Read More
EU gives green light to Cyprus-Greece ferry link
The European Commission has given the green light to state support for a Cyprus-Greece ferry link, opening the way for a tender to launch the service, outgoing deputy shipping minister Natasa Pilides said on Monday. She said that the EC’s DG Competition had authorised a maximum of €6m annually in state aid for the planned ferry. Pilides was speaking at a press conference taking stock of her work as Cyprus’ first deputy minister for shipping since her appointment two and Read More
Property sales recover following lockdown easing
Property sales island-wide are back to February levels in June following the lockdown brought about by the Coronavirus outbreak, Insider reports. According to data from the Lands and Surveys Department, 1296 applications were submitted in June, nearly twice as many as May (626) and more than in February (1216). A total of 4859 applications have been submitted with the Department since the start of 2020. Continue reading at source: Read More
Ministry updates list of countries for travel to Cyprus – Israel in Category C
The Health Ministry on Friday issued a revised list of countries regarding their epidemiological risk as regards coronavirus for travel purposes, moving Israel from Category B to Category C. The new list is effective as of July 6. The Ministry said that for the update it also took into account the recommendation of the European Council dated June 30 for the gradual and coordinated lifting of travel bans to the EU. It was also announced earlier that given the improvement Read More
Ryanair launches seat sale to mark resumption of flights
To celebrate the resumption of flights from Cyprus on July 1, Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares from just €19.99 one way for travel in August and September 2020, which must be booked by midnight Sunday on the ryanair.com website. The sale includes more than 20 routes to destinations in Europe, Ryanir’s Chiara Ravara said. “Since these amazing low prices will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out.” Read More
EU green lights Cyprus scheme to boost air connectivity
The European Commission has approved a €6.3 m incentives scheme to boost Cyprus’ air connectivity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was quickly welcomed by Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos who said that about 1.1 million passengers and some 60 airlines are expected to benefit from the scheme through to the end of the year. Subsidies will be paid out depending on their load factor. There is a maximum of €800,000 payment per airline. Continue Read More
President to meet scientific team on Friday, UK flights on the agenda
President, Nicos Anastasiades, will be meeting with the epidemiological team on Friday morning to assess the situation following further relaxation in restrictive measures. A source told the CNA that the meeting was taking place at a crucial moment as Cyprus has opened its airports and tourists are arriving from specific countries. The meeting will assess the situation and the resumption of flights as well as how the countries are categorised, according to their epidemiological data. Arrivals from the UK and Read More
July marks start of tourism engines
While in different times April marked the beginning of the summer season, this year it was pushed back by three months as the Coronavirus pandemic has destabilised the tourism sector in Cyprus as well as globally, Demetra Landou of Phileleftheros writes. One after another, countries have been announcing the reopening of their borders whilst publishing their procedures for welcoming tourists. Cyprus opened its airports 10 days prior to Greece and is gearing up for the coming months. Continue reading Read More
Wizz Air announces five new destinations from Larnaca
Wizz Air announced today the allocation of the third aircraft to its Larnaca base. The new Airbus A320 will join the fleet on August 1, 2020, enabling the start of five new routes from Larnaca to Paris Beauvais, Eindhoven, Prague, Gdansk and Heraklion as well as the increase of frequency of the airline’s existing Athens route. The new low fare routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and in the airline’s mobile app. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus Tourism Minister expects to open to British tourists as of July 15
“We expect to allow British tourists to come to Cyprus as of July 15,” Cyprus Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios told the British newspaper Sun Online on Wednesday. “The UK is our biggest market, it’s massively important to us, and the situation there is improving all the time,” he said. “In a few weeks from now, by mid-July, flights will be possible from the UK to Cyprus … 15th July sounds very reasonable.” The UK was previously not on the list Read More
Deputy tourism ministry publishes full details of how to visit Cyprus for tourists
The deputy ministry for tourism published on Monday an updated version of the Covid-19 Destination Protocol that includes useful information for tourists and visitors. The protocol includes useful information for entering the Republic of Cyprus as well as the main points of the protocols for air transport, airports/ports, transport, accommodation in hotels/tourist accommodation, museums, parks, beaches, restaurants and information about coronavirus tests. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Deputy tourism ministry publishes full details of how to visit Cyprus for tourists
The deputy ministry for tourism published on Monday an updated version of the Covid-19 Destination Protocol that includes useful information for tourists and visitors. The protocol includes useful information for entering the Republic of Cyprus as well as the main points of the protocols for air transport, airports/ports, transport, accommodation in hotels/tourist accommodation, museums, parks, beaches, restaurants and information about coronavirus tests. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Deputy shipping minister visits Ayia Napa Marina
Deputy shipping minister, Natasa Pilides on Thursday visited Ayia Napa Marina flagship project, where she had the opportunity of a tour to the premises by the CEO of M.M. Makronisos Marina Ltd, Stavros Caramondanis. During her visit, emphasis was placed on the Marina, which after the trial period, is already commercially operational since the beginning of June and can host 600 yachts in wet and dry storage, while at the same time the yacht berthing and services are fully Read More
Crossing points reopened on Sunday, special conditions apply
The Republic of Cyprus put into effect on Sunday the decision taken last Friday to reopen the crossing points for Cypriot citizens and all those who legally reside in the Republic. The illegal regime in the occupied areas still allows only enclaved or Maronites to pass and has denied this morning two people to pass as their COVID-19 negative test was in Greek and not in English. Crossing of people is done under special conditions. As the Interior Ministry announced Read More
Ryanair: cheap fares to 8 destinations from Larnaca via Vienna
Ryanair has launched rescue fares starting from €19.99 on the Larnaca-Vienna route and eight other European destinations to accommodate customers affected by Level’s collapse, the Cyprus News Agency reports. These low rescue fares are on sale now on the Ryanair.com website, for travel until the end of October but must be booked by midnight Sunday (June 21). Table shows the routes, number of flights per week and starting price of fare Continue reading at source: Read More
Ministry issues new lists of countries for travel to Cyprus
A day before phase two of the opening of Cyprus’ airports, the Health Ministry has updated its lists of countries regarding their epidemiological risk as regards coronavirus — adding four countries to Group A and nine to Group B. In an announcement, it said that after the opening of the borders on June 9, the epidemiological situation of various countries as regards Covid-19 has been reassessed and additional countries have been added to the groups. Continue reading at source: Read More
Work starts on largest bus terminal in Cyprus
Work to construct the largest bus terminal in Cyprus got underway in Paphos old town on Wednesday, Paphos municipality announced. “One of the most important projects in Paphos, that of the largest bus terminal in Cyprus, to be built in the municipal parking lot Karavella, started today,” the municipality said in an announcement. The creation of a modern transport hub, with a budget of some 3 million euros, is part of the wider project to build a network of public Read More
Coronavirus: Around 7,000 passengers passed through airport in first week
There were 85 flights with around 7,000 passengers to and from Larnaca airport in the first week after it resumed operations on June 9, it emerged on Wednesday. According to Hermes Airport data reported by CNA, from June 9-15 there were 42 flights to Cyprus carrying 2,950 passengers and 43 flights departing with 4,039 passengers. Airports on the island were closed on March 21 as part of government measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Though repatriation flights were Read More
Cyprus the highest climber in IMD 2020 World Competitiveness Ranking
Cyprus was the highest climber in the 2020 IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, marking an improvement in all four categories that make up the overall ranking. Cyprus finished in the 30th place in 63 countries, compared to 41 in the 2019 edition, marking an improvement of 11 places. “Cyprus registered the largest improvement in the ranking among the 63 countries under evaluation in 2020,” the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre (ERC) which along with Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation acted as Read More
Two new linear parks planned for Paphos
A study to create two linear parks costing millions in the district of Paphos was presented by the mayor at a meeting on Monday evening. Mayor of Paphos Phedonas Phedonos described the project as one of the most important ever seen in the district for the municipalities and communities involved, and pointed out that the project covers the needs of 70,000 inhabitants. Phedonos said the construction plans are expected to be completed in around 30 days and the work will Read More
Cyprus Airways resumes commercial flights 22 hours ago
Cyprus Airways officially resumed operations with commercial flights to and from Greek destinations, implementing a series of health and safety measures. And in July, the airline plans to expand its schedule for this summer with flights to and from Zurich, Geneva and Tel Aviv. George Mavrocostas, Chief Operations Officer of Cyprus Airways said the company has quickly adjusted to the new status quo, maintaining the highest possible hygiene standards as per the recommendations by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Read More
Economist Jeffrey Sachs praises Cyprus’s role in Eastern Mediterranean
Economist Jeffrey Sachs, Nobel Prize winner for his work on economic development, praises Cyprus for its role in developing the Eastern Mediterranean. “Cyprus plays a role in the effort for sustainable development,” the 65-year old American professor, whose advice was critical in the transformation of the nations of Eastern Europe after the Berlin Wall fell, told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday. “President Anastasiadis,” he says, “has stated that it is a priority for the region. He has taken the Read More
Interior Minister Nouris: Invest for Passport Programme is secure and strong
Interior minister says Cypriot investment programme is secure and strong By Andrew Rosenbaum Across Europe, 10 EU member states, including Cyprus, offer either residency or citizenship in exchange for investment. International organisations have long criticised these programmes, but the Cyprus government has not only addressed these criticisms in its new proposal, but also improved programme security and administration, as Interior Minister Nicos Nouris told the Sunday Mail. “Security is strongly improved,” Nouris said. “The candidates are carefully vetted when Read More
Cyprus Shipping Chamber praises renewal of shipping taxation system by House
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) said the maritime industry will greatly benefit from the renewal of the shipping taxation system, which was unanimously approved by the House plenum on Wednesday. “The unanimous vote in parliament will ensure Cyprus has a prominent place in the shipping world for many years to come,” the CSC said. According to the CSC, the renewed shipping taxation system fully covers the three basic shipping activities that are offered today in international shipping: ship-owning, ship management Read More
Maximum of 75 guest indoors, 150 outdoors at catering establishments
The Health Ministry has revised the guidelines for the operation of catering establishments setting a maximum of 75 guests indoors and 150 outdoors. It said the change aims to safeguard public health and follows phenomena of non-compliance and correct implementation of the decrees and protocols at catering establishments. The rule that set a minimum of 3 square metres per person indoors and 2 square metres per person outdoors remains in force, however the ministry said that there is now a Read More
Deal for development of non-military land in SBAs
The UK Government and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus announced today the next important stage in the implementation of the bilateral Arrangement reached in 2014 on the regulation of non-military development in the Bases. Speaking at a signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace, President Nicos Anastasiades said this was a historic day for the inhabitants and property owners in the territory controlled by the British Authorities, as well as a tangible proof of the excellent relations between the Read More
Paralimni Marina set to launch this summer
Global real estate advisor Savills has been appointed as the master selling agent for Paralimni Marina, the new waterfront destination set to transform Cyprus. Launching this summer, Paralimni Marina will include 123 two – four-bedroom apartments and villas with interiors furnished by Armani/Casa, the legendary Italian design house. A promenade and park will provide the focal point of the community with a 300-berth marina and serviced yacht club, alongside cafes and restaurants from international and local brands. Residents will also have use Read More
Action plan on biodiversity approved by Cabinet, to be presented Friday
The strategy for biodiversity as well the progress achieved in the framework of the President of the Republic’s initiative for climate change will be presented on Friday, 5th June, World Environment Day at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace. The strategy as well as the action plan for biodiversity were approved on Wednesday by the Cabinet with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Costas Kadis talking about “a landmark case”. Continue reading at source: Read More
Only handful of hotels to open by Kataklysmos long weekend
Only a handful of hotels will welcome guests during the coming long weekend (June 6-8, Kataklysmos), Demetra Landou reports for Phileleftheros. The traditional kataklysmos festivities have been cancelled this year under protocols to contain the spread of coronavirus while hoteliers are still waiting for developments regarding foreign visitors once airports reopen. Phileleftheros says that only two of 57 hotels in the Paphos district and a few in the free Famagusta area are opening in time for the weekend while those Read More
Airlines showing interest; Cyprus airports ready to open says minister
Larnaca and Paphos Airports are ready to reopen on June 9, and several airline companies have already notified authorities that they will be scheduling flights, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Monday without elaborating. The airports will open in two phases, June 9 and June 20. During phase one, all arrivals will required a certificate that they have tested negative for coronavirus. In phase two, arrivals from group A (13 of the 19 countries on the initial list) will not Read More
Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection through Crete ready by December 2023
EuroAsia Interconnector, the official Project Developer of the European Project of Common Interest (PCI 3.10 Israel Cyprus Greece-Crete) warmly thanks the governments of Cyprus and Greece for their full political support. The official Project Developer has submitted to the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ (CEF) for the implementation of the interconnection of Cyprus with Greece through Crete by December 2023. Continue reading at source: Read More
Gradual opening of checkpoints ‘reasonable arrangement’ says expert
From a scientific perspective, the gradual opening of the checkpoints on the Green Line is a ‘very reasonable arrangement’, one of the experts advising the government on the coronavirus situation in Cyprus told CNA on Sunday. Petros Karayiannis, a member of the team of scientific advisors on Covid-19, spoke to CNA ahead of tomorrow’s teleconference of the bicommunal technical committee on health. Five members of the team of advisors will also be taking part in the telecoference. Continue reading Read More
Additional relaxations in new Health Ministry decree
Pleasure boats and sea sports are back, under conditions, following a decree issued on Thursday by Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou, CNA reports. The new decree also allows horse racing meetings, but without spectators, from June 3. It also allows the arrival to Cyprus of individuals irrespective of nationality to implement public projects or for other professional obligations following approval of the relevant minister or undersecretary to the president to whom requests must be submitted. Such individuals must either bring a Read More
New measures on economy – full text of president’s speech
President Nicos Anastasiades on Wednesday day announced a new package of 10 measures to support employees and the economy. This is the full text of his televised address as released by the PIO: When in the previous months one address came after the other, regarding harsh measures for combating the pandemic, only one thing was on my mind during the hours of solitary reflection: when would I be able to give back the joy and hope to my fellow citizens. Read More
Paphos most booked holiday destination for Britons in April, May 2021
Paphos is the most booked destination for British holidaymakers in April and May next year, the Daily Mail reported on Wednesday citing data collected by TravelSupermarket. Costa Blanca and Orlando came in second and third respectively. It said that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, April and May 2021 have become the most popular months for Britons to book overseas package holidays Continue reading at source: Read More
Ryanair says to resume flights to Cyprus on July 1
Ryanair said on Tuesday that it will offering daily flights to Cyprus from July 1. It also launched a seat sale for travel in July and August. In an announcement, the airline said it plans to operate 40% of its normal July flight schedule. It follows Spain’s decision to remove travel and visitor restrictions from 1 July, mirroring earlier plans announced by Italy, Cyprus, Greece, and Portugal to reopen their hotels and beaches for the key July-August family holiday season. Read More
Anti-litter campaign underway to protect Cyprus’ beaches
Saturday’s official post-lockdown reopening of the beaches coincided with the launch of a month-long campaign by the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI). Supported by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the campaign “Our beaches, our treasures – Let’s protect them” aims to raise awareness among local people to stop littering the beaches and sea. Continue reading at source: Read More
Covid-19: A round-up of the latest developments in Cyprus
*Cyprus on Saturday recorded no new coronavirus cases for the first time since the start of the outbreak but eight new cases were reported on Sunday, of which seven were imported on Thursday. *Member of the committee of experts advising the government on Coronavirus Dr Leontios Kostrikis said on Monday that the crowding observed over the weekend in restaurants and public areas is troubling and dangerous. *Malta and Greece were among low-risk countries for visitors to Cyprus and Switzerland and the Czech Republic among higher risk Read More
Protaras beaches packed yday-people in line with measures
The Cyprus News Agency reported packed Protaras beaches yesterday, on the first day of their opening, despite previous reports that the weather forecast kept many people away. According to the CNA report, all beaches in the area were fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, in line with protocol procedures, with the Paralimni municipality not charging for the beaches all weekend. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cabinet to decide on airports, hotels today
The Council of Ministers meets on Friday morning to decide on the opening of the airports and of hotels. The meeting is scheduled to start at 11.45 am. Presidential advisor, Victoras Papadopoulos told CyBC radio that cabinet will decide on three issues: Continue reading at source: Read More
Invest Cyprus: Cyprus remains a safe tourist destination
Speaking during an online discussion entitled Commonwealth Tourism During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Immediate Responses and Future Opportunities, Invest Cyprus CEO George Campanellas outlined the remarkable results that Cyprus achieved in tackling the pandemic, maintaining its reputation as a safe destination. The online discussion was organised by the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council and was joined by an international audience, mainly from the Commonwealth Member States. The discussion featured, among others, Malta’s Tourism Minister, Hon Julia Farrugi, the former Maldives president, Read More
Some 2000 catering establishments reopen
Some 2000 of about 6000 licensed catering establishments are back in operation today, first day of phase two of the lockdown exit plan. Phytos Thrasyvoulou who chairs, Sikap, the association of catering establishments said that Nicosia has the highest number of establishments opening, followed by Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, with the free Famagusta area in last place. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cabinet greenlights phase 2 of lockdown exit plan, beaches to open May 23
Phase two of the lockdown exit strategy will go ahead as planned on Thursday, with the government also bringing forward the opening of beaches to May 23. This was announced by government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos after a meeting on Tuesday of the Council of Ministers. He said that after taking into consideration the advice from the team of scientists, the Cabinet had decided to reconfirm the activation of phase two of the relaxation of restrictions, with some minor changes. Read More
32,000 to return to work
32,000 more people will go back to work this month within the framework of the gradual return to normality for the economy, Theano Thiopoulou of Phileleftheros reports. As of May 21, phase two of the easing of lockdown measures begins and SMS movement permission ends allowing citizens to move freely. Continue reading at source: Read More
Heat wave an ‘ally against coronavirus’, says expert
The heat wave gripping Cyprus — with temperatures 12 C above the average for the time of year — is an ally against the coronavirus, a member of the team of scientists advising the government on the Covid-19 outbreak told CNA on Monday. Professor Petros Karayiannis added that it was possible that in the next few days Cyprus may have no new positive cases or that these may be sporadic. “I think the heat wave is on our side. Because Read More
Cyprus Shipping Chamber praises renewal of shipping taxation system by House
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) said the maritime industry will greatly benefit from the renewal of the shipping taxation system, which was unanimously approved by the House plenum on Wednesday. “The unanimous vote in parliament will ensure Cyprus has a prominent place in the shipping world for many years to come,” the CSC said. According to the CSC, the renewed shipping taxation system fully covers the three basic shipping activities that are offered today in international shipping: ship-owning, ship management Read More
Hellenic Bank sells its most expensive home
Hellenic Bank has sold its most expensive home according to a special report, with foreign investors shelling out 3 million for a mansion in Lakatamia. According to InBusinessNews, the most expensive home listed on the books at Hellenic Bank has been sold to foreign investors for €3,070,000. The residence was built approximately 8 years ago on a land area of 14,542 square metres in Lakatamia, a western suburb of Nicosia, and it contains a luxury residence of over 1000 square Read More
TUI CEO: Greece and Cyprus well-prepared for summer
Friedrich Joussen, the CEO of TUI GROUP said Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Austria and Denmark are among the destinations that are “well prepared” for the summer tourist season. “We have developed a health check for all tourist destinations and will only offer holidays in safe countries,” he said in an interview with BILD television, stressing that Germany must first open up its own borders. Continue reading at source: Read More
Transport Minister: ‘Action plan for flights ready in 15 days’
Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said in an interview to Phileleftheros published on Saturday that the most important thing for his ministry is to restore Cyprus’ connectivity as it is fundamental for restarting the economy. He added that there have been no cutbacks in funding for public works due to the crisis but said that the timeline for implementation of projects in its pipeline is being challenged. Continue reading at source: Read More
Covid-19: A round-up of the latest developments in Cyprus
Final year secondary pupils in Lyceums and Technical schools resumed classes on Monday as part of the government’s plan for the gradual exit of the country from the Coronavirus lockout. Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou said that pupils showed up today by an overwhelming majority of 95%, noting that adherence to hygiene protocols is now a priority and any problems that arise will be tackled. Continue reading at source: Read More
Managers propose rules for operation of hotels
The Cyprus Hotel Managers Association has drawn up a detailed guide with proposals on how hotels should operate once allowed to reopen under the lockdown exit strategy, Demetra Landou reports for Phileleftheros. Tourism stakeholders will be submitting their proposals to the deputy tourism ministry which is preparing a protocol for the tourism sector more generally. Hotels and airports are set to open between June 9 and July 13, provided everything goes to plan. Continue reading at source: Read More
Study: When will Covid-19 end in Cyprus?
A Singapore University of Technology and Design study published on April 28 predicts the lifecycle of the Coronavirus pandemic in many countries, including Cyprus. According to the findings, the pandemic peaked in Cyprus on April 5, while the virus is reported to have left the community by a rate of 97% on April 29. The University predicts that by May 8 that percentage will reach 99% in Cyprus and will reach 100% on May 24. Continue reading at source: Read More
Investors keen to move ahead with Larnaca port marina project
Investors of the joint development plan for Larnaca Port and Marina have assured the town’s mayor that planning is continuing and that they wish for the agreement to be signed as quickly as possible. This was revealed in a statement by Larnaca Municipality which said Mayor Andreas Vyras had spoken by phone with the investors. The mayor assured them that with the public service back at work today with the easing of the lockdown he will personally contact the departments Read More
Cyprus shipping applauds its seafarers around the world
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, through its Member-companies, participated in a global initiative, in view of Labor Day, sounding the horns of ships in Limassol port together with other ships in ports across the world, on 1 May 2020, at 12 noon local time. According to a press release, with this this gesture of solidarity, the International Shipping Community honored the “unseen heroes” of global trade, its seafarers, wanting to remind the general public around the world, that the 1.6 Read More
Coronavirus: Cyprus eases into life with partial lockdown
The first phase of easing the restrictive measures imposed due to the coronavirus started on Monday. Restrictions on the construction sector are being lifted, while all retail businesses can reopen except those in shopping malls and department stores. Restaurants and playgrounds will also remain closed. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Health Minister: Airports, restaurants to reopen in June
Airports will reopen during part three of the lockout exit strategy in June, but in stages and under conditions, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Thursday. He was speaking at a press conference on the government’s lockdown exit strategy which starts with partial easing of the measures on May 4. President Nicos Anastasiades announced the first two stages during his televised address last night. Continue reading at source: Read More
Country gradually ‘restarts’ on Monday
The government is expected to gradually ‘restart’ the country this coming Monday, with the Council of Ministers scheduled to finalise today the way in which the gradual lifting of measures will begin at a Presidential Palace meeting kicking off at 11:30 am. According to Phileleftheros, from what became known so far, changes in citizens’ movements will not be particularly felt despite the fact that they will be allowed more outings per day as well as more locations to visit. Read More
Cyprus, Greece travel agents working on tourism exchanges
Cypriot and Greek travel agents will submit a joint proposal to the governments of the two countries to ‘exchange’ tourists as soon as conditions allow. According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) and their Greek counterparts HATTA held a teleconference last Friday during which they agreed to submit a joint proposal to the respective governments to create a new tourism dogma. Continue reading at source: Read More
Scientists say ‘road open’ for gradual lifting of restrictions
Τhe Health Ministry’s epidemiological team today gave the green light for the gradual lifting of the lockdown in Cyprus, based on ‘credible, encouraging evidence’, said Dr Leontios Kostrikkis, member of the health ministry’s advisory team of scientists. Αfter announcing 7 new cases of coronavirus out of a total of 2415 diagnostic tests, raising the number to 817 (including 10 in the British Bases), Kostrikkis added that the ‘way is now set to go into the phase of the gradual lifting Read More
Four stages to gradual ending of lockdown
Restrictive measures in Cyprus are expected to be eased in four stages over two to three months, starting on May 4, the Cyprus News Agency said on Friday citing sources. Each phase will last about two weeks at which point the coronavirus situation will be evaluated by the experts. If the number of new cases rises, then restrictive measures will be reintroduced. Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou told CNA yesterday that there are specific indicators that will be used to monitor Read More
Cablenet stands by those who really need it
In the context of its Corporate Social Responsibility and fully comprehending the difficulties that some families may be facing, especially during this critical period, Cablenet is announcing that, effective immediately, it will offer free internet service to families that do not have broadband access at home. The above offer primarily aims to give internet access to these families’ children so that they can continue to enjoy the precious gift of knowledge in its current form following the actions of the Ministry of Education Read More
Cyprus reaps benefits of listening to its scientists on Covid-19 1 hour ago
By listening to its medical experts, Cyprus has managed to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve and keep the death rate low, President Nicos Anastasiades has told the Associated Press. In a written statement to the news agency, he said the infection curve is flattening, less than seven weeks after its first confirmed case, and the government is drafting plans to gradually lift restrictions. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus has lowest rate of overcrowded homes in EU
Cyprus has the lowest share of the population living in overcrowded homes among EU member states — with only 2.5% not having enough rooms compared to the size of their household, according to figures published by Eurostat on Wednesday. The same figures show that seven in ten people in Cyprus live in under-occupied households. Eurostat’s figures show that This rate is particularly high for the elderly. Overall, Cyprus ranked second with 71.4% of the population living in under-crowded Read More
Coronavirus: president chairs meeting of Covid-19 task force
President Nicos Anastasiades was chairing a meeting of the scientific team of the health ministry and various ministers on the subject of the coronavirus on Wednesday morning. During the meeting, which began at 9.30am, the scientific team was expected to present a progress report to help the ministers decide on the gradual relaxation of restrictive measures. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Motorists reconsider electric vehicle switch in the wake of Covid-19
Government-enforced lockdowns around the world due to Covid-19 are without doubt making life difficult for many, but they are also having a dramatic, positive impact on people’s awareness of the benefits to the environment, according to a report by Venson Automotive Solutions on a survey carried out in the United Kingdom. 45% of people surveyed by Venson confirmed that the radical improvement in air pollution across the globe as a result of the demobilisation of transport, has made them reconsider Read More
Bank of Cyprus makes internet banking registration available online
The Bank of Cyprus has made 1Bank, its internet banking platform, available to all existing customers over the age of 18 without the need for an in-branch visit. Customers who wish to register for 1Bank services can do so by visiting the 1Bank page and clicking on the ‘register to 1bank’ button. The ability for 1Bank registration will also be introduced to the bank’s mobile application within the next few days. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Coronavirus: nine million masks coming in next 30 days for use by public
Health authorities announced on Thursday they would be taking delivery of nine million masks in the next 30 days, which could be distributed to the general population in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The masks will arrive in two batches at the end of April and mid-May, the health ministry said. More details will be announced at a later date. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Coronavirus: Anastasiades to chair meeting on possible relaxation of measures
President Nicos Anastasiades will meet the team advising the government on the coronavirus on April 22 to discuss the possibility of easing certain restrictions. He will then meet with leaders of political parties the next day on the same topic. Government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos stressed the meeting will not automatically mean a relaxation of the measures, but only the start of a discussion. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Karousos: 2000 repatriations every fortnight
Repatriations are picking up during Holy Week, with the aim of reaching a target of about 2000 Cypriots and legal residents every two weeks — on a par with the quarantine facilities available, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos told CNA on Tuesday. He said that authorities have drawn up a plan of action, beginning with the UK and Greece. Most of those belonging to the vulnerable groups have already returned, and in the next 15 and 20 days, repatriations will be Read More
Coronavirus: mass testing well underway, Okypy says
The testing of 20,000 people by the end of the month, primarily healthcare workers and people in the private and public sector who come in contact with the public, is well underway, the state health service Okypy said on Monday. The testing, being carried out by private lab staff, began on Saturday in specially designated areas in each district where people could drive up and be swabbed. Almost 150 people were tested on Saturday. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Covid-19: A round-up of the latest developments in Cyprus
President Nicos Anastasiades extended the lockdown until April 30 in a televised address on Wednesday night saying there was a ‘ray of light’ that the measures were working. He also said the support package for employees and businesses through the Ministry of Labour’s schemes will continue until June 12 and, under specific criteria, for four months thereafter. Cyprus is also easing the repatriation criteria of citizens stranded abroad with the addition of four more categories who qualify. Continue reading at source: Read More
Cyprus' shipping strategy reduces US detention rates by more than half
Cyprus is no longer part of the Targeted Flag List of the United States Coastguard (USCG), the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has announced. This relates to the safety performance of flag administrations. In 2019, the annual detention ratio of Cyprus ships was reduced to 0.55%, down from 1.79% in 2018, while the USCG’s overall 2019 figure was 1.12%. In essence, this may lead to fewer inspections for Cyprus vessels at US ports and adds to the flag’s status Read More
Bank of Cyprus donates tablet computers to Ministry of Education
The Bank of Cyprus, in conjunction with Public and Bionic, have donated 1000 tablet computers to the Ministry of Education. The devices will be distributed to disadvantaged children who are struggling to participate in the efforts being made to complete the school year through the use of online learning. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Ministerial Committee meets to evaluate coronavirus measures
A ministerial committee is underway chaired by President Nicos Anastasiades to evaluate measures aiming to curb the spread of coronavirus. Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushos told CNA on Sunday that the meeting is expected assess the situation. Continue reading at source: Read More
Medical supplies, equipment airlifted to Cyprus
A special Aegean flight landed at Larnaca Airport on Saturday night bringing much needed medical equipment and supplies from China. The airplane landed a little after 8 pm and unloading started immediately. It brought 17 tons of medical equipment ordered by the Health Ministry — surgical masks and other protective personal equipment (PPE) such as gowns and glasses as well as 12 ventilators. Continue reading at source: Read More
Oslo-based company applies to bring LNG to Cyprus from 2021
An Oslo-based company has formally applied to bring liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Cyprus starting in the first half of 2021. In a press release, Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd said its subsidiary, Höegh LNG Ltd, has applied for an LNG infrastructure ownership, operations and development licence in Cyprus. Their proposal entails the use of a floating, regasification and storage unit (Fsru). “The plan consists of using one of Höegh LNG’s Fsru’s as a fast track solution for the required fuel Read More
Citizens make hundreds of face shields per day for Limassol Hospital
Citizens have turned their houses into small workshops to make face shields for the medical staff of Limassol Hospital using 3D printing technology, the CNA reports. Meanwhile, the emergency response team of the Ypsonas Municipality is also printing similar masks, contributing to the effort. The initiative kicked off 15 days ago via social media, where people came together offering their 3D printers, and companies joined the effort by providing the necessary materials. Continue reading at source: Read More
Expropriation of private land in Peyia to protect seals
Good news for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) as the Council of Ministers approved on Tuesday the expropriation of private property in the Sea Caves area in Peyia where the seal reproduces. According to the announcement, today’s decision is of great importance for the preservation of the small population of Monachus Monachus in Cyprus. The move was an initiative of Minister of Agriculture Costas Kadis and falls within Cyprus’ international obligations to effectively protect the species. Continue reading Read More
More than 95% of schools in Cyprus are applying remote learning programmes
More than 95% of the schools all over Cyprus are applying long distance learning programmes, Director of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute Athena Michaelidou has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), adding that “we are coordinating with Europe and we see through our participation in networks to all European countries that they are at about the same level as we are.” Continue reading at source: Read More
Larnaca Municipality offers parking lots for drive through tests
Larnaca Municipality is making municipal car parks available free of charge to any private lab that can carry out drive through sample taking for coronavirus tests. It said those interested should contact telephones 24651088 and 24816579. Continue reading at source: Read More
Paphos hotels offer free accommodation to health professionals
Paphos hotels are offering free accommodation to health professionals from other towns. Thanos Michaelides, who chairs the Paphos branch of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association told the Cyprus News Agency that in recognition of the work of health professionals, hoteliers were offering free accommodation to those sent from other hospitals to bolster Paphos Hospital. Continue reading at source: Read More
Coronavirus: Five more discharged on Thursday, 20 month old girl tested negative
Five more patients were discharged on Thursday from the Famagusta referral hospital after they were declared Coronavirus-free, and a 20-month old girl from the British Bases that was admitted to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia with symptoms has tested negative. It was noted by Christina Yannaki, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health that all people discharged from the Famagusta Hospital go into self-isolation at home for 14 days. Continue reading at source: Read More
Coronavirus: e-learning in state schools fully operational by Thursday
Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou said Tuesday e-learning in public schools would be fully operational by Thursday. Though distance learning is not considered teaching for exams, and exams will only include what is taught in the classroom by the end of the school year, this does not mean it is limited to what has been taught so far but e-learning will follow the curriculum where possible. Regarding the further organisation of the school year and exams, more will be announced later Read More
JCC: Now is the time for remote and online payments #staysafe
For more than 30 years, JCC has been supporting businesses and the financial services sector in Cyprus, guided by the central premise of security and reliability in every type of service JCC has been providing. These same principles are guiding our response to the difficult challenge of the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19). JCC has proactively initiated a multi-functional pandemic response plan across all of its operations to address the impact of COVID-19 and has taken all the necessary measures to ensure Read More
Paphos comes together over Covid-19
All across the Paphos region, local authorities as well as individuals and organisations have pledged to help in the coronavirus pandemic that is gripping Cyprus. “If anyone needs help in our area I want them to call me. I will visit them or find out what they need on the telephone. Maybe it’s shopping, medicine, or whatever they need,“ Giotis Papachristofi, the mayor of Polis, told the Sunday Mail. All necessary precautions will be taken before any visit, he added, Read More
Coronavirus: Post Office’s Quickpost for urgent packages abroad
The Postal Service’s Quickpost can be used to send medicine and other urgent items abroad, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos reminded the public on Monday. In a message on Twitter, Karousos said that nearly all post offices have this service. The telephone centre is 80002000. Continue reading at source: Read More
Coronavirus: Supermarkets well stocked, operating smoothly
Supermarkets are well stocked and operations are back to normal after a rush on Thursday morning amid rumours, quickly denied by the government, that they may close. Andreas Hadjiadamou, chairman of the Association of Cyprus Supermarkets said that the situation had normalised from yesterday afternoon after assurances from the government that there were no plans to close them. He told the Cyprus News Agency that rumours on Thursday morning has sparked a rush, but the situation was back to normal Read More
Coronavirus: A round-up of the latest developments in Cyprus
Another nine people tested positive last night in the Republic of Cyprus, including a doctor and a nurse, raising the number to 67, and another 13 in the occupied areas bringing the total to 33. The A&E departments of Limassol and Paphos Hospitals have suspended operations for 72 hours. The Labour Ministry issued FAQ regarding the emergency support package and a hotline to launch on Monday. In good news, two patients that had been found positive to Covid-19 and were being treated at Famagusta Hospital tested negative to the virus on Read More
Apollonion hospital offers its services
The Apollonion private hospital has offered help in the fight against the coronavirus, health minister Constantinos Ioannou has announced. In a message on Twitter, the minister said chairman of the board of directors Christos Pouris had informed him that the hospital is at the ministry’s disposal. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Lidl Cyprus stores to open only for elderly each morning
Lidl Cyprus will on Thursday launch a priority shopping time for consumers over the age of 65 as well as people with disabilities, who will be the only ones allowed in during the stores’ first hours. This initiative will start on Thursday and run daily from 7am to 10am and on Sunday from 8am to 10am in all 17 Lidl stores in Cyprus. Consumers are requested to follow the instructions of staff members at store entrances. Continue reading at Read More
Coronavirus: Price cap on masks and antiseptics until April 30
The government has issued a decree capping the wholesale and retail price of antiseptics, antibacterial products and masks to counter any price-gouging. The order is in force from 6pm Wednesday until April 30 inclusive. It sets out in two columns a maximum price for wholesale and retail. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Zeta Emilianidou Outlines Measures To Support Employment, Workers And Vulnerable Groups
Measures to support employment, workers and vulnerable groups of the population from the effects of the coronavirus protection measures, which are expected to cost an estimated € 159m, have been announced by the Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance Zeta Emilianidou on Sunday.The measures including granting leave to workers in the private sector who have to stay home ot take care of their children, unemployment to workers where the companies suspended operations or they will suffer a 25% Read More
Cyprus Government: €700 Mn To Counteract Coronavirus Repercussions
Cyprus announced a financial support package of € 700m, equivalent to 3% of the GDP which includes a series of measures, covering health, finance and labour issues valid from 16 March until the end of April, in an effort to relieve citizens from the repercussions of the coronavirus outbreak. Speaking after a marathon cabinet meeting on Sunday, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, flanked by his ministers of Finance, Health and Labour announced a further 100 million euro for the Read More
Ancala Partners Acquires 82MW Orites Wind Farm In Cyprus
Ancala Partners has paid an undisclosed amount to buy the largest wind farm in Cyprus, IPE Real Assets reports. The infrastructure investment manager said funds it manages have bought the 82MW Orites wind farm developed by Platina Energy Partners and a local entrepreneur. The Oriteswind farm, which cost around €170m to develop, has been operational since 2011. It comprises 41 Vestas V90-2MW wind turbines and produces around 5% of Cyprus’s entire electricity generation capacity. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Ayia Napa Marina Nearing Completion
The flagship Ayia Napa Marina project is now in the final phase of its construction, gearing up to the start of operations, with the main infrastructure building works nearing completion. This marks a milestone for the iconic project, promoting development and projecting the power of Cypriot entrepreneurship, which will, upon completion, contribute significantly to showcasing Cyprus’ high tourism profile. Administration offices, buildings housing government services (port, police, customs, medical services, veterinary services), maintenance facilities, as well as boat storage, have Read More
Nikos Christodoulides To Travel to Austria For Official Visit
Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides will hold a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna in March, on the sidelines of the Cyprus’ President official visit to Austria, the CNA reports. According to a statement issued by the ministry, the two ministers are expected to review, inter alia, the course of bilateral relations between Cyprus and Austria looking at possible ways to enhance co-operation in various fields. They will also exchange views on current regional, European and international issues of Read More
Anastasiades to meet Prince Charles privately on March 19
President Nicos Anastasiades will meet with the Prince of Wales who will be on the island for a visit later in the month with the Duchess of Cornwall According to a written statement from the president’s office, Anastasiades will receive Prince Charles at the presidential palace on March 19 where they will have a tete-a-tete meeting. Charles and Camilla will visit the island from Wednesday March 18 to Saturday March 21. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Positive messages for tourism, despite slowdown due to coronavirus
Cyprus’ tourism sector is experiencing a slowdown due to the coronavirus developments, Tourism Deputy Minister Savvas Perdios has told CNA, noting however that during his visit in Berlin this week he has received positive messages as regards the summer season, since no airline or tour operator has cancelled any of its scheduled flights or holiday packages based on developments so far. Replying to CNA questions, Perdios, who is still in the German capital, said that the Deputy Ministry’s goal is Read More
Cyprus-Greece ferry connection to be approved by end of March says Deputy Shipping Minister
Deputy Shipping Minister, Natasa Pilides expects a ferry connection between Cyprus and Greece to be approved by the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission by the end of March. She added that soon after EU approval, the Ministry will be ready to proceed with an open tender. Speaking during a press conference where the annual report for 2019 of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping was presented, Pilides said that she had contacts with EU officials two weeks ago, who Read More
1st Cyprus Workshop for the future of the Investment Programme by the Investment Migration Council
The Investment Migration Council (IMC) organises the 1st Cyprus Workshop entitled “Looking Ahead – the Future of the Cyprus Investment Programme” that will take place on the 5th of March at Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol. The IMC is the worldwide association for investor migration and citizenship-by-investment, representing leading stakeholders in the field. Based in Geneva, with representation in New York, London, the Caribbean and Hong Kong, the IMC, a non-profit organisation, helps to enhance public understanding in this area, promotes education and Read More
More scheduled flights to Paphos International Airport for summer 2020
Paphos International Airport (PFO), located just 6 km from the city of Paphos and adjacent to the coast, provides access to popular Sea Resorts in areas such as Kato Paphos, Coral Bay, Latchi, Pissouri, Limassol and the Mountain Resorts of Platres and Troodos. With the new terminal and its modern facilities, amenities and services, the nearly completed, new four lane road linking the airport and Paphos’ tourist area, as well as the direct bus service from all the towns, it Read More
Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall to pay official visit to Cyprus
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will pay an official visit to the Republic of Cyprus from Wednesday, March 18 to Saturday March 21, the British High Commission announced on Tuesday. This will be the first royal visit since Queen Elizabeth ll visited in 1993 for the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting, and takes place in the 60th anniversary year of Cyprus’ independence. “The programme will celebrate the historic ties between the United Kingdom and Cyprus and their Read More
Law regulating self-catering accommodation rentals in Cyprus finally enacted
On Friday January 17, the House of Representatives passed a new law, N. 9(I)/2020 (also “the Law”), regulating the registration and operation of self-catering accommodation, which was subsequently published in the government’s Official Gazette on February 7, 2020. The Law is directed at operators currently utilising online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com and it was passed by an overwhelming majority of 52 MPs in favour and two MPs against. Under its provisions, owners of self-catering accommodation will Read More
Crystal Springs Beach Hotel Tops HolidayCheck Cyprus Hotels
The top 10 Cyprus hotel winners of the ‘HolidayCheck Awards 2020’ have been announced with the Crystal Springs Beach Hotel in Protaras taking the top spot followed by Aldiana Club Zyphern in Larnaca region. The annual awards are based on nearly one million guest reviews on the German-owned online travel portal, along with strict selection criteria. Only the top 10 hotels in each country or region make the list. For 2020, a total of 732 hotels in 38 countries have Read More
New multi-storey development at the entrance of Nicosia
Cyfield plans a twin development called “Central” at the entrance of Nicosia, specifically at Strovolos industrial area near the Christos Steliou Ioannou Foundation. ‘Central’ will consist of two high-rise buildings – Building A and Building B – providing primarily office space. A joint underground parking will have a lot more spaces than the number required by law, as well as plenty of storage room. Continue reading at source: Read More
Paphos Maintains its Position as the Most Popular Spot for Overseas Buyers and Investors in 2020
Paphos is in the lead for January 2020, as the most popular region for overseas buyers and investors for Europeans and Non-Europeans by 34.8% in comparison to Limassol which follows with 25.2%. Larnaca is 3rd with 24.8% followed by Famagusta with 12.3 % and lastly Nicosia with just 5.9%. Mr. Sakis Hadjialexandrou, Leptos’ Group Marketing Director stated that, “The area of Paphos is once again becoming the new attraction for European and Non-European buyers Read More
Fly Emirates To Dubai From Cyprus And Get A Free Ticket To La Perle
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is offering Cypriot travellers special fares to Dubai as well as a complimentary ticket to La Perle - a show that takes entertainment to a new level. Fares in Economy Class start from €514 for travel between the 13th of February and the 31st of March 2020 and fares in Business Class start from €2399 for travel between the 15th of February and the 31st of March 2020. The offer is valid for tickets booked until Read More
Randi Zuckerberg, Creator of Facebook Live, is coming to Cyprus for the 1st time
An entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and Emmy-nominated tech media personality, Randi Zuckerberg is coming for the first time to our island in the context of Reflect Festival. Randi, sister of Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg, was an early employee at Facebook, where she is best known for creating Facebook Live, now used by more than a billion people around the world. She is the founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, with the mission of supporting current and future entrepreneurs through investment, mentorship, Read More
The Department of Environment gives green light for Paralimni Marina
The Department of Environment gave the green light yesterday to the construction and operation of the Paralimni Marina, Phileleftheros reports. In a letter sent by the environment department to the Town Planning and Housing Department, it is noted that should a planning permit be granted for the project, the latter should communicate it to the environmental authority so that it can monitor the aspects concerning it. In addition, it is emphasised that should planning permission be obtained, the company in Read More
Nicosia And London Reassure That Everyday Life Of Citizens Will Not Be Affected After Brexit
Nicosia and London have reassured each other that the everyday life of Britons living in Cyprus and Cypriots living in the UK will not be affected after Brexit, during a meeting which Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and UK High Commissioner Stephen Lillie had on Monday at the Presidential Palace, the CNA reported. In statements to the media after the meeting, Government Spokesman, Kyriakos Koushos, said that Anastasiades and Lillie discussed issues concerning Brexit that are related to Cyprus, as well Read More
Cyprus re-registers halloumi trademark in UK
Cyprus has won back the halloumi trademark in the UK, more than 18 months after it lost it because of a blunder by Commerce Ministry officials. Commerce Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis confirmed the good news — first reported by Sigma TV last night — telling CyBC that Cyprus had reapplied to register the trade mark which it lost in May 2018. On January 31, it was notified that halloumi had been registered by the British Intellectual Property Office, the minister Read More
Brexit opens new chapter in UK-Cyprus relations, High Commissioner says
The UK’s departure from the EU on January 31, opens a new chapter in Britain’s history, British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie said on Monday after a meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia. The UK, Lillie added, appreciates the links, relations and common interests with the EU and he assured Anastasiades of London’s continued commitment to maintain “a strong, broad and deep relationship with Cyprus” on the basis of shared values, shared history, the Commonwealth, as well as the large Read More
Cyprus & Lebanon begin preparations for first Trilateral Summit
Cyprus Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides announced on Friday that Cyprus and Lebanon have started preparations for the first Trilateral Summit at the level of Heads of State / Government, to be held in Nicosia in the spring. At the same time, he said Cyprus will always be a strong supporter of Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, security and prosperity. In remarks after his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic, Nassif Hitti, Christodoulides expressed sincere appreciation for Read More
MarineFields Holding wins the SMART4SEA E-Navigation Award
MarineFields Holding is a Cyprus based company led by industry experts and their mission is to provide instant data sharing between all connected actors. MarineFields won the SMART4SEA E-Navigation Award for its innovative platform Perseus. In an era of digitalization & connectivity MarineFields aims to provide one interface for instant data sharing between all connected actors, enhance digital collaboration between shipping companies, ports & terminals. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Strovolos Municipality receives Cyprus Green City Award
Strovolos Municipality has received a Cyprus Green City Award for the third consecutive year for its “Rational Management of Water Resources” project. The awards are presented annually by the government to Cypriot municipalities and communities for their collective action in the protection of the environment. According to a municipality statement, the project relates to their effort to protect water resources and save water, in line with the 17 UN sustainable development targets. Continue reading at source: Read More
Berengaria buyer may have been found
A buyer may have been found for the abandoned and derelict Berengaria hotel in Prodromos. Press reports claimed an agreement had been reached between the owner of the property, Gordian Holdings, investors and Limassol-based real estate developer Planetvision who want to renovate the hotel. Planetvision did not confirm details regarding the deal, but a website claiming to be the “official page” Berengaria Hotel, Cyprus, had a post saying renovation work was planned. “Berengaria Hotel. Caution! The entrance inside is strictly Read More
US and Cyprus pushing ahead with coveted visa waivers for Cypriots
Cypriot and US officials decided on Tuesday to set up a working group to expedite the Republic’s longstanding bid to join the United States’ Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). The decision was taken during talks in Nicosia between visiting Assistant US Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Carl Risch and Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris and Justice Minister Giorgos Savvides. In a statement later, the foreign ministry said a working group comprising functionaries from the two countries will Read More
Limassol-Piraeus ferry ticket to cost €130 return
A return ticket by ferry from Limassol to Piraeus will cost about €130 per person without a car, deputy shipping minister Natasa Pilides said on Tuesday. She was briefing the House Transport Committee on efforts to relaunch a ferry link between Cyprus and Greece some 20 years after it was suspended. The target remains for the service to launch this summer, she added. Continue reading at source: Read More
Paphos 10th Best Value Destination for UK Travellers in Post Office Barometer
Paphos has been ranked 10th best value for money destination for UK travellers in an annual report released by the Post Office Travel Money’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer featured in British newspapers on Saturday. It ranked ninth in last year’s report. The Post Office barometer monitors the price of eight tourist items – comprising dinner for two with a bottle of wine, a range of soft and alcoholic drinks, sun cream and insect repellent in 42 cities worldwide. Overall, it Read More
Paphos Remains the Champion in Sales to Overseas Property Buyers and Investors in 2019
The area of Paphos, one of the most beautiful regions in the Mediterranean, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and Beauty, has once again come out on top for attracting the majority of European and Non-European buyers and entrepreneurs for 2019. The cosmopolitan town of Paphos and the entire picturesque province is the safest and most secure area on the Island, where one can live, work and holiday. Paphos had the lead in purchase contracts to overseas Read More
Christos Zannetou new Ayia Napa mayor
Christos Zannetou was elected Ayia Napa mayor on Sunday with 59 per cent of the votes in his favour. Zannetou, who served as deputy mayor, received 1,508 votes and was up against municipal councillor Emilia Evangelou Xydia who had 1,059 votes in her favour, 41 per cent. A total of 78 per cent of people went to cast their vote. In Ayia Napa, there were 3,334 voters who were eligible to vote, of which 2,687 where Cypriot citizens and 647 Read More
Costas Kadis: Cyprus Pledges to Meet the Objectives of The EU Green New Deal
"As Cyprus, we have today pledged to contribute to the realization of the objectives of the Green New Deal", which was "also expressed by the President of the Republic himself at the European Council on December the 12th, when the matter was brought before the European leaders", the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Costas Kadis stated today, following the EU Environment Council, the last under the Finnish Presidency and this year. As the Minister noted, "during the Council, Read More
Cyprus praised for efforts in tackling CO2 shipping emissions
The global maritime transport industry has submitted a proposal to form the world’s first collaborative shipping research and development (R&D) programme to help eliminate CO2 emissions from international shipping, according to a statement released by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). The proposal includes core funding from shipping companies across the world of about €4.5 billion over a 10-year period. The aim is to accelerate the development of commercially viable zero-carbon emission ships by the early 2030s. Continue Read More
Charm offensive planned to attract third age tourists
Cyprus is working on a charm offensive to attract higher income third age tourists, Phileleftheros reported on Tuesday. It said that deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios will present the national tourism strategy next month, setting out the specific timelines and actions to be taken in the next decade. The strategy will include proposals made by Spanish consultants and tourism stakeholders. Continue reading at source: Read More
Larnaca shares third place in LivCom Awards
Larnaca has been awarded third place in the “The International Awards for Livable Communities 2019” (The LivCom Awards), that were held in Rome last week. More than 120 cities from around the world took part of which 22 qualified for the finals in Rome. Cities that made it to the finals include Lisbon, Vienna, Bergen, Beijing and Tirana, the municipality said in a written announcement. Continue reading at source: Read More
€17m for Natura 2000 in large-scale collaboration of public, private sectors
The European Commission has approved a €17 million budget for research and administration of the Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus, Phileleftheros reports. The project will be funded through the EU’s LIFE+ programme and will have a life span of 10 years, with 60% of the funding to come from Europe. It is said to be the most ambitious project won by Cyprus during LIFE+’s 27-year history. The application process was managed by a consortium of authorities and professionals comprising the Department Read More
The Shipping Deputy Minister, Natasa Pilidou at Lloyd's list
Following the example set by the International Maritime Organization with this year’s Maritime Theme of “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”, Lloyd’s List felt it was important that the Top 100 project as a whole reflected more of the influential women steering companies, bodies and associations through these turbulent times in shipping. Before unveiling those, who made it into the full Lloyd’s List Top 100 most influential people in shipping ranking, they highlighted the 10 influential women in shipping who Read More
Cyprus signs bilateral air services agreements with eight countries
Cyprus has signed bilateral air services agreements with eight countries as part of plans to increase the island’s air connectivity, the transport ministry announced on Wednesday. According to the ministry, during the ICAO Air Services Negotiations Conference held last week in Aqaba, Jordan, Cyprus signed Memorandums of Understanding with Chile, Jamaica, Colombia, Rwanda, Seychelles, the Bahamas, Korea and Kenya. Consultations are also underway with Bangladesh for a similar agreement. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Parliament Votes Cyprus State Budget for 2020
The House of Representatives plenary voted the state budget for 2020 on Wednesday evening with 29 votes in favour and 23 against, the CNA reported. MPs also voted a series of amendments placing restrictions on certain provisions of the budget, which means the government will have to get the approval of the parliamentary committee of financial and budgetary affairs before it goes ahead with disbursing those funds. The budget includes a total income of €9,999.7 million compared to €9,090. Read More
Cyprus Israel to promote joint tourism packages in US Russia and Germany
Cyprus and Israel have reached an agreement to promote joint packages for tourists as of 2020, initially from the US, Russia and Germany.The agreement was reached between a delegation from Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism headed by Deputy Minister Savvas Perdios and an Israeli delegation headed by Israel’s Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi during a meeting in Nicosia on Friday. Continue reading at source: Read More
Saudi Arabia opens its doors to Cypriot tourists
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to Cypriot tourists and another 48 nationalities through the the online e-visa system presented this month in Nicosia by the embassy with Cyprus’ deputy minister for tourism Savvas Perdios being the first Cypriot recipient.During a news conference on October 17 at the Landmark Hotel, the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Saudi Arabia were presented, and the means of easily getting to see them through the e-visa programme.Visitors can apply online Read More
New routes and more than 300,000 seats added to the winter season’s flight schedule
A 9% increase compared to the 2018-2019 winter tourism seasonThere will be an increase of over 300,000 seats (or 9%) in this winter’s flight schedule compared with the same season of 2018-2019, Hermes Airports announces. The winter flight season commences on 27 October 2019 and ends on 28 March 2020.This increase has resulted from the addition of new routes to and from Larnaka & Pafos International Airports, as well as the introduction of additional flights and seats to existing Read More
Open University participates in important Med climate conference
Aiming to strengthen regional cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, the fourth regional forum of the union for the Mediterranean: ‘Paving the way forward’ was held on October 10 in Spain, with the participation of well-known scientists and in the presence of 43 ministers of foreign affairs from the broader Mediterranean region.Participants in the regional forum discussed the first scientific report on the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on the Mediterranean ecosystems, prepared by the Mediterranean Scientific Read More
ONE Enters its Final Construction Phase: An Exemplar of Expertise From Pafilia for Educational Institutions
ONE’s is at its final construction phase, as the works on the superstructure of the building has been successfully completed. ONE, Europe's tallest residential beachfront building, now reaches 153 meters high and soon, works on site for the installation of the impressive 17-meter height crown structure, is expected to begin.Works on the outer shell, glazing and aluminium shades of the building, is progressing intensively. The obvious progress formulates the perfect architectural design and aesthetics that the façade of the Read More
Blue Air to extend its routes
Blue Air launches its winter flight program with Athens, Thessaloniki and Bucharest, which runs from October 27, 2019 until March 2020.Blue Air will operate 13 weekly flights to Athens, 6 flights to Thessaloniki and 6 flights to Bucharest. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Emirates Offers Special Fares to Dubai with Complimentary Day Pass
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has launched special fares to Dubai for Cypriot travelers. Each ticket will also include a complimentary day pass to Atlantis Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers aquarium– one of Dubai’s most popular touristic attractions.Atlantis Aquaventure is more than just a water park with its record-breaking water slides over 17 hectares of fun. Located at Atlantis the Palm, it’s a true attraction with its 1.2 kilometers of pristine beach and a stunning view of Read More
Irish president begins official visit
Irish President Michael Higgins was given an official welcome at the presidential palace in Nicosia on Monday at the start of his visit to the island, which ends on Tuesday.During talks, President Nicos Anastasiadis was expected to raise the issue of Turkey’s violations of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).He was also briefing Higgins on the Cyprus issue.They were also expected to discuss Cyprus-Ireland bilateral relations, developments in the EU, and in particular, Brexit, migration and climate change. Read More
President of Ireland to pay state visit to Cyprus on October 13-16
President of Ireland Michael Higgings will pay a state visit to Cyprus from October 13 to 16 at the invitation of President Nicos Anastasiades. This is the first state visit to Cyprus by a President of Ireland since 2006.Cyprus Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that during the talks that will take place at the Presidential Palace, President Anastasiades will raise the issue of Turkey`s provocations and illegal interventions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Read More
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission Participates in World Investor Week
The dynamic development of capital markets in Europe, resulting from the companies’ increased need for alternative funding sources, as well as the technological advancements that consistently produce new financial products and services, have created an environment that offers opportunities for the investors and supervising Authorities, but at the same time presents risks. In this context, it is all the more necessary to continue educating the investing public. To this end, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has been organizing Read More
US president sends congratulatory message for Cyprus' independence day
US President Donald Trump has sent President Nicos Anastasiades a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.In his message, President Trump said: “On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest congratulations this October 1 to the people of the Republic of Cyprus as you celebrate the 59 th anniversary of your nation’s independence. Continue reading at source: Read More
Three new regeneration projects planned for Paphos
Three new regeneration projects which will create more pedestrian areas in Paphos will be presented to the public at an open meeting held in the town on Wednesday.The planned projects will cost around €3 to €4 million, according to officials.The event will be held at Palia Ilektriki cultural centre in Paphos old town at 6.30pm and will be conducted in Greek.The three proposals include the regeneration of: the centre of Anavargos village, the southern area of Read More
Cypriot educator wins Global Teacher Award
CYPRIOT teacher Popi Nicolaou has been officially recognised as one of the world’s best as she has taken home this year’s Global Teacher Award.The global competition considers teachers from all over the world and takes place annually in India’s capital New Delhi.This year there were teachers competing from as many as 70 countries. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
3.5 km extension to Protaras coastal promenade
Work to extend Protaras’ coastal promenade will begin in November at a cost of €4.5 million, Paralimni Mayor Theodoros Pyrillis told the Cyprus News Agency.He said that bids have been invited with the aim of extending the promenade from Fig Tree Bay to Bali tou Hadjixeni on the one side and from Pernera Beach to Ayios Nicolaos Chapel on the other, covering a total distance of 3.5 kilometres. Continue reading at source: Read More
Chinese investors in €30 million property deal
PROPERTY in Tsiflikoudia area of Limassol is now in the hands of Chinese investors following a €30 million deal with Bank of Cyprus’ REMU (Real Estate Management Unit). The specific property was taken over by REMU during the restructuring of Laiko Group’s loans and is actually LOEL’s former facilities there.The transaction involves four adjoining pieces of land totalling 32,271 sq. metres. Most of the property (31,171 sq. metres) falls within a residential zone area while a smaller portion (1,100 Read More
New call for free Wi-Fi applications in Cyprus
Municipalities in Cyprus will soon be able to apply for free Wi-Fi in public areas, according to a statement from the Department of Electronic Communications.The European Commission will launch a new call for applications for the WiFi4EU programme on September 19, which will last until 2pm of the following day.In March 2018 the European Commission launched its WiFi4EU web portal to which municipalities all over Europe were invited to register for the chance to benefit from EU financing Read More
Attractive Offer by Cyprus Airways
Cyprus Airways offers the opportunity for great savings, for few days with discounts of up to 46%.The promotion, which started today 3 September and ends 5 September 2019, offers travelers the opportunity to travel to all of the company's destinations in Europe and Middle East at very attractive prices.Trips should take place between 9 September 2019 and 18 December 2019. Seats are limited and subject to terms and conditions. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Blue Air Launches 2020 Summer Schedule
Bucharest, August 9th, 2019 - Blue Air, the largest Romanian airline by the number of passengers, launched its 2020 summer schedule. Blue Air passengers can choose out of the 70 routes in 16 European countries for their next summer holiday.“We are delighted to announce that Blue Air passengers can start booking their summer holiday for 2020. Thus, we continue to provide the best travelling options and fulfil the desires of our Cypriot travellers, whom we are waiting for on board. Whether Read More
FM and Outgoing Ukrainian Ambassador Discuss About Cooperation Between Cyprus and Ukraine
Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and outgoing ambassador of Ukraine Borys Humeniuk discussed on Monday key aspects of cooperation between Cyprus and Ukraine in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, in a meeting they had on the occasion of the completion of Humeniuk’s diplomatic mission in Cyprus, a press release from the Ukrainian embassy says.“During the meeting, the parties discussed key aspects of cooperation between the two states in the political, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres”, the press release reads. Continue Read More
Leaders prepare for meetings with UN envoy
The UN chief’s envoy Jane Holl Lute is expected on the island on Saturday ahead of her separate meetings with the two leaders on Sunday.President Nicos Anastasiades is set to meet with Lute at 11am at the presidential palace. Lute will then meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in the afternoon.The possibility that Lute will also hold follow-up meetings with the leaders prior to her departure on Monday has not been ruled out. Continue reading at Read More
Universal access bonds transform investment landscape for ex-pats in Cyprus
New financial products that will dramatically alter the investment landscape for ex-pats living in Cyprus and across the globe have been announced today.The launch of the Universal Access Bonds (UABs) has been described as “a game changer” for American ex-pats and US connected persons by the CEO of Woodbrook Group Holdings Limited Michael Doherty.FACTA and stringent tax regulations over the past decade have severely curtailed US expatriates’ financial planning and investment capabilities.Not anymore. The UABs allow ex-pats Read More
BoC Announces Organisational Restructuring
Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company has announced a revision of its organisational structure, organising the Group along the structural areas of Functions, Business and Legacy, for the creation of more focus and better alignment with the key objectives of the Group. These include substantially reducing the legacy portfolio, building the core business in the new digital era and streamlining the functional areas of the Group, with emphasis on digital transformation and cost reduction.The below Executives will report Read More
Record Number of Tourists for July 2019
July 2019 had the highest volume of tourist arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the specific month, with arrivals of tourists reaching 550,971 in July 2019 compared to 539,626 in July 2018, recording an increase of 2.1%, the Cyprus News Agency reports. According to the Passengers Survey of the Statistical Service, for the period of January-July 2019, arrivals of tourists totaled 2,181,994 compared to 2,184,775 in the corresponding period of 2018, recording a decrease of 0.1%.Continue reading Read More
Series of works expected to upgrade Peyia
A series of works that has got underway aims to improve the life of the residents of Peyia, mayor Marinos Lambrou said on Sunday.Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Lambrou said the works included new road lighting at a cost of €430,000 throughout Peyia. The financial savings from these new lights is expeted to reach 56 per cent, he said.Also, lighting at the Ayios Georgios fishing shelter has also been completed at a cost of €110,000.continue Read More
Cyprus participates in Israel's Mighty Waves 2019 naval exercise (video)
Cyprus was among 10 countries to take part in ‘Mighty Waves 2019’ a first-of-its-kind multinational exercise held by the Israeli Navy.The forces practised a scenario simulating a major earthquake in Israel with thousands dead, over 100,000 injured, hospitals destroyed and national infrastructure in shambles following a powerful earthquake in northern Israel .The exercise brought representatives from 10 navies and NATO to the Haifa port on Israel’s northern coast, in what Israeli officials said was its largest naval exercise ever. Read More
Four new 5-star hotels in Cyprus within four years
New 5-star hotels in the Limassol and Famagusta districts will pave the way for an 18% rise in the number of available beds throughout Cyprus, according to a KPMG Cyprus report.Specifically, four new super luxury hotels will add a total of 2,590 beds within four years.Construction of the Chrysomare Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa will add 640 beds and the Sun City Resort in Famagusta 460 extra beds before the year’s end. And in 2022, Sofitel Cyprus Limassol will Read More
New criteria for passport scheme come into force next week
THE NEW criteria for the citizenship by investment scheme, which were approved by the Council of Ministers in February and will include the carrying out of due diligence on applicants, have been finalised with some small amendments and will come into force next week.The bad press and criticism from the European Commission forced the government to introduce stricter criteria for the scheme which issues a Cyprus passport to individuals that invest more than €2 million. These investments were usually Read More
Cyprus based HR Innovate among Europe’s best in ‘Ones to Watch’ list
Nicosia based HR Innovate has been named as ‘One to Watch’ in Europe in a list of businesses noted for excellence, published by the European Business Awards, one of the world’s largest and longest running business competitions.HR Innovate was chosen as it demonstrates exceptional achievement in one of the 18 European Business Awards’ categories and reflects the programme’s core values of innovation, success and ethics.An International, multi-stream Recruitment and HR Consultancy, HR Innovate offers customized services and Executive Read More
Nicosia receives EU funds to expand free WiFi
Nicosia municipality on Friday received a voucher for €15,000 for the installation of a WiFi network from the European Commission.Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis was handed the voucher by Pierpaolo Tona, project management coordinator of the European Commission’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (Inea).The money is part of the Wifi for Europe (WiFi4EU) project, an initiative promoting the development of a free wireless broadband infrastructure in public hotspots, including libraries, museums, public parks and squares. It is meant to cover Read More
Cyprus Agrees Joint Tourist Packages With Neighbouring Countries
Cyprus’ Tourism Deputy Ministry has agreed with Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon and is expected to soon conclude consultations with Greece on the promotion of joint tourist packages aiming to attract visitors from the United States, Canada, China, Japan and France, the Cyprus News Agency reports.Data collection, analysis and consultations which took place intensively throughout a period of over three months between the countries involved have ended and Cyprus has reached agreement with Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon while Read More
Cyprus And Egypt To Further Enhance Their Cooperation In Tourism
Cyprus Deputy Minister for Tourism Savvas Perdios and Egyptian Minister for Tourism Rania al Mashat decided to step up their cooperation in the field of tourism, the Cyprus News Agency reports.Perdios met with Mashat on Monday in Cairo. The two officials have laid the groundwork for joint tourist packages which could bring the countries closer through tourism.In statements to the press, Perdios said he discussed with the Egyptian Minister the possibility of holding tourist cruises between the two Read More
Hermes Airports welcomes Ryanair's expansion in Cyprus
Hermes Airports welcomes the ongoing expansion of Ryanair’s flight operation in Cyprus, on the occasion of the recent announcement of the airline regarding the addition of new routes for its winter operation 2019/2020 from Pafos airport where it maintains a base.During the 2019/2020 period, the airline will operate a total of twenty-five routes to and from Cyprus, twenty-four of which will be operated from Pafos Airport and one from Larnaka Airport. It is estimated that during 2019 the airline Read More
Crowne Plaza Limassol Crowned Hotel of the Year!
Crowne Plaza Limassol has received the prestigious IHG Brand Hotel of the Year award for Southern Europe. The award was presented by Karin Sheppard (Managing Director, IHG Europe) and Eric Viale (Managing Director, IHG Southern Europe) at a regional award ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Barcelona Fira Centre on June 12th 2019. Just one Crowne Plaza® hotel wins this prestigious award each year, which celebrates outstanding performance in serving guests, employees and the community. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
New Greek PM due in Cyprus on July 29
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be visiting Cyprus on July 29, as agreed during a telephone conversation on Monday with President Nicos Anastasiades.Anastasiades and Mitsotakis confirmed the complete alignment of the goals of the two countries, government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said in a post on Twitter. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Minthis: the First Golf Club in Cyprus to be Awarded with GEO Certification
Minthis has announced that is the first golf club in Cyprus awarded with the highly acclaimed GEO Certification, a distinction recognising our eco-friendly approach and commitment to sustainability.GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) is an independently assessed international eco-label for golf clubs. It is the most respected mark for golf sustainability and is awarded to golf facilities that have met the voluntary industry standard of good practices for golf course and facility operations, demonstrating a clear commitment to nature, resource conservation and Read More
Ryanair Continues Its Expansion in Cyprus
Hermes Airports welcomes the ongoing expansion of Ryanair’s flight operation in Cyprus, on the occasion of the recent announcement of the airline regarding the addition of new routes for its winter operation 2019/2020 from Pafos airport where it maintains a base.During the 2019/2020 period, the airline will operate a total of twenty-five routes to and from Cyprus, twenty-four of which will be operated from Pafos Airport and one from Larnaka Airport. It is estimated that during 2019 the airline Read More
Panayiotis Hadjipantelis Re-Elected as Chairman of Hermes Airports
Hermes Airports has announced that during the Board of Directors meeting held on July 10, Panayiotis Hadjipantelis was re-elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the period of one year. Hadjipantelis has held the position of the Chairman since 2015. During the same Board meeting, Patrice Cahagne, Investment Director of Egis was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Board. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Finance Minister Notes Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies
The government of Cyprus has prepared a bill which should be adopted by the Parliament by the end of the year in an attempt to enforce the establishment of companies which adopt policies of corporate social responsibility, Finance Minister Harris Georgiades has said, the Cyprus News Agency reports.Addressing on Friday the 12th conference on corporate social responsibility which took place in Nicosia, the Minister said that the society requires all organizations and businesses to undertake their responsibilities and account Read More
Swiss Launches Flights from Geneva to Cyprus
Hermes Airports is delighted to welcome the launch of SWISS flights from Geneva to Cyprus. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), which is part of the Lufthansa Group, will connect Larnaka with Geneva, Switzerland. The route was inaugurated on July 3, 2019 and will be operated on a weekly basis every Wednesday; Additionally, during September and October, the route will operate every Saturday.The launch of SWISS’ flights to Cyprus is expected to contribute to the efforts to strengthen the connectivity Read More
Kadis Presents Climate Change Initiative at International Meeting
Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Costas Kadis presented Cyprus’ climate change at the UN Abu Dhabi Climate Meeting, which took place between June 30 and July 1, the Cyprus News Agency reports.In his address Kadis outlined Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ initiative to establish a regional action plan to coordinate countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East in climate change issues, a Press and Information Office press release says. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Hotel Indigo to Open in Larnaca
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of Hotel Indigo® Cyprus - Larnaca. Set to open at the end of 2019, the hotel is signed under a franchise agreement with Quality Group and Sunnyseeker Hotels, a rapidly expanding hotel management company which is currently operating a number of hotels across the country, and under the ownership of Quality Group, one of the premier property development companies in Cyprus.The Hotel Indigo® Cyprus Larnaca will Read More
Cyprus Airways and Bulgaria Air Launch Code-Share Partnership
Cyprus Airways and Bulgaria Air have entered into a codeshare partnership. Cyprus Airways’ customers will be able to fly from Larnaca to Sofia through a codeshare agreement with Bulgaria Air. The agreement will allow Cyprus Airways to sell tickets under its own flight code between Larnaca and Sofia. Other routes will be added in future. Similarly, Bulgaria Air will place its flight code on Cyprus Airways flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv. Continue reading at source: Gold Read More
Hermes Airports commits to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 (Updated)
Hermes Airports said on Wednesday the operator had signed a landmark commitment to become net zero for their carbon emissions by 2050.The commitment concerns airport buildings, infrastructure and vehicles, not aircraft.The resolution was signed in the morning at the 29th ACI Europe Annual Congress in Cyprus – the annual gathering for airport CEOs and senior level airline representatives across Europe.This commitment was undertaken as part of ACI Europe, the trade association for the European airport industry, announcing Read More
President, Political Leaders and Officials Honor Christofias' Contribution to Cyprus
President Nicos Anstasiades said on Monday 24 June that he hoped history would judge former President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias fairly and in a positive light. A book of condolences was opened on Monday in the Presidential Palace for the former President who passed away last Friday at the age of 72. Anastasiades told the press that he and former President recognized the importance of putting compassion and mutual respect above anything else. “We will be all judged by history Read More
UK's most advanced fighter jets complete missions from Akrotiri
The UK’s newest and most advanced generation of fighter jet, the Lightning F-35B, has successfully completed its first operational missions from Akrotiri, the British forces reported on Tuesday.F-35s have flown alongside Typhoon aircraft on operational flights over the skies of Syria and Iraq, as part of the ongoing fight against Daesh (Isis), the Defence Secretary has confirmed.It follows a successful training period in Cyprus, known as Exercise Lightning Dawn, aimed at building capability for the aircraft and supporting Read More
Pafilia's new flagship project, NEO, official launch party
Pafilia Property Developers presented its new flagship project in Limassol, NEO, at a glamorous soiree with distinguished guests on June 3rd. The globally significant and ultra-stylish four-tower resort, situated on the waterfront in the heart of the city, will provide a new anchor and destination for Limassol.The soiree was attended by influential figures from the business world, law firms, auditing and accounting firms, banking institutions and the local government, including the Mayor of Limassol, Nicos Nicolaides. Continue reading at Read More
An acclaimed collaboration announced between Limassol DelMar and Ergo Home Group's ARCLINEA
One more collaboration added to the exclusive list of established brand names that represent elegance, finesse and premium aesthetics has been confirmed between Cypeir Properties Ltd and the Italian brand ARCLINEA. The Italian design house has been assigned to create the kitchen furniture of the luxury apartments at Limassol del Mar, The Signature Collection, one of the most renowned development projects in Cyprus.ARCLINEA is represented in Cyprus by Ergo Home Group Ltd and has contributed on similar high profile collaborations for Read More
Cyprus Banking Delegation Completes Successful United States Visit
A senior delegation from the Association of Cyprus Banks (ACB) has recently completed a successful visit to the United States, during which it met with senior U.S. government officials, important U.S. financial industry regulators, Members of the U.S. Congress and their key staff, global banking institutions, academics, and the financial media. The delegation consisted of senior executives from the two largest ACB member banks: Marios Skandalis - Bank of Cyprus and Matheos Charalambides - Hellenic Bank.Building Read More
Syllouris: House Will Support UNECE's Proposal for Cyprus to Host 2021 Summit
President of the House of Representatives, Demitris Syllouris, said that the House is particularly sensitive to issues regarding sustainable development and the environment in general and would back hosting a UNECE summit.A press release of the House of Representatives said Syllouris met on Thursday with Marco Keiner and Zaal Lomtadze, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) officials, in the presence of Dr. Adamos Adamou, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on the Environment.The two officials are in Read More
Future of the EU on MED7 agenda
President Nicos Anastasiades is in Malta on Friday to participate in the sixth Mediterranean EU member states summit (MED7), along with participants from six other countries, France, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Italy and Greece.The consultations on the appointments for the next EU institutional leadership will be the focus of the summit, government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said.Anastasiades will also have the opportunity to brief his counterparts over Turkey’s illegal actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, he added. Continue reading at Read More
Cyprus Airways' inaugural flight from Larnaca to Bratislava
Warm Welcome at Bratislava AirportLarnaca, Cyprus – Cyprus Airways’ inaugural flight from Larnaca to Bratislava took place on Saturday 8th of June 2019. The flight departed from Larnaca at 06:00 in the morning and landed in Bratislava at 08:00. Bratislava Airport welcomed Cyprus Airways aircraft with the ceremonial water cannon salute and traditional ribbon cutting. Passengers were welcomed at the gate with gifts and cake. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Land lease agreement paves way for EuroAsia Interconnector
A contract paving the way for the construction works for the EuroAsia Interconnector, which will connect the electricity networks of Cyprus, Israel, Crete and Attica in Greece has been signed at the Energy ministry, it was announced on Thursday.The land concession agreement for the construction of the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station in Kofinou with a transfer capacity of 2000MW was signed.The cost of construction of the first phase of the project (Cyprus-Crete-Attica) with a capacity Read More
RCB Bank Together with Mastercard Enables Card Payments at the Limassol Marina Parking
RCB Bank’s self-service card acceptance terminals, powered by Mastercard, have been successfully installed at the Limassol Marina multistory car park, elevating the visitors’ payment experience.For the first time in Cyprus self-service terminals for unattended outdoor locations, enable contactless card acceptance, boosting the overall digital payment transformation of the island. Continue reading at source: Gold News Read More
Construction of Metropolis Mall in Larnaca About to Begin
Larnaca’s Metropolis Mall has secured all the necessary licences and its construction is about to begin.South African development company Acsion Ltd is behind the 40,000 square metre shopping centre while ‘Iacovou Brothers’ is responsible for the project’s construction.Both the local authorities as well as Acsion Ltd have confirmed the latest developments.Continue reading at source : Gold Read More
Symbol Residence: Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony Attended by Billionairess Elena Baturina
The foundation stone laying ceremony was for the high-end residential development ‘Symbol’ was held on May 27 in Agios Tychonas, Limassol. The project involves investment by the Investment Group of Elena Baturina, the richest woman of Russia, international entrepreneur and philanthropist. As was previously announced, the overall investment into the development will exceed €40 million.The ceremony celebrated the start of the active stage of construction, and was attended by the Mayor of Agios Tychonas, Charalambos Ioannou and Elena Baturina, as well as the Read More
Agreement Signed for Egypt-Europe Electricity Interconnector via Cyprus
An historic framework agreement was signed in Cairo on Wednesday for the construction and commissioning of the EuroAfrica Interconnector which will interconnect the electricity networks of Egypt and Cyprus by the project promoter, EuroAfrica Interconnector Limited, the Cyprus News Agency reports.The signed agreement follows the conclusion of viability studies conducted by the EuroAfrica Interconnector which showed the benefits of the project, as well as its maturity, allowing it to enter the implementation stage.According to a press release, the Read More
Cyprus Airways Announces Additional Flights to Athens
Cyprus Airways has announced additional flights from Larnaca to Athens every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The renewed flight schedule, will begin on 27 June 2019, and will increase the total weekly number of flights to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens from 7 to 10 flights."As Larnaca-Athens is one of the most popular routes we decided to increase our flights from seven to ten per week, giving our passengers more choices and more flexibility in organizing their trip" said Natalia Read More
Jet2 'Commits Year-Round' to Cyprus
The airline and operator says it has put nearly 550,000 seats on sale for summer 2019, its largest ever, up 16% year-on-year.Winter capacity, meanwhile, is up 45%, with around 200,000 seats on sale, TTG Media reports.Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief executive Steve Heapy this week hailed positive meetings with Cypriot hoteliers and representatives from the Cypriot tourism industry as Jet2 seeks to capitalise on a significant upturn in demand for the eastern Mediterranean.“Jet2holidays has continued to show Read More
Demetra Investments becomes largest shareholder of Hellenic Bank
Demetra Investments Ltd increased its stake in Hellenic Bank from 18.42 per cent to 21.01 per cent on Tuesday, according to a CySEC announcement.Bank sources indicate that Demetra Investments bought off the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development stake for an estimated €10 million.This makes Demetra the largest Hellenic shareholder, dethroning Wargaming Group’s 20.6 per cent. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Limassol Marina Receives the Highest Industry Award for Excellence
Limassol Marina, the first full-service superyacht marina in Cyprus, has received the prestigious “5 Gold Anchor Platinum Award”, the highest distinction for exceptional marinas across the world, providing outstanding customer services and facilities. The official announcement was made at the opening ceremony of Limassol Boat Show 2019 in the presence of government officials, selected guests, yachting entrepreneurs and media representatives. The award was presented to Tom Lord, Marina Manager of Limassol Marina, by Tony Dye from The Yacht Harbour Association. Read More
'Bright future' for Cyprus-UK educational relations
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the oldest university network in the world, will soon open an office in Cyprus, the first office outside the UK, House President Demetris Syllouris said on Thursday.The association has 530 members in 50 countries, he added.Working with the ACU is one of the opportunities to strengthen post-Brexit UK-Cyprus collaboration in higher education, a report on the subject launched at Thursday’s press conference said.The report is a result of the first Higher Read More
PIO and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launch Brexit Website
The Press and Information Office, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a website with information on Brexit at the URL: https://brexit.com.cy/The website, which is bilingual (Greek and English), contains information about the possibility of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union with or without a ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and how these two scenarios will affect Cypriot businesses and citizens (Cypriots who reside in the UK and British citizens who reside in Cyprus).The Read More
Travel Exhibition Taxidi 2019 Opens on 3rd of May
Travel exhibition "Taxidi 2019" opens its gates on 3-5 May to offer travelers comprehensive information on tourist destinations abroad as well as on Cyprus tourist product, amidst increased outbound trips and projections from tour operators that tourist arrivals would reach last year’s numbers.The exhibition is organized for the 22nd consecutive year by the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), at Cyprus State Fair Grounds in Nicosia. Outbound trips presented an increase of 10% so far in 2019, ACTA chairman Read More
HB Records Profit After Tax of €320M
Hellenic Bank has released its financial results for the year 2018 which record profit after tax of €320.0 million and a successful share capital raise of €150 million.According to Yannis Matsis, CEO of Hellenic Bank, “The acquisition of CCB business established Hellenic Bank as the leading retail and SME bank in Cyprus whilst simultaneously de-risking our balance sheet and business model. The profitability and resulting capital position safeguards our depositors and creates shareholder value. The significantly improved capital Read More
Talks under way for flights between Alexandria and Cyprus for €60
Egypt’s Alexandria Governor Abdel Aziz Konsowa has told House of Representatives President Demetris Syllouris that the city is in talks with low cost airlines aiming to connect Cyprus with Alexandria with a flight that would cost €60.Konsowa, who was speaking during a meeting with Syllouris and a parliamentary delegation from Cyprus, also expressed his will for more business to business cooperation between Cyprus and Alexandria.“We are looking forward to enhancing our cooperation in three areas, tourism, education and Read More
Parliament Speakers from Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq to meet in Nicosia
House of Representatives President Demetris Syllouris, who is on an official visit to Egypt, has announced that the Speakers of Parliament from Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq will have a meeting in Nicosia in the next couple of months.In the context of his official visit, following an invitation by President of the Egyptian Parliament, Ali Abdel-Aal, Syllouris had a meeting with his counterpart and a large parliamentary delegation at the Egyptian parliament, followed by a tour of the Read More
Invest Cyprus Participates in the 9th Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai
The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Cyprus) took part in the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), the leading gathering of the international investment community, held in Dubai between 8-10 April 2019, as part of its mission to promote Cyprus as an attractive investment destination and business hub.The Annual Investment Meeting is considered to be the world’s leading investment promotion conference, showcasing the latest developments, information and strategies to attract Foreign Direct Investment. Overall, the conference attracted 20.000 participants from Read More
Cyprus Among the Founding Members of an International Sports and Tourism Organisation
Cyprus along with Greece, Lebanon, Egypt, Bulgaria and Portugal have founded an International Sports and Tourism Organisation, a press release of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism has said.The decision to establish the International Sports & Tourism Organization for Peace & Prosperity (ISTO for P&P), was announced in the framework of a trilateral meeting among Cyprus’ Deputy Minister Savvas Perdios, Greek Minister of Tourism Elena Kountoura and Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism Avedis Guidanian, in Beirut, on 10 April. Continue reading Read More
Hotels catering to animal-loving tourists
Working with animal welfare groups to help improve lives of stray cats and dogsBy Bejay BrowneHotels are catering to animal-loving tourists by teaming up with animal welfare charities and launching programmes to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats.With Cyprus’ stray cat and dog population estimated at around 200,000 to 250,000, initiatives to keep those numbers down are clearly welcomed by animal welfare groups.Just last week, a couple of these more recent cat initiatives at Aphrodite Hills Read More
Telecoms companies given licence to run pilot 5G programs
TELECOM companies Cyta, MTN, and Primetel have been given licensing to run pilot 5G programs, the minister of transport, communications and works, Vasiliki Anastasiadou announced.She said: “The main objective of the Broadband Subsidy Grant Scheme is to increase the demand for ultra-high-speed connections while encouraging the market for investment in high-speed networks.”The plan, she added, is in line with the Digital Agenda 2020 of the EU and with the island’s National Broadband plan. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Melco announces location of Napa and Paphos casinos
CASINO operator Melco announced on Thursday the location of its two new satellite establishments in Ayia Napa and Paphos, which will be up and running by the end of the year.The Ayia Napa casino will be located on Archbishop Makarios Avenue, next to Faros Hotel, in the heart of the popular holiday resort, and is expected to open its doors this summer.The Paphos venue will be located in Yeroskipou, on the main coastal road, and will be ready Read More
First Cyprus, Greece and Lebanon summit planned
Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides announced on Wednesday that Cyprus would host the first trilateral summit between the leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Lebanon later this year.In his statements in Beirut, where he participated in the work of the first official tripartite ministerial meeting between the three countries, together with his counterparts from Lebanon, Gebran Bassil, and Greece, Georgios Katrougalos, Christodoulides said that it was the official start of the “trilateral journey”.The cooperation of the three countries, he said, Read More
JYSK Opens Its First Store in Cyprus
The first store of JYSK, the global retail chain from Denmark that sells everything for the home, officially opened its doors to the public today (Saturday April 6) at the Nicosia Mall.Its grand opening yesterday was a resounding success. Media people caught the first glimpse of the store in the morning, and experts in home decoration, and other officials enjoyed a cocktail and live music in the evening.The lucky first 100 customers who shopped at JYSK on Saturday Read More
Pafos Zoo shows off its new baby lion Simba
The Pafos Zoo on Friday announced the birth of a male white lion, which is the first of its kind born in Cyprus. The cub, born some three weeks ago, was named Simba.The owner of the Pafos Zoo, Ioulios Christoforou, said that Simba’s parents, a pair of white lions, Zeus and Hera, have been with them for the past eight years.Simba is being fed eight times per day with special milk brought from abroad.Christoforou said Simba was Read More
Paphos to get new municipal multi-purpose centre
A contract to build a new municipal multi-purpose centre in Paphos will be signed at the town hall on Thursday.The new centre comes with a price tag of €3,665,200 and will offer social and cultural activities, as well as care for infants and young children, a spokesperson for Paphos municipal social welfare said.“This is a great development for Paphos and much needed. Other municipalities have similar centres and this will be good for the people here. The municipality Read More
Hermes Airports Makes Flying Easier for Individuals with Autism
Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, Hermes Airports is organising a series of actions with a view to make individuals with autism more familiar with air travel procedures and at the same time, raise public awareness for autism.From 29 March – 5 April the main round-about of Larnaka Airport and the entrances of Larnaka and Pafos airports will be illuminated with blue light, which is the colour of autism, in the framework of the global campaign “Light it up Read More
Amavi: Cyprus' First Couples-Only Hotel Opens its Doors
Kanika Hotels & Resorts, one of Cyprus’ leading hotel groups, now celebrates the addition of the highly-anticipated luxurious 5-star Amavi hotel. Carving out novel territory as the first custom designed couples-only hotel on the sun-kissed island, the idyllic Amavi stands proud as the flagship of Kanika’s Made for TwoTM brand. As such, it heralds a brand-new era for holidaymakers seeking intimate moments of togetherness and a tranquil escape from the outside world in the paradisiacal Mediterranean.The Amavi welcomed its Read More
Stelios Foundation and UKCEC celebrate bi-communal collaboration
An event co-organised in London on Monday evening by the Foundation of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and the UK-Cyprus Enterprise Council (UKCEC) highlighted the significance of bi-communal collaboration in the reunification of Cyprus.The event was held at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s new headquarters in the British capital, to celebrate 11 years of the Stelios Cyprus Bi-Communal Awards given to selected projects carried out by teams of Greek and Turkish Cypriots working together.Around 70 members of the Cypriot community in Read More
Global Blue and RCB Bank Join Forces on Merchant Solutions in Cyprus
RCB Bank and Global Blue have entered into a strategic partnership offering Dynamic Currency Choice (DCC) and Tax Free Shopping services to their merchant partners in Cyprus for servicing their international shoppers.This collaboration is the latest in a wide range of innovations being delivered by RCB Bank to better service the local Cyprus market, offering DCC in 20 key currencies that are most widely used in the market today, with the capability to reach up to 150. Commenting on Read More
Neo Plaza Outlet Village to Open in Cyprus in 2020
An open-air outlet named “Neo Plaza” is expected to open its doors in Spring 2020 just a few short miles west of Nicosia. The works on the 10,000m² scheme, that will be constructed on 35,000m² site, were announced to begin by June this year.Inspired by Cypriot architectural traditions, the new outlet will host around 50 retail shops, a recreational park for events, a playground, an arts and crafts section, and a food court. Big names from retailers and chain Read More
More time for expats to sort out post-Brexit residency status
By Bejay BrowneCyprus is preparing legislation to allow Britons already living in Cyprus a grace period of one year to get their residency status sorted out after the official ‘Brexit Day’ on March 29, according to the British High Commission in Nicosia.”We welcome the news that in case of a ‘no deal Brexit’ there will be a grace period of a year and we thank the Cypriot authorities for continuing to safeguard the rights of British citizens on the island,” they announced Read More
CNP ASFALISTIKI insures 2019 Limassol Marathon
One of the greatest sporting events in Cyprus will take place on the 23-24 March at the coastal front of Limassol.For the fourth consecutive year, CNP ASFALISTIKI, a member of the French colossus CNP ASSURANCES S.A., is going to insure the event as the Health and Safety sponsor for the OPAP Marathon of Limassol.CNP ASFALISTIKI’s General Manager Andreas C. Stylianou stated the following in this respect: “It is an obvious principle for CNP ASFALISTIKI to adopt Read More
Cyprus and Bahrain set to sign cooperation agreements in FM visit
Cyprus and Bahrain are set to sign a number of agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding on the field of energy during an official visit in Manama by Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, on Wednesday.Christodoulides is paying Bahrain an official visit following an invitation by his counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, a Foreign Ministry press release issued here today says.The Cypriot Foreign Minister will have extended talks with Al Khalifa during which they will review Read More
Sharp rise in property sales in February
DURING February 2019, the number of property sales contracts deposited at Land Registry office across the Republic of Cyprus rose 25% compared to February 2018 according to official figures published by the Department of Lands and Surveys.Apart from a 48% fall in sales in December 2018 due to the rush to buy land in December 2017 before the government introduced VAT on land sales, the number of property sales has increased for the past 22 months.February 2019 saw Read More
Parliament leaders of Cyprus, Jordan and Greece to meet
House President Demetris Syllouris said on Tuesday he and his Jordanian counterpart agreed on a Trilateral meeting between themselves and their counterpart from Greece.Syllouris and Taref al Tarawneh, who holds the chair of the Arab Parliamentary Union discussed the matter in a meeting in Nicosia.“We have agreed on a trilateral meeting between Cyprus, Greece and Jordan and I undertook to notify the Hellenic Parliament President within the day,” Syllouris said.He added that he and Tarawneh discussed “issues Read More
Cyprus Airways and Blue Air to Extend Codeshare Agreement
Blue Air and Cyprus Airways have agreed to continue the codeshare partnership initially launched in December 2018. The collaboration between the two airlines will be extended over the summer schedule, starting March 31st to October 26th, 2019. Under this codeshare partnership, the two airlines’ customers will have an enhanced connectivity from Larnaca to Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion.“Our cooperation with Blue Air proved to satisfy our travellers' needs, therefore we have decided to extend this collaboration. The codeshare agreement with Read More
Germany and Cyprus to step up defence co-operation
Cyprus aspires to see the Eastern Mediterranean transformed from an area of instability and geopolitical uncertainty into a region of stability and prosperity, Defence Minister Savvas Angelides said on Tuesday.Speaking after talks with Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence, Ursula von der Leyen, in Nicosia on an official visit, Angelides said the latest international developments and geopolitical changes in the wider region have created a political situation that is particularly unpredictable and fluid, making the security environment more complex.The Read More
City of Dreams Mediterranean Puts Cyprus on the European Casino Map
City of Dreams Mediterranean Integrated Casino Resort, has been officially announced as the European Casino Association’s (ECA) 29th member. At the General Assembly of ECA, the Association’s board accepted City of Dreams Mediterranean's membership application, after the company subscribed to ECA’s code of conduct and it was decided that it meets the association’s strict membership criteria.The Integrated Casino Resort, which is owned by Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Limited, is scheduled to open its doors Read More
Limassol Aura high rise development
PLANS to redevelop the site of Debenhams Olympia shopping centre on the Limassol coastal road are moving forward and the construction of the high rise Aura development of luxury apartments should be completed by the end of 2022.Designed by the award-winning British architectural design and engineering firm of Foster + Partners, the cost of building Aura are estimated at €108 million, while the demolition of the current building will cost around €500,000. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Property Read More
ExxonMobil announces 5-8t cubic feet of gas off Cyprus (Update2)
Cyprus and ExxonMobil on Thursday announced a gas find estimated between 5-8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in an offshore field inside the island’s exclusive economic zone.The discovery was made in the Glafcos (Glaucus) 1 well in Block 10 of the EEZ.“Based on preliminary interpretation of the well data, the discovery could represent an in-place natural gas resource of approximately 5 trillion to 8 trillion cubic feet (142 billion to 227 billion cubic metres). Further analysis in the coming Read More
MTN and Huawei Cooperate for 5G Development in Cyprus
MTN Cyprus and Huawei have announced the agreement for a strategic cooperation regarding the development of a 5G network in Cyprus, initially through a joint research program and then through a commercial set of services.According to the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), signed during the Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, a task force is about to be created in order to share its know-how, the well-known 5G global ecosystem. Furthermore, this executive team will shape the preconditions required for Read More
UK "Ready to Work" with Cyprus on Bases in Event of 'No Deal' Brexit
In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the UK Government aims to reach an agreement with the Republic of Cyprus and the EU which will secure the operation of the British bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia and will allow Cypriot citizens who live and work there to carry on doing so it without any problems, a 10 Downing Street spokesperson has said.The smooth continuation of the bases’ operation and of the daily lives of people living and working Read More
Celestyal Cruises: New Goals and New Itineraries for the Year Ahead
Enjoying a dynamic presence in Greece and Cyprus, Celestyal Cruises, a member of the Louis Group, recently published official results for 2018, highlighting the company’s success over the past year, while also presenting new cruise itineraries scheduled for 2019 and 2020.During a media lunch on February 19th at ‘Elliniko’ tavern, the new CEO of Celestyal Cruises, Chris Theophilides, presented the official statistics that highlight the company’s growth. Statistics indicate that there was a significant increase in passenger traffic of up to 8% in 2018 Read More
More money to encourage homes to use renewables
Legislators on Tuesday got a first glimpse of the 2019 draft budget for the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Fund, discussing ways of further increasing the penetration of renewables into the energy mix.The budget provides for €49.28m in projected revenues, while expenditures are at €64.96m.On the expenditures side, €58.61m are earmarked for commitments to subsidies, of which €29.81m relate to generating electrical power from renewables.The €29.81m figure includes €25m for a new subsidies Read More
RCB Bank Expands Domestically through Premium Acquiring Services
RCB Bank has strengthened its portfolio of digital products through premium card acquiring services and expanded its servicing dynamic to some of the biggest merchant clients in Cyprus, including IKEA.In 2018 the card acquiring business of the Bank has shown strong development with monthly growth rates exceeding 20%. Continue reading at source: Gold News Read More
New programme will see stray cats neutered
The veterinary services announced on Tuesday the third phase of an island-wide stray cat neutering programme will be launched this year.The programme, with a budget of €75,000, is the third phase of actions taken to implement a cabinet decision of August 2017 which called for measures to decrease stray populations of both cats and dogs, though so far allocated budgets have only targeted the stray cat population.The Animal Party on Tuesday applauded the new government programme but called Read More
Changes to Citizenship scheme approved
Changes to Cyprus’ controversial citizenship-by-investment scheme, which has granted 1,864 citizenships and generated €6.6 billion of foreign investment, have been approved by the Cabinet.CYPRUS on Wednesday approved a series of changes to its much-criticised Citizenship-by-Investment scheme, so it becomes “more targeted and trustworthy”, said Finance Minister Harris Georgiades.The Cabinet approved new criteria which will see a Cyprus passport being granted in exchange for an investment of €2.5 million, raising it from €2 million, including the purchase Read More
Rights of UK expats in Cyprus assured in case of no-deal Brexit
In the case of a no-deal Brexit, British citizens currently residing in Cyprus will be able to continue residing and enjoying the same rights as provided for in Britain’s withdrawal agreement with the EU, the government said on Wednesday.The government informed the UK government of its decision on British citizens’ rights after the UK withdraws from the EU in a letter sent by Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides to Britain’s Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.The withdrawal agreement negotiated between British Prime Minister Read More
Radisson Hotel Group and Sunnyseeker Hotels Sign Strategic Development Deal for Cyprus
Radisson Hotel Group, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups in the world, is delighted to announce the signing of a Master Development Agreement with Sunnyseeker Hotels in the Republic of Cyprus. Building on an already-successful partnership, the new deal will see the group grow its existing portfolio in the country to six hotels and almost 1,000 rooms by 2025.Sunnyseeker Hotels has been a partner for Radisson Hotel Group in Cyprus since 2015. This new agreement is Read More
EastMed could be 'one of the greatest underwater projects' in the world
The EastMed pipeline could be “one of the greatest underwater projects in the world”, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin said on Tuesday.Rivlin, who was speaking at the presidential palace after having held consultations with President Nicos Anastasiades, also spoke of the possibility of extending the trilateral cooperation mechanism Cyprus, Israel and Greece have formed.“Our prime purpose right now is on developing the Eastern Mediterranean pipeline,” Rivlin said. “This could be one of the greatest underwater projects in the world. Read More
Cypriot Companies VTS/VSS EPE Chosen to Provide Services to Israel's Natural Gas Fields
The fleet and the modern means of preventing and dealing with marine pollution incidents, owned by the Cypriot VTS / VSS EPE companies of the Vasiliko Terminal Services Ltd group, are now undertaking the provision of specialized services for the work carried out in Israel's natural gas fields. The consultations that have taken place lately have been successful, while paving the way for an extremely important cooperation.According to Group Chief Executive Officer Yiannos Lakkotrypis, this collaboration highlights the multifaceted Read More
Parliaments of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt meet in Nicosia
Nicosia on Monday hosts the first trilateral meeting of House of Representatives Presidents from Greece, Egypt and Cyprus.House President Demetris Syllouris is set to welcome his counterparts from Greece Nicolaos Voutsis and Egypt Ali Abdel Aal in a meeting which will focus on regional cooperation as well as energy, tourism and education and culture.The meeting will start in the morning will conclude its work with the adoption of a Joint Statement of the three Speakers at 12.15, Read More
Leaders to meet later in the month (Updated)
President Nicos Anastasiades has spoken with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci by phone and they have agreed to meet on the second half of February, the government announced on Wednesday in a brief statement.No further details were given as to the date, location and time of the meeting.“The goal of course is to establish a meeting with each other,” the government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou told CNA later in the day. “We do not have anything at the moment Read More
Facelift for Paralimni to include golf course and marina
Development projects of over €45 million set to begin in 2019 in Paralimni municipality were announced by President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday, while many more, including a largescale golf course development, are also lined up.Projects that are expected to begin in 2019 include improvement works to the Kappari road network, the upgrade of the Paralimni middle school, the construction of part of the April 1st Avenue in Paralimni, and the improvement of the fishing shelters of Ayia Triada and Read More
Property sales continue to rise
The number of property sales in Cyprus continued to rise in January 2019 compared to the numbers sold in January 2018 according to official figures published today by the Department of Lands and Surveys.CYPRUS property sales continued to rise in January, with the number of sales contracts deposited at Land Registry offices in the Republic rising by 10 per cent compared to the same month last year.With the exception of December 2018, when sales fell by 48 per Read More
Football charity helps fund new wing at Makarios hospital
By Evie AndreouThe health ministry on Thursday announced that it would construct a new wing at the Makarios children’s hospital to house the accident and emergency (A&E) department.The new, 1,000-square-metre wing will be named ‘Goal in Life’, in honour of the charity foundation bearing the same name that will co-fund the around €2.7m project, along with the health ministry. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cyprus and Spain committed to upgrading bilateral relations
Spain and Cyprus are committed to upgrading bilateral relations, the foreign ministers of both countries pledged after talks on Wednesday in Nicosia.In his remarks, Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Borell thanked Cyprus for defending the integrity of the Spanish state in the Catalan issue and said that Cyprus could count on Spain’s support on the Cyprus issue.Borell’s meeting with Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides took place the day after the fifth Southern EU Countries Summit that was held in Nicosia Read More
Air France-KLM Appoints Yiannis Pantazopoulos as New Sales Manager for Greece, Cyprus and Turkey
Air France – KLM has appointed Yiannis Pantazopoulos as the airline group’s new sales manager for Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, effective February 1. He will be based in Athens.Pantazopoulos will replace Yiorgos Zermas, who is retiring after working for the group for nine years, gtp headlines reports.The announcement was made by Jerome Salemi, General Manager Air France-KLM East Mediterranean Establishment, during a recent event held in Athens.“I’m really glad and honored for being a part of a very successful group such as Air Read More
Portuguese prime minister in 'historic' visit
President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday called the arrival of Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa a historic moment for the relations of the two countries since it is the first ever visit of a Portuguese leader to Cyprus.Cyprus and Portugal have agreed to strengthen ties, announcing their intention to organise a business forum to further cooperation on maritime science and to share best practices in tourism.Costa is on the island on an official visit and to also participate in Read More
Cheaper electricity bills from February
Electricity bills will decrease by at least 3.6 per cent in February compared to December, the electricity authority (EAC) announced on Monday.According to the EAC spokeswoman, Christina Papadopoulou, the price change is due to the Cyprus Electricity Regulatory Authority’s (Cera) fuel adjustment which is done every six months, meaning the decrease is valid until June.The adjustment is related to the cost of the fuel mix of heavy fuel oil, diesel and renewable energy sources. Continue reading at Read More
Cyprus reaffirms commitment to European defence
European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen, on a two-day visit to Cyprus, met on Monday with defence minister Savvas Angelides to discuss EU defence and security issues.According to an official statement from the ministry, the two discussed the European Defence Fund, Military Mobility and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (Pesco) programme.Angelides reiterated to the EU official that Cyprus is committed to European integration, noting that the island would participate according to its capabilities. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
CoE Development Bank Approves 40mln Euro Loan for Cyprus Water Projects
The Council of Europe Development Bank approved on Friday a loan of 40 million euro to the Republic of Cyprus. The loan aims to finance two water supply projects in Cyprus to meet the needs of Nicosia and the government controlled areas of Famagusta. It concerns infrastructure projects at the Vasiliko area and the Kokkinokremmos area, respectively. Continue reading at source: Gold News Read More
Moody's Upgrades Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank
Moody`s Investors Service upgraded Thursday Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited`s and Hellenic Bank Public Company Ltd long-term deposit ratings to B3 from Caa1, and their long-term Counterparty Risk Ratings (CRRs) to B1 from B2. At the same time, Hellenic Bank`s baseline credit assessment (BCA) and adjusted BCA were upgraded to caa1 from caa2, and its long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment (CRA) to B1(cr) from B2(cr). The outlook on both banks` long-term deposit ratings is positive.According to Moody’s, the upgrade Read More
First private power station in the works
Construction on the main part of the first private power station in Cyprus will start soon, philenews reported.The station will be located near the existing state-owned Vasilikos power plant in Mari, Limassol.According to philenews, the earthworks, some basic infrastructure and the road network of the plant have already been completed and construction for the main infrastructure is expected to start soon. Continue reading at source: in-cyprus. Read More
SWISS to fly to Larnaca from Geneva
SWISS is expanding its route network from Geneva by offering a new connection to Larnaca (Cyprus) from 3 July. This coastal resort joins the list of new summer destinations announced by SWISS in December. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Tourism Read More
Phase two of Nicosia 'commercial triangle' revamp starts Friday, traffic flow changing
Work is due to begin in on January 25, on phase two of Nicosia’s ‘commercial triangle’, the conjunction of Makarios Avenue, Evagoras and Stasikratous, which also encompasses several sidestreets, the municipality announced on Monday.From January 25 vehicles will not be allowed on the following streets: Mnasiadou from its intersection with Makarios Avenue as far as the junction with Stasikratous, Princess de Tyras, Theofanous Theodotos, and Stasikratous from its junction with Themistocles Dervis until the junction with Mnasiadou Street.Drivers, Read More
Greek trailblazer Tsitsipas storms into Melbourne semi-final
By Ian RansomMELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) – Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas added another thrilling chapter to his Australian Open odyssey on Tuesday, the 20-year-old felling Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) to claim a maiden Grand Slam semi-final for the Mediterranean nation.Having already floored Roger Federer to send shockwaves through the tournament, the 14th seed can create further tennis history for his country when he plays for a spot in the final against Rafa Nadal or Frances Tiafoe. Read More
Paralimni Marina - Final design revealed
The final design of the Paralimni Marina was revealed at an event held at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia on Tuesday evening.In the presence of the President of the Republic and other officials the event, hosted by PMV Maritime Holdings Limited, was the first official opportunity to see a model of this ambitious project.In his address the President of the Republic said, “This project is more tangible proof of the significant developments in the tourism sector that have been Read More
Annual survey puts Paphos in ten cheapest destinations for Brits
Paphos has been named the ninth best value for money destination for UK holidaymakers by the Post Office Travel Money’s yearly Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer.The Bulgarian resort of Sunny Beach was named as the resort offering the best value for money break for UK tourists for a second year running.It was found to be the place where Brits will see their pounds stretch furthest in research which saw the Turkish resort of Marmaris in second place while the Read More
Exxon's drilling: all outcomes are possible
THE GOOD news early in 2019 is that drilling of Delphine in block 10 has been completed, as planned, despite the problems encountered towards the end of December. And as expected, and despite the continuous aggressive rhetoric, Turkey did not intervene.The drilling rig, Stena IceMax, has now moved to the also-promising target Glafcos in block 10, with results expected towards the end of next month. In Greek mythology Glafcos was a half man-half fish sea-god with prophetic powers.With Read More
Exxon completes drilling at 'Delphine', moving on to 'Glafcos'
Drilling activities on behalf of ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum in the Delphine target in Cyprus’ offshore block 10 have been completed but there will be no announcements until after the end of drilling in the second location the energy consortium has chosen to explore, Energy Minister, George Lakkotrypis, said on Wednesday.The ministry announced that drilling in the Delphine-1 target has been completed and the Stena Icemax drillship has already started operating in Glafcos-1, the second location in block 10 Read More
PwC Cyprus: New edition of tax guide for 2019
PwC Cyprus announces the new edition of its practical tax guide for 2019. The practical guide provides general information about Cyprus’ tax system as it is based on current Cyprus legislation and practice and includes the most recent changes in our direct and indirect tax laws.It constitutes a rich source of information for timely and effective tax compliance and planning by legal entities and individuals without, however, substituting specialised professional advice. This is the 27th edition of the tax guide Read More
International recognition for Hermes' efforts to reduce CO2 emissions
Hermes Airports has acquired Level 3 of the ACA Certification for the reduction of its carbon dioxide emissions, just one year after the acquisition of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2.According to an announcement, ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) is issued by the ACI (Airports Council International) and focuses on efforts to map, calculate, reduce, optimise and offset carbon dioxide emissions across the globe.There are four levels to the ACA certification, which have so far been acquired by 251 Read More
Cyprus property price index Q2 2018
The RICS Cyprus Property Price Index for the second quarter of 2018 reports that residential prices for houses and apartments increased by 1.3% and 2.1% respectively on a quarterly basis.THE THIRTY-FIFTH publication of the RICS Cyprus Property Price Index reports that the average price of residential apartments and houses across the island rose over the first quarter of 2018. Property price increases have been assisted by further signs of recovery in the Cyprus economy, with a seasonally Read More
Property Gallery and HKCY Hotels Announce PreSales Commencement for Dream Tower
As the preparations for the construction works of the newly announced project in Limassol, Dream Towerare already in progress, Property Gallery Holdings Ltd and HKCY Hotels LTD officially announced the commencement of the project’s pre-sales.Dream Tower is the sophisticated architectural project of the developmental consortium between Property Gallery Holdings Ltd and HKCY Hotels Ltd, which has already obtained its planning permit. Continue reading at source: Gold News Read More
Anastasiades meets May, discusses British bases
President Nicos Anastasiades and British Prime Minister Teresa May met briefly on Thursday where they discussed the protocol concerning the sovereign British Bases on the island once – or if – the UK leaves the European Union.According to a statement by government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou, the two leaders conversed briefly in Brussels on the sidelines of the European Council summit.The statement added that May was present at the summit, “having passed the test in the last few days Read More
Six cents per litre shaved off car and heating fuel tax Updated
The parliament plenum on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to reduce the tax on motor and heating fuel by almost six cents per litreThe reduction will come into effect on December 18.In an extraordinary session, the House plenum voted in favour of the 5.95 cent per litre reduction in consumption tax on petrol, diesel and heating fuel. The tax reduction concerns five cents, but adding the reduction in VAT the total amount comes to 5.95 cents per Read More
Over 1,400 students attend University of Cyprus' open day
For the fourth consecutive year a three-day open day was organised for prospective students at the University of Cyprus at the end of November.During the three days, 1441 students from 22 schools, 16 lyceums, two private schools and four Gymnasiums, visited from all districts in Cyprus.The students had the opportunity to attend targeted presentations by academic staff from 20 departments and to tour the campus. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Cupcakes and Christmas gifts as British royal couple visit bases
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in RAF Akrotiri on Wednesday for a brief visit to show support for overseas British troops at Christmas.Prince William and Kate Middleton visited soldiers and their families living on the base, and other personnel and members of the local community.The Royal Airforce aircraft that flew the royal couple to Cyprus landed at around 2.30pm. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted on the runway by the Commander of British Read More
Cyprus Airways and Blue Air Launch Code-Share Partnership
Cyprus Airways and Romanian carrier Blue Air have entered into a codeshare partnership. From the 3rd December 2018, Cyprus Airways’ customers will be able to fly from Larnaca to London Luton, Athens, Thessaloniki and Bucharest through a codeshare agreement with Blue Air. The agreement will allow Cyprus Airways to sell tickets under its own flight code between Larnaca and above Blue Air operated destinations. Similarly, Blue Air will place its flight code on Cyprus Airways flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, Prague, Read More
Cyprus Airways deal with Blue Air offers better travel options
Cyprus Airways and Blue Air announced on Thursday they have signed a code share agreement offering more travel destinations to their customers. As of December 3, customers of Cyprus Airways will be able to travel with Blue Air from Larnaca to London, Luton, Athens, Thessaloniki and Bucharest. The agreement allows Cyprus Airways to sell tickets using its own codes for flight destinations from Larnaca offered by Blue Air. Likewise, Blue Air will be using its own codes for flights of Read More
CEOs discuss Banking Innovations at the 6th Cyprus Banking Forum
The 6th Cyprus Banking Forum presented by Logicom Solutions, will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Hilton Park Hotel in Nicosia. IMH is organizing the event to address the latest developments in the banking sector and provide a commentary on today’s banking ecosystem.Faced with an ever-changing financial landscape and an inevitable out with the old, in with the new attitude, the industry is confronted with the challenge of adapting to new technologies or innovating in its existing structures in order to evolve into the new era Read More
Cyprus real estate sector looking up
Cyprus’ real estate sector is continuing to thrive, building on the upward trend of previous years, with experts confident that sales transactions for 2018 will peak at an eight-year high.A PWC REPORT on the Cyprus Real Estate Market “First Half in Review H1 2018” showed that sale transactions reached 4,470 with the Land registry in H1, creating hopes that sales will surpass 2017’s eight-year high of 8,734. The number of 2018 H1 sales represent an uplift of 24% compared Read More
Continuing rise in property sales (Update)
DURING September 2018, the number of property sales contracts deposited at Land Registry offices across the Republic of Cyprus rose 14% compared to September 2017 according to official figures published earlier today by the Department of Lands and Surveys.Property sales have been rising for 17 consecutive months and this September rise follows a rise of 14% in August, 21% in July and 2% in June.During September a total of 687 contracts for the sale of residential and commercial Read More
Quality Group Announces Construction Plans for the First Executive Residency Zenon Hotel in Cyprus by Best Western
On Wednesday October 17th, Quality Group and Sunnyseeker Hospitality officially announced a new impressive hospitality project in Larnaca: Cyprus’ first Executive Residency Zenon Hotel by Best Western Hotels & Resorts.With its “Feel right at home” motto, the Executive Residency Zenon by Best Western is Cyprus’ first serviced apartments hotel of its kind, further enriching Larnaca’s hospitality scene, establishing the coastal city as the new dynamically developed hotel destination in Cyprus.Strategically located within the commercial heart of the city Read More
Contract for the Limassol Icon signed
Contract for the construction of the Limassol ‘Icon’ has been signed between the Imperio Group of Companies and Iacovou Brothers and is expected to be delivered by December 2020.At a height of 125 metres, it will be the fourth tallest building in Cyprus and will be built on Limassol’s coastal road in Germasogia. Work is underway and it is expected to be delivered by December 2020. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Property Read More
Bill seeks to lower VAT on land for primary residence
The government is preparing a bill exempting from payment of the full 19 per cent VAT, purchases of undeveloped land for the purpose of building on it an owner-occupied primary dwelling.Currently, when someone buys a finished housing unit or apartment as their primary dwelling they pay 5 per cent VAT, whereas buying a plot of land for owner-occupied housing incurs a 19 per cent VAT charge.Lawmakers had called for a change, arguing it is unfair to newlyweds who Read More
Moderate property price rises continue
DURING the second quarter of 2018 the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) reports that the residential property price index rose by 0.3% over the second quarter of 2018, with the price index for houses and apartments rising by 0.2% and 0.7% respectively.Referring to the price increases as ‘moderate’ except in certain areas, the CBC notes that the index has now recorded increases for eight consecutive quarters. Continue reading at source: Copyright © Cyprus Property Read More
Paralimni Marina construction underway
Construction work has begun on the Paralimni marina, which is expected to be fully operational by mid-2021 and which will and will have a capacity of approximately 300 vessels.THE PROJECT for the construction of the Paralimni marina has commenced according to an announcement by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. The department wishes to inform the public that there will be some disruption for vessels at the Paralimni fishing shelter as works begin. Specifically, from Friday October 19, Read More
Official Opening of Larnacas Radisson Blu Hotel and QBlu Plaza
Quality Group and SunnySeeker Hotels officially introduced Larnaca’s latest gem, comprising Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca and QBlu Plaza, to media representatives at a press conference on Wednesday October 3rd.Embracing a characteristic “Feel the Difference” motto and stylistic approach inspired by blue hues and elements, Radisson Blu Hotel is Cyprus’s first business hotel, while QBlu Plaza significantly enriches Larnaca’s fine dining and high-end shopping scene, becoming the town’s new focal point for social events and more.Strategically positioned beside the port and a mere Read More
No safe place to swim
The most ambitious project for Chlorakas in more than a decade is set to change all thatTHE creation of a new beach, breakwaters and leisure facilities is earmarked for Chlorakas in Paphos, and at a cost of around €4 million, is being hailed as the most ambitious and important project for the area in more than a decade. The project will hopefully get underway next year, according to officials.The beach will also be the first ‘organised and safe area’ Read More
HB Exceeds 150,000 Transactions Daily After CCB Acquisition
Hellenic Bank exceeded 150,000 transactions per day after it officially acquired the operations of the state-owned Cyprus Cooperative Bank (CCB) on September 3.According to data given to the Cyprus News Agency by Hellenic Bank, the unified banking network serves more than 65,000 clients daily while transactions has exceeded 150,000 on a daily basis. Continue reading at source: Gold News Read More
Invest Cyprus Presents Investment Opportunities in Cyprus in view of Brexit
The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Cyprus), presented the investment opportunities that Cyprus can offer in view of Brexit, in an event that took place in London, on the future of Europe and Cyprus. The event, which was co-organised by the Agency and Bloomberg, took place on Friday, 21stSeptember at the new headquarters of the international news agency, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades.In his introductory speech to the event, the President of the Read More
Cyprus Egypt sign gas pipeline agreement Updated
Egypt and Cyprus on Wednesday signed an agreement for the construction of an underwater pipeline to export natural gas to Egypt.The deal was signed at the presidential palace by Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis and Egypt’s Oil Minister Tarek el-Molla.Lakkotrypis said the agreement aimed at ensuring the timely and safe development, construction, and operation of an underwater pipeline directly to Egypt through the two countries’ exclusive economic zones. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Two historical mountain properties go under the hammer
Two historical properties, reminders of a bygone era and only a stone’s throw from each other in Prodromos village Limassol, went under the hammer on Tuesday at the behest of the Bank of Cyprus but only one was sold, and it wasn’t the abandoned Berengaria Hotel.The house that was sold on Tuesday was owned in the past by well-known Princess Zena Kanther De Tyras, a woman who was born into poverty in a Paphos village, and rescued by an Read More
UNIC to create First Veterinary School in Cyprus
The University of Nicosia has announced an agreement with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to create Cyprus’ first veterinary school. This new initiative aims to deliver two new bachelor degrees in Veterinary Medicine in Cyprus. The University anticipates that its first class will commence in September 2020, with students choosing between a five-year course and a four-year accelerated course.The agreement was confirmed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities on Thursday 30th August, in Read More
French President expected to visit Cyprus in November
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Cyprus in November for talks with President Nicos Anastasiades, with whom he is set to announce a number of bilateral agreements.The Cyprus News Agency reported that Macron’s visit is also related to an invitation extended to him six months ago by the Rector of the University of Cyprus Constantinos Christofides to attend the inauguration ceremony of the University’s Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Center that will take place on November 22.The Read More
Hellenic officially takes over Coop operations (Updated)
Hellenic Bank on Monday officially took control of the operations of the state-owned Cyprus Cooperative Bank (CCB), with officials saying the transition went without a glitch.Following a takeover agreement with the state, Hellenic is now running the co-operative’s network of branches.“The acquisition is expected to accelerate the bank’s strategy of strengthening its banking franchise across Cyprus with an enlarged and diversified customer base. This expansion establishes Hellenic Bank as the leading retail and SME bank in Cyprus,” said Read More
Indian presidents visit highlights long links with Cyprus
The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s three-day visit to Cyprus starting on Sunday follows President Nicos Anastasiades’ visit to India last year and is part of the two countries’ efforts to promote a strong trade and business relationship.The two countries have been of extensive mutual support in international forums over the years and during this visit, the two sides are expected to finalise a number of bilateral agreements.Kovind arrives on Sunday accompanied by high-ranking officials.During the evening, the Read More
Nicosia Mall at 100 per cent
The wait for Nicosia’s largest shopping mall is coming to an end and the results present a promising environment.One hundred per cent of the available space, which amounts to 150 stores, has been sold to known brands including Kipling, Topshop and Topman, Vans, The North Face, Lee and more.Shopping clearly lies at the heart of Nicosia Mall and it has a strategic choice of fashion, beauty and leisure stores and the island’s largest number of sporting brands under Read More
Residential Properties in Cyprus Continue Upward Trend
Residential Properties Index in Cyprus rose by a quarterly 0.6% in the first quarter of 2018, continuing its upward trend for seven consecutive quarters, the Central Bank of Cyprus has said.The Residential Properties Index (comprising both houses and apartments) in the first quarter reached 75 units from 74.6 units the previous quarter, the CBC said, following an upward trajectory since the third quarter of 2016.On an annual basis, the Residential Properties Index rose by 1.8%, Read More
Cyprus Airways Launches Online Check-In
Cyprus Airways has announced the launch of its web check-in service. Cyprus Airways' passengers now have the option of checking in for their flights online at cyprusairways.com. This simple and convenient service allows passengers to save time at the airport and allows self-assignment of seats in the cabin. The online check-in service is available for all the flights departing from Larnaca, Tel Aviv and St. Petersburg. More destinations will be introduced in the coming months. Continue reading at Source: Read More
One in three property sales to non-EU buyers
There has been a steady increase in property sales and in the number of properties sold to foreign buyers, Philenews reported on Thursday.It said that the latest figures from the Land and Surveys Department show that a total number of 5,366 sales contracts were submitted in the first seven months of the year, up 23% over the same period the previous year. Sales to foreign buyers stood at 2613 or 48.7%.One in three sales involved non EU-residents. Read More
Level airline launches Larnaca to Vienna route
Low-cost airline Level launched its new Larnaca-Vienna route with its first flight on August 11, it was announced on Monday.This airline, operational since June 2017, will offer Larnaca-Vienna flights three to five times a week on an Airbus A321 aircraft. Continue reading at Source: Cyprus Read More
AstroBank Grows by 55% by Acquiring the Banking Business of USB Bank
In conformity with its growth strategy, AstroBank Limited has announced that it has signed an agreement with USB Bank PLC to acquire the banking business including the staff of USB, excluding only certain assets. The agreement is expected to be completed before the end of the year following the necessary approvals from the regulatory authorities and completion of other formalities. The transaction will be financed from own resources and supported by a capital raise, primarily from AstroBank’s existing shareholders, currently Read More
Worlds largest passenger plane drops in to Larnaca
The world’s largest passenger plane, an Airbus A380, landed in Larnaca early on Thursday after departing from Denmark at 8.15pm the day before.The plane, which ordinarily would be used to reach destinations far from Copenhagen, was reportedly used because tour operator Thomas Cook was left without an aircraft following a technical problem on the Greek island of Rhodes which left the operator short of a plane. The plane was leased from Hi-Fly, which is leasing it from owner Read More
Nicosia signs contract for city centre revamp
The Nicosia municipality on Wednesday signed the contracts for the first stage of revamping the capital’s one-time commercial centre with work set to start in September this year.The contract for the project to overhaul the triangle between Makarios Avenue, Stasicratous Street and Evagoras Avenue, was awarded to Cybarco-Panayides. Work on the first stage is scheduled to start on September 3. It will cost an estimated €8m and is expected to take 16 months.The project aims to turn the Read More
SPAR to open a supermarket in Larnaca
The international supermarket giant SPAR will open its first shop in Larnaca in cooperation with ERMES, a member of the CTC Group.The shop will open by the end of August in the city centre of Larnaca and the group plans to open more than 20 stores across Cyprus in the short term.The new store will be 1,300m2 with parking. A full range of products will be available but the focus will be on fresh products – fruits, vegetables, Read More
Germania Adds Three New Routes Connecting Germany with Cyprus
Germania unveiled that it will be adding three new routes to its Cyprus network for Summer 2019.Continuing on its promise to develop its flight service to and from Cyprus, new routes between Larnaca and Bremen, Dresden and Münster Osnabrück are set to be introduced, the Cyprus Traveller reports.At present, Germania operates services to/from Paphos Airport and five direct German destinations: Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremberg and Dresden.Services onboard the low-cost carrier feature drinks and snacks which are included Read More
Concert and radiomarathon organised in aid of Greece
By Kristian ChrysostomouCyprus’ efforts to help Greece deal with the after-effects of last week’s devastating fire continue this week with a free concert in Nicosia on Tuesday headlined by Anna Vissi and Antonis Remos.The concert at the Nicosia municipal park, organised by ‘Hope for Children’, will take place on July 31 between 5pm and 11pm in Nicosia’s municipal park near the House of Representatives. The bands performing will include Neon Knights, Cashiers and The Fuse.Tickets for €1, €2 Read More
Energy cooperation will ensure regional peace says president
Cooperation in hydrocarbons development can have a positive effect in the political relations between the Eastern Mediterranean countries, building the foundations for regional peace, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday.He was addressing the new ambassadors of Switzerland, Portugal, the Holy See, Laos, Latvia, Ecuador, Moldova, Dominican Republic, Uganda and Nigeria to Cyprus, who presented their credentials in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.The president assured them that the government and he personally, would provide every assistance and support Read More
Town planning approves permit for Geroskipou high rise
The town planning department has approved a permit to construct two 12-storey buildings and 122 apartments in Geroskipou in Paphos as part of the Peninsula Resort project, Atum Developments said in a statement.Included in the project is an international brand 5-star hotel resort, for which another permit application has already been submitted.The company said the Peninsula Resort project is being implemented in parallel with the Eden City project, which is still being discussed with the state. Continue reading Read More
Petition Launched to Reinstate Ferry Link between Greece and Cyprus
An online campaign calling for the reinstatement of a ferry service connecting Piraeus in Greece with Limassol , has thus far gathered over 11,400 signatures on avaaz.org.A Cyprus-based group launched the campaign in efforts to exert pressure on the governments of Greece and Cyprus to reinstate the ferry link which was discontinued 18 years ago.Translated into seven languages, the online petition is addressed to the mayors of Limassol and Piraeus, the Cypriot president and the head of Read More
Japanese FM visiting to inaugurate firstever embassy of Japan in Cyprus
Japanese state minister for foreign affairs Kazuyuki Nakane will be in Cyprus o Monday on an official visit during which he will meet his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides.At the meeting, which will take place at 5pm at the foreign ministry, the two are expected to discuss, among other things, bilateral relations and ways of strengthening them in fields such as trade, investment, tourism and crisis management. They will also discuss the Cyprus issue, as well as regional and international Read More
Monaco Telecom to Acquire MTN Cyprus
As of today, MTN Cyprus is at the forefront of the creation of a new, dynamic European family of telecoms companies.MTN and Monaco Telecom have agreed on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MTN Cyprus by Monaco Telecom. The transaction, costing €260 million, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018.Monaco Telecom is the incumbent operator of the Principality of Monaco. It has a long tradition of innovation in mobile, fixed broadband Read More
Minister impressed with progress on Ayia Napa marina
Minister of Energy, Commerce and Tourism Giorgos Lakkotrypis and a team of ministry officials visited the site of the Ayia Napa marina on Monday to monitor the progress of the construction works.The main breakwater is nearly completed and preparations for the construction of one of the two towers in which 190 apartments will be housed are progressing. The towers will be built during the second phase of the project.The second phase also includes the construction of 29 luxury Read More
Lidl Cyprus Stops Sale of SingleUse Plastics by End 2019
Lidl Cyprus has announced that by the end of 2019 it will stop the sale of single-use plastics such as straws, cups and plates, cutlery and cotton buds in all its 17 stores operating in Cyprus.“Products made from alternative and recyclable materials will take their place, for which the company is already cooperating with its suppliers,” a Lidl Cyprus press release says.The company says that “it will set a goal to abolish and adapt straws which are also Read More
CSC Report Cyprus is the Largest Shipmanagement Centre in the EU
Reviewing 2017, the Cyprus Registry ranked again as the 11th largest merchant fleet worldwide and the 3rd largest fleet in the European Union (EU). According to the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s Annual Report for 2017, Cyprus is considered to be the largest Shipmanagement Centre in the EU and among the three largest globally.Furthermore, in excess of 200 internationally known and recognised Shipowning, Shipmanagement, Chartering and Shipping related companies operate from Cyprus. The wider Shipping Sector employs approximately 4,500 employees ashore Read More
Official Opening of National CSIRT Cyprus
The official opening of the National CSIRT of Cyprus (Computer Security Incident Response Team) took place on Monday 25th June 2018 at the Team’s premises in Nicosia by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Vasiliki Anastasiadou. Also present at the ceremony were George Michaelides the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation, the Deputy Commissioner Petros Galides and Brahima Sanou, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).The National CSIRT is the Computer Security Incident Read More
British Airways Increases Flights between Larnaca and Heathrow Terminal 5
British Airways has announced a significant increase in the number of flights from Larnaca International Airport to London Heathrow Terminal 5. Particularly convenient for all passengers wishing to travel to the United States, the additional Monday, Wednesday and Sunday flights now offer same-day connections with very attractive fares to the buzzing cities of New York and Boston. Tickets at competitive prices will be on sale from now until July 2, 2018.The new schedule, boosted with three additional weekly flights, Read More
US working to strengthen security and energy ties with Cyprus
The US is working to strengthen security and energy cooperation with Cyprus, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wes Mitchell told Congress’ Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday.He noted that Washington is constructing a long-term strategy to bolster their presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.“We are cultivating Greece as an anchor of stability in the Mediterranean and Western Balkans and working to systematically strengthen security and energy cooperation with Cyprus,” Mitchell said. Continue reading at source: Cyprus Read More
Acceptance of HBs Final Offer to Acquire CCB
Further to the announcement made by Hellenic Bank Public Company Limited (the “Company”) on 15 June 2018, that it submitted a final offer (the “Final Offer”) for the acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of certain assets and liabilities of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank Ltd (“CCB”), and further to the statement by the Minister of Finance that the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus is supportive of the Company’s Final Offer, subject to submission of a capital plan by the Company, Read More
Astrobank Announces Strategic Partnership with Swiss Asset Manager Crescendo Capital
AstroBank Private Banking is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Geneva-based boutique Asset Manager Crescendo Capital S.A., the core wealth management business of Crescendo Group. With affiliated businesses in London, Guernsey, Manchester and the Americas, Crescendo Capital has a global capability for sourcing opportunities and servicing High Net Worth Individuals and Family Offices.‘This collaboration enhances our Private Banking offering by combining our local personalised service with a fuller range of asset management solutions. It brings Swiss Read More
Austrian airline to start flights from Paphos to Vienna
Austrian airline Laudamotion is about to start flights from Vienna to Paphos, a move welcomed by the Paphos regional tourism board on Wednesday.According to an announcement from the board, this development is particularly important and promising, as through Vienna, Paphos is linked to many airports and priority countries.At the same time, the announcement said, this “fully complies with the efforts made to expand the tourist season, develop new markets and specific forms of tourism”.Read More at Source: Cyprus Read More
Ground broken for casino resort
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new casino resort was underway on Friday in Limassol attended by President Nicos Anastasiades who described it a “historic day” and a “major milestone” for Cyprus.Anastasiades said City of Dreams Mediterranean constituted the biggest investment project undertaken in Cyprus and expressed his “sincerest appreciation” to Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco and his team and the CNS Group and Melis Shiakolas, for the confidence they displayed in the economy of Cyprus and its promising Read More
Daily Mail Cyprus amongst the ultimate hidden treasure destinations for 2018
Larnaca and Paphos amongst the top 50 European destinations for Brits in 2018!British media outlet Daily Mail mentions the best holidays for Brits this summer in Europe in a recent article.A popular travel site Kayak.co.uk analysed searches made by Brits for holidays beyond the continent in July and August and discovered that demand for trips to Cyprus and specifically Larnaca and Paphos are brits popular demand.Read More from Source: Cyprus Read More
Anastasiades Nicosia Looks Forward To Working with Rome
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has sent a congratulatory message to Italy’s new Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, and expressed his wish to work with him for the smooth realization of the potential of bilateral relations, arising from the discovery of hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the active presence of ENI. “I would like to congratulate you on the assumption of your high duties as President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic and Read More
Property transactions up 10 in May land registry says
The number of property transactions rose an annual 10 per cent in May, to 828, the highest in 2018, on a strong increase in Nicosia and Famagusta, the land department said.The number of property sales in Nicosia rose 30 per cent, to 153 compared to the respective month of 2017, while in the district of Famagusta they rose 108 per cent, to 79, the Department of Lands and Surveys said in a statement.Read More from the Source: Cyprus Read More
RCB Bank Records Profit of 972M in 2017
RCB Bank Ltd has published the consolidated financial statements for 2017, approved by the Board of Directors.In 2017, the net profit after tax demonstrated 19% growth in comparison to 2016 and amounted to 97.2 million Euros. RCB Bank has been consistently profitable for the last five years. The main driver behind the growth in profits was the increase of non-interest income from 23.4 million Euros in 2016 to 35.6 million Euros in 2017, the extension of Read More
TUS Airways Launches its Summer Sales with Special Prices
The Cyprus-based TUS Airways: "The Ultimate Schedule" has launched its summer sales, offering special prices for the pre-booking of a limited number of seats for flights to selected destinations in the period between the 1st June and the 27th October 2018. As part of the summer sale, the prices for one-way tickets from Larnaca to Athens start from 52 Euros, to Thessaloniki from 54 Euros, to Alexandroupoli from 65 Euros, to Araxos-Patra from 65 Euros and to Rome from 70 Read More
Changing the face of Limassol
By Andria KadesA company that says it has helped changed the face of Limassol is now in the midst of constructing a trio of towers in the heart of the city.Dubbed ‘Trilogy’ the ambitious project, taken up by Cybarco, spans 21,500 square metres of land, with the towers ranging from 36 to 39 levels, reaching a height of 161 meters.The allure of high buildings for office space or residential apartments is the inevitable view of the sea according Read More
President welcomes long standing friendship with Russia
President Nicos Anastasiades spoke of the long term relations between Cyprus and Russia that have proved resistant to challenges during an opening address at the 13th Cyprus-Russian festival in Limassol on Saturday night.He said through the festival the two countries share their rich culture and traditions, celebrating their friendship and honouring their bonds.As is well known, the president said Cyprus and Russie have a historic relationship characterized by deep friendship and co-operation between the two populations, which “we Read More
Gulf Air Enters a New Era
Summer is fast approaching and Gulf Air has introduced a brand new identity, including a redesigned logo of the airline’s majestic falcon, along with rolling out many positive developments that include a new, modern incoming fleet and an expanding network.Gulf Air increased its flights from Bahrain to Larnaca permanently from 5 times a week to daily, while aiming to strengthen Bahrain’s strategic business and tourism links. Further additions to its flight schedule will also be made from mid-June until Read More
Cyprus Airways announces the launch of ticket sales for flights from Larnaca to Chania for summer 2018
Larnaca, Cyprus – Cyprus Airways announces the launch of ticket sales for flights from Larnaca to Chania, for July and August 2018. Direct flights from Larnaca to Chania will begin on 14th of July 2018. Cyprus Airways will connect Larnaca with Chania, twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday.“We are excited to add Chania to our network for the months of July and August. Chania is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Greece and a very Read More
Cyprus will remain a safe haven for those in need minister says at launch of Argonaftis
Cyprus will remain a safe haven for those in need, especially for the refugees who are forced to abandon their homes and families, Defence Minister Savvas Angelides said on Wednesday at the start of the international maritime search and rescue exercise Argonaftis 2018.Over 40 countries are taking part in, or are observing, the exercise – which ends on Friday – from the ‘Zenon’ joint search and rescue coordinating centre in Larnaca.Angelides said Argonaftis was the biggest such exercise Read More
Rights for Britons to live in Cyprus as they do now secured
We have secured the right for UK nationals to continue living their life in Cyprus as they do now, new UK High Commissioner Stephen Lillie said in an open letter to UK nationals living on the island on Tuesday, strongly urging those who have not yet done so, to register as residents with the Cypriot authorities, if they wish to continue to live in Cyprus.Furthermore, he assured that “we will continue to work closely with the Cypriot government to Read More
Melco Holds Exclusive Preview of Morpheus the New Hotel at City of Dreams
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia, held an exclusive preview of Morpheus, the new hotel at City of Dreams. Melco is working closely with the Macau government to obtain all licenses required for the hotel opening, targeting to open its doors to the public on June 15, 2018. Designed by late Dame Zaha Hadid, the USD 1.1 billion iconic landmark is integral to the relaunch Read More
Opening of Japanese Embassy base for enhancing bilateral ties
The opening of the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus in January this year is the symbolic representation of the deepening mutual relations between the two countries and it will be the base of further enhancement and expansion of bilateral ties in areas including politics, economy, trade, culture, education, science and technology, ambassador Shinichi Nakatsugawa said on Friday.Presenting his credentials to President Nicos Anastasiades, the ambassador said the active exchange of high level bilateral visits is also important for the Read More
Cyprus launches visa application centres in the UK
By Stelios OrphanidesCyprus’s embassy in London had four “visa application centres” launched by the UK-based VFS Global, tasked with accepting applications for visas from residents of the UK, which two years ago voted to leave the European Union.“Although UK visitors do not need a visa if they are staying less than 90 days, the new service will be of use to those who stay longer, such as those with holiday homes, those who spend more time in Cyprus visiting Read More
Xenion pupils on 30 hour work fast to raise awareness of poverty
Inspired by NGO World Visions ’30 hour famine’, a programme dedicated to the well-being of children, 30 pupils of Xenion High school in Paralimni went without food for 30 hours recently.The idea was for the teenagers to drink only water and sleep rough while also taking part in activities designed to raise their understanding of what it means to be poor and other actions helping their community.“The fast started on Friday morning at 7am, when they had their Read More
Steady progress on Ayia Napa marina says developer
More than 55 per cent of the residential properties in the Eastern Tower of the Ayia Napa marina project, have already been sold, developers of the project said on Wednesday in a progress report on the €220 million project.The project, in which the Egyptian investor Naguib Sawiris’ Gemini Real Estate Ltd has an 80 per cent stake and the Cyprus-based Caramondanis Group a 20 per cent stake, is scheduled to be to be completely finished by 2021. The marina Read More
Investor reaches deal with Larnaca mayor over luxury hotel
Amendments made to the agreement between a Russian investor who plans to build a five-star hotel at the Phinikoudes beach and the Larnaca municipality are subject to approval by the cabinet, the town’s mayor said on Monday.“This is a complementary agreement between the two sides, which concerns the new terms of repayment by the investor for the municipal unit located on Athens avenue which he bought. The supplementary agreement was forwarded to the ministry of the interior to be Read More
Cyprus is very safe say UK tourism officials
UK media reports about ‘terrified Britons’ ready to ‘flee Cyprus’ in the run-up and immediate aftermath of air strikes on Syrian government targets from the RAF base at Akrotiri early Saturday were described as scaremongering by officials on Monday.British tabloids spoke to a number of potential holidaymakers and people who have relatives living in Cyprus who appeared to fear Russian retaliation against the bases over the airstrikes.UK Prime Minister Theresa May had called President Nicos Anastasiades on Saturday, Read More
Tax break for young couples buying land for first home
The government has submitted to parliament a draft bill indirectly exempting from payment of 19 per cent VAT young couples who buy land for the purpose of building a primary residence.The issue is related to the passage of a law last November imposing 19 per cent VAT on building land.In its wake, persons buying a finished housing unit or apartment as their primary dwelling must pay 5 per cent VAT, whereas purchasing a plot of land for owner-occupied Read More
Anastasiades congratulates Cypriot athletes on success in Commonwealth Games
Cypriot athletes who competed in the 21st Commonwealth Games, in Queensland, Australia managed to place Cyprus in 10th place, with 14 medals.In a written statement on Sunday, President Nicos Anastasiades conveyed his “warmest congratulations to all those who represented our country in the Commonwealth Games, which were hosted in Australia.”The results, he said, “confirm that sports are day by day becoming more competitive in our country and they not only make us proud but also create an obligation Read More
Papaellinas family buys Alpha TV channel
Television channel Alpha has been bought by members of the Papaellinas family, which also owns the Alfa Mega supermarket chain, for €7m, it was announced on Wednesday.A statement issued by Alpha Cyprus said an initial agreement has been made for the acquisition of all the company’s shares by members of the Papaellinas family, which also owns the Papaellinas Group.The agreement is subject to the approval of the island’s broadcasting watchdog. Continue Read More
Cyprus Egypt preparing ground for gas pipeline foreign minister says Updated
Cyprus and Egypt will be ready in the near future to sign an agreement on a direct undersea natural gas pipeline from Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone to a liquefied natural gas plant in Egypt, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said.The minister, visiting Cairo on Tuesday, said: “We believe that there is a bright future for the cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt in the field of hydrocarbons as our cooperation is based on solid foundations.”In a joint press conference after Read More
Limassol mulls sea taxis
Limassol municipality has decided to look into the possibility of introducing water taxis to the sea around the city, daily Politis reported on Tuesday.The town is hoping to take advantage of the European programme Sumport – sustainability urban mobility in Med port cities – which aims at supporting the uptake of sustainable urban mobility plans (Sumps) and at implementing them at a local level through several pilot actions.In Limassol, the plan reportedly is to cover a distance of Read More
Anastasiades meets Blair in Cyprus on private visit
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with President Nicos Anastasiades on Wednesday at the presidential palace in Nicosia.Blair, in Cyprus on a private visit, told reporters after the meeting that the two had an excellent discussion.Lasting over an hour, they spoke about the Cyprus problem, challenges in the Middle East region and the ties between Cyprus and the UK.Blair said they discussed “the strong ties between our two countries and the importance of keeping those ties Read More
First Flight of Cyprus Airways from Larnaca to Beirut
Cyprus Airways' first flight from Larnaca to Beirut took place on the 29th March 2018. The flight departed from Larnaca at 10:40 in the morning and landed in Beirut at 11:20. “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Beirut on our network and feel that this route will be a popular choice for short break holidays for both Lebanese and Cyprus markets” stated Natalia Popova, Chief Commercial Officer of Cyprus Airways.Cyprus Airways will connect Larnaca with Beirut, initially with 2 Read More
Athens International Airport Welcomes First Cyprus Airways Flight from Larnaca to Athens
Cyprus Airways first flight to Athens departed from Larnaca at 3:00 in the afternoon and landed in Athens at 4:45. Athens International Airport welcomed Cyprus Airways aircraft with the ceremonial water cannon salute, followed by the “ribbon bonding” ceremony for the official guests and passengers, at the A5 Gate, symbolizing the air link between the two countries.Cyprus Airways will connect Larnaca with Athens, initially with 2 flights a week and 4 flights a week from June 1, 2018.Return Read More
Expecting urban planning golf in Ayia Napa
The planning permission to complete the final negotiations with the interested investors and to begin the construction works on the one hand expects the company that has undertaken the development of a golf course in the forest of Ayia Napa.The permits are expected to be issued in 2018 to start the project soon with the construction of the golf course on 14 Nagorabad landscapes Cavo Greco, the total area of which exceeds the 104,000 sq. m.The cost of Read More
Rebranded Cyprus Airways completes inaugural flight
Rebranded Cyprus Airways on Thursday carried out its first flight to Athens, as previously announced.The Airbus A319 aircraft landed at Athens’ international airport at 4.45pm, according to a press release.On the tarmac, the aircraft was greeted with a water arch.Cyprus Airways will initially fly to Athens twice a week, and four times a week as of June 1.Ticket fares for the Larnaca-Athens return trip start from €97, all taxes and surcharges included. Tickets may be Read More
New airline adds flights to Paphos
Right in time for the start of the peak travel season, a new Austrian airline will offer flights and connections to Paphos Airport.After performing its inaugural flight last week, the company has now made flights available for booking, ahead of its first Cyprus flights at the beginning of June.Laudamotion is the latest development in the history of the successful airline NIKI. Ever since it was first founded in November 2003, NIKI has been continuously expanding both its fleet Read More
Decision on Paphos Marina due in weeks
A new administrative marina management committee has been appointed by the council of ministers and is currently examining documents and paperwork submitted as part of the tender process for the highly anticipated Paphos marina.Head of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce (EVE) Andreas Demetriades told the Cyprus Mail he expects a decision in two to three weeks between the two remaining bids and work to finally get underway on the facility at Potima Bay in Kissonerga.“Because of successful recourse brought by the Poseidon consortium to Read More
Trilogy Limassol Seafront Officially Launches Property Sales
Trilogy Limassol Seafront, the integrated beachfront development by Cybarco - currently under construction on Limassol’s coastline - has announced the official launch of sales for the luxury apartments and offices in its two front towers. The West Tower is due for delivery at the end of 2021 and the East Tower will follow just three months later, in March 2022.The sales launch comes in conjunction with the opening of the new Cybarco sales office on the project site, now Read More
Marr The new residential tower of 110 meters
The construction of the new residential building in Germasogeia by Marr Cyprus, which combines the advantages of central location, security and inspired architecture, is underway.The Marr Tower will consist of a total of 65 apartments, while its total height reaches 110 meters. In particular, it offers a choice of 1-3 bedroom apartments, as well as two duplex penthouse with roof garden, all with a height of 3.40 meters.Continue Read More
Ryanair Additional 12 routes to Paphos for winter 20182019
The Touristic Development and Propagation Company of Paphos Region (ETAP) is particularly keen to welcome Ryanair's decision to extend its winter program to Pafos International Airport and continue several regular flights on a year-round basis.Particularly excellent developments in Ryanair's decision are the routes connecting Pafos with Ireland, Tel-Aviv, UK airports, Amman, Krakow, Bratislava (Vienna) and the Baltic Sea, which are strategically important and upgraded the destination Paphos and Paphos International Airport.This development is of exceptional and strategic importance Read More
Limassol Del Mar Construction Assigned to a Consortium of Four Companies
Cypeir Properties Ltd has announced assignment of the construction works of Limassol Del Mar, the fully licensed luxurious project, to the consortium of companies, which includes Atlaspantou Co Ltd, MAN Enterprise, ICM Group and CMB Società Cooperativa. These companies have a wide expertise in the field of high-rise developments and the assignment decision leaned towards them due to their eminent professionalism, international standards and novelty in successfully delivering Limassol Del Mar, the development project of international standards.One of the Read More
Rob Shuter MTN Cyprus Reports 10% YoY Revenue Growth
Rob Shuter, MTN Group CEO, visited MTN Cyprus on February 13th, 2018 together with Ismail Jaroudi Vice President of MENA region. Rob Shuter, recognizing MTN Cyprus’ strong performance during 2017, met with Cyprus’ executive team and staff and congratulated them for their efforts that positioned MTN Cyprus not only as the fastest-growing telecommunications provider in Cyprus but also as one of the top telecommunications companies in Europe to report a 10% year on year revenue growth.Specifically, MTN has increased Read More
HB 2017 A Year of Strategic Progress
During 2017 Hellenic Bank made further progress towards achieving its strategic targets by completing major initiatives to further strengthen the Group’s balance sheet and enhance its earnings capacity.Hellenic Bank was the first Cypriot Bank to agree an NPES portfolio sale, totaling €145 million while setting up the first independent debt server in Cyprus. Organic reduction of NPEs for 9 consecutive quarters, coupled with the NPEs sale, resulted in an NPEs ratio of 53%. The Group maintains its strong capital Read More
Trilogy Limassol Seafront Launches its Website
Trilogy Limassol Seafront, the latest destination emerging on the Limassol coastline, has launched its website trilogylimassol.com, inviting visitors to discover the integrated beachfront development online, while becoming better acquainted with all the unique features that make Trilogy the ultimate place to live, work and play in Cyprus.Premium and elegant, like the brand, the website has been designed to offer a user-friendly experience, allowing visitors to easily navigate through the project’s masterplan and get a taste of the lifestyle Read More
Larnaca Port Expected to Generate Revenue of Over 95M in 2018
Larnaca Port is expected to generate revenue of over €9.5 million this year, due to an increase in activities, mainly due to additional cargo reaching the port from Europe, destined for exclusive economic zone works in Egypt and Israel.Speaking before the Committee of Finance at the House of Representatives, which discussed the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) budget for 2018, Chairman of the CPA Petros Krassas said that Larnaca Port was working to its full capacity.He explained that Read More
Funds take off in Cyprus
Cyprus is gaining ground on investment funds as, according to the Central Bank's data, the total assets of investment funds in Cyprus have almost tripled since 2008 to 2017, with the figure last December amounting to € 3.45 billion, while the number of investment funds at the end of 2017 stood at 114 compared to 55 in 2008, which is the largest number of registered investment funds ever in Cyprus. These figures show that Cyprus is heading in the Read More
Aristo Developers Participates in International Exhibitions in September
Continuing its firm grip in the Cyprus Real Estate market, Aristo Developers has entered 2018 with a firm presence at international property fairs throughout January.In particular, the Company featured in exhibitions and business forums held in Iran, Switzerland, China and the United States of America, while expanding its existing network of partners by implementing committed growth strategy in many new markets.Continue Read More
Tourist Arrivals Increases In January By 212
Arrivals of tourists increased in January 2018 by over 21% compared to last year.According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, on the basis of the results of the Passengers Survey, arrivals of tourists reached 75.867 in January 2018 compared to 62.611 in January 2017, recording an increase of 21.2%.January 2018 had the highest volume of tourist arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the specific month.Tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom increased by 14.6% Read More
Property Prices Increase Significantly In Q3 2017
An increase of 7.4% in apartment prices and 4.2% in house prices on an annual basis was recorded by RICS’ Cyprus Property Price Index.Across Cyprus, on an annual basis (compared to Q3 2016), the price of flats increased by 7.4%, houses by 4.2%, offices by 8.8%, warehouses by 4.4% and retail by 4.5%.The Property Price Index has recorded increases on an annual basis in all cities and asset classes, with significant Read More
Cobalt Air Adds Access to Abu Dhabi from Larnaca
Hot on the heels of this week’s earlier route announcement to Düsseldorf, Cobalt Air is proud to announce a new three times weekly service linking Abu Dhabi with Larnaca, beginning on 25 February. Cyprus’ largest airline will offer its new signature business class on the route.Continue Read More
Anastasiades the first Cyprus President to visit Saudi Arabia
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, will be in Saudi Arabia on the January 2, to pay the first visit by a Cypriot President to the country.CNA has learnt that the President will be accompanied in Riyadh by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Defence and Transport and the Government Spokesman.President Anastasiades’ meetings will take place on the 3rd of January.Government sources have told CNA that the visit is important and symbolic, as it is Read More
Cyprus A Future Superyacht Hub
Cyprus is quickly becoming a sought-after superyacht destination, and that new activity is focused on the rapidly-expanding Ayia Napa Marina. With a new office in the heart of the marina, we speak to Stelios Kazamia, Director of Hill Robinson Cyprus, about the growing attraction of the island and the opportunities created by the uncertainty of Brexit.After holding a presence in Cyprus with Hill Robinson Nicosia since 2012, the new initiative to move the regional and industry expertise to Limassol Read More
Building Permits Increase by 45 in 2017
During the period January – September 2017, 4,281 building permits were issued compared to 3,901 in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.The total value of these permits increased by 44.8% and the total area by 37.2%. The number of dwelling units recorded an increase of 35.1%.The Statistical Service announced that the number of building permits authorized by the municipal authorities and the district administration Read More
November property sales up 39
Property sales in Cyprus rose 39 per cent in November compared with November 2016 with sales increasing in all districts according to official figures from the Department of Lands and Surveys.THE NUMBER of property sales during November rose 39 per cent compared to November 2016 according to official statistics published by the Department of Lands and Surveys earlier today. This rise follows a rise of 18% in October, an 8% rise in September, and a 27% rise in August. Read More
Reduced VAT on property purchase
Those buying a property in Cyprus as their main residence may apply for a reduced rate of VAT of 5% on the purchase price/construction cost of a new dwelling providing they meet certain criteria. This information leaflet from the Tax Department provides a general guidance on the purchase/construction of a new dwelling in the Republic of Cyprus. For any further information or special advice, please contact our VAT District Offices in all towns.Introduction As from the 1st of October Read More
Cyprus issues 16970 first time residence permits in 2016
In 2016, about 3.4 million first residence permits were issued in the European Union (EU) to non-EU citizens, a record number since comparable data are available (2008) and up by 28% (or nearly 735 000 residence permits) compared with 2015. This increase was mainly due to the larger number of first permits issued for `other reasons` (+64%) as well as for employment reasons (+21%), the Cyprus News Agency reports.Employment reasons accounted for a quarter (25.4%) of all Read More
Record number of Tourist arrival in october
October saw the highest number of tourist arrivals in Cyprus ever recorded in the tenth month of the year, the Statistical Service of Cyprus has reported.Cystat announced that on the basis of the results of the passengers survey, arrivals of tourists reached 406.870 in October 2017 compared to 357.194 in October 2016, recording an increase of 13.9%.“October 2017 had the highest number of tourist arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the specific month” Cystat noted. Read More
September property sales up by 8 percent
The number of property sales in Cyprus during September rose 18 per cent compared to September 2016 according to official statistics published by the Department of Lands and Surveys earlier today. This rise follows a 27% increase in August, an 18% increase in July, and a 28% increase in June. During September a total of 602 contracts for the sale of residential and commercial properties and land (building plots and fields) were deposited at Land Registry offices across Cyprus, compared with Read More
High hopes for the coming Winter tourism season
An extra 250,000 airline seats are being added for the coming winter tourism season, meaning a 20% increase in the number of arrivals between November and March. Although summer arrivals have reached record levels over the past two years with an estimated 3.6m expected by the end of the year, winter tourism has never been the strong suit of the island due to the lack of air connectivity in winter and hotels shutting down for the season.But the situation has Read More
Cyprus grows in popularity
British visitor numbers to Cyprus rose 8% in the first nine months of this year to reach 874,055.Arrivals from the rest of the world were up by 14% to 2.5 million.Orestis Rossides, UK director of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, said: “Tourism is an important sector for Cyprus and we’re proud to announce that 2017 is on track to be another record-breaking year.“Our longer-term goal is to reach six million global tourist arrivals by 2030 and we Read More
10 Most Popular Sunny Destinations for Expats
The sun is one of the few things Brits can't import, no matter how much you are prepared to pay.For that reason, more than 60% of British expats consider the weather at their target destination before moving abroad – 17 percentage points more than the global average of expats worldwide – according to a study by Internations.The expat consultancy surveyed more than 14,000 expats from over 191 countries to find the homes away from home with the best climate.The Read More
Development of Larnaca Port and Marina on track Mayor says
Plans for the development of the Larnaca port and marina are on track and proposals by the three shortlisted tenders are expected to be submitted next month, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said on Wednesday.“We expect the proposals to be for touristic and commercial development, and not for an energy hub,” he told the Cyprus Mail.In total three consortiums/companies of the five that initially expressed interest were shortlisted in June to proceed to the next phase in the tender Read More
Paphos Coast gets Gold Award
The Paphos region has been recognised for its efforts to support sustainable tourism and honoured with a top European Union (EU) prize.The district has received the Gold Award for Quality Coast Policy and Sustainable Tourism Best Practices from the EU-endorsed Quality Coast programme.“The coastline of Paphos, from Yeroskipou to Neo Chorio, has been recognised on a European level as being environmentally-friendly and reflective of a sustainable tourism destination,” Paphos Regional Board of Tourism (PRBT) director, Nassos Hadjigiorgiou told Read More
Cyprus Among Top 10 Sunny Countries To Live In 2017
The weather seems to play a critical role in choice of destination: almost seven out of ten (67%) say the climate in their new home was a factor to consider before moving abroad.People are just as likely to think about the weather as they do about the costs of living and general living standards when deciding on their new home (67% and 70%, respectively), Tornosnews reports. Based on the insights of more than 14,000 expats from over 191 countries Read More
Busy Cyprus airports to accommodate around 2000 flights this week
A total of 1,960 flights to and from Cyprus’ two international airports are scheduled to take place until Sunday, August 13, marking the first wave of increased passenger traffic in August.Hermes Airports Spokesman Adamos Aspris told CNA today that Larnaca and Paphos airports are expected to accommodate a total of 320,000 passengers this week. “On average, there will be 280 flights on a daily basis, serving 45,000 passengers” he said.These are mostly flights to and from the UK, Read More
Cyprus Tax Resident by Staying in Cyprus 60 Days a Year
The Parliament of Cyprus approved a bill that gives the right to an individual to be considered as tax resident in Cyprus, provided that he meets cumulatively certain conditions.Thus, the Income Tax Law has been amended so that an individual, who does not remain in any of their state for one or more periods which altogether exceed 183 days in the same tax year and who is not tax resident in any other state for the same tax year, Read More
Larnaca tourism booming
This year is developing to be the best recorded in terms of tourist arrivals for the city and district of Larnaca. It is a strong follow-up to the success of 2016 when the Larnaca District drew 11.4% of total tourist arrivals in Cyprus, the largest percentage since 2001.This is the case says the Larnaca Tourist Development and Promotion Company (ETAP), according to data received by the Statistical Service.“The summer tourist season is peaking with both the city Read More
Karma Group Boosts Its Presence in China
Karma Group continued its presentations in China with remarkable success.The dynamic presence of the Group, based in the East Coast of the island with many projects in Ayia Napa and Protaras, continued through investment seminars in the cities of Ningbo, Hangzhou and Shanghai.The investment seminars and of course Karma’s wide property portfolio managed to attract the attention of real estate agents, wealth management firms, investors and property buyers.Karma’s representatives managed to have also several other meetings, attaining Read More
Ayia Napa Marina Continues Promotional Activities Abroad
Several successful promotional activities have given the Ayia Napa Marina wide international acclaim, attracting growing interest from international investors and buyers.More specifically, the project received very positive feedback when presented at events and exhibitions in Dubai and London during the last months.In addition, following two recent activities in Moscow, the Ayia Napa Marina left its mark in the capital while drawing great attention from around the country. The project was presented by the CEO of the company, Stavros Read More
Local property tax set to change
LOCAL property tax in Cyprus is set to change this year as the Municipalities and Communities will be assessing the tax payable on the 2013 property valuations rather than the 1980 valuations. It is anticipated that most people will pay about the same local property tax as they did in 2016. However, the new assessments may result in those whose properties were registered as plots or fields in 1980 and which have subsequently been developed – and those whose properties Read More
Cyprus Real Estate News Cyprus Property Sales Up 28
The Cyprus property recovery is underway with the latest figures showing that prices for villas and flats are increasing and Cyprus property sales are also rising.The latest figures shows that the number of properties sold in Cyprus during June rose 28 % compared to June 2016 with Cyprus property sales increasing in all districts with the exception of Larnaca according to official figures.This increase follows a 59% increase in May, a fall of 2% in April and a 16% Read More
Cyprus attracting more overseas interest
CYPRUS moved up 12 places in the TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props index in March 2017 to become the sixth most sought after location by overseas property investors. Foreign buyers returned to the island’s property market at the end of 2016, with enquiries rising 22 per cent in the second half of the year. Enquiries faltered at the start of 2017, but buyers are now showing signs of returning in greater numbers. In real terms, enquiries for Cypriot property Read More
Property sales improve in March
Following February’s fall in property sales, the numbers sold in Cyprus during March compared to March 2016 improved in three of the five districts according to official statistics from the Department of Lands and Surveys.THE NUMBER of property sales in Cyprus during March rose 16 per cent compared to March 2016 according to official statistics published by the Department of Lands and Surveys. During March a total of 626 contracts for the sale of residential and commercial properties and Read More
Five consortiums submit proposals for Larnaca Marina
THE communications and works ministry announced on Monday that it has received five proposals from various consortiums for the development of the Larnaca port and marina.The announcement follows years of delays and the withdrawal of a previous redevelopment plan for the development of the Larnaca port and marina which the government wants to become the largest in Cyprus.None of the bidders has yet been named.The government had invited parties for expressions of interest by November 26, with Read More
Grand development plans for Larnaca
Larnaca is going to acquire two new hotels this year, with a further eight for which plans have been approved, likely to open within the next three years.A Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence franchise is set to open near the port this November, offering 105 guest rooms and serviced apartments, an official of the Larnaca Tourism Board confirmed on Monday, with a three-star hotel Lenios with 108 beds operating in Oroklini from July.A number of other grand projects Read More
Cyprus real estate market report for 2016
In its 2016 annual review Resolute Asset Management reports that the Cyprus real estate market is gradually becoming more active partly due to improving local and international economic conditions.IN ITS ANNUAL report Resolute Asset Management provides a review of the Cyprus economy & real estate market for 2016 and its prospects and expectations for the year ahead:Transaction volumeThe real estate market is gradually becoming more active partly due to improving local and international economic conditions. There is also an Read More
Marginal rise in property prices
Cyprus property prices rose marginally during the third quarter of 2016 for the first time since the end of 2009 according to the Residential Property Price Index published by the Cyprus Central Bank.THE CYPRUS Central Bank reported that home prices rose marginally in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the previous quarter, with its Residential Property Price Index rising for the first time since late 2009 to stand at 73.3. The index for house and apartment prices Read More
Cystat Building Permits Increase by 123 in November 2016
The Statistical Service announces that the number of building permits authorized by the municipal authorities and the district administration offices during November 2016 stood at 550. The total value of these permits reached €113.5 million and the total area 100.3 thousand square metres. These building permits provide for the construction of 341 dwelling units.During the period January – November 2016, 4,900 building permits were issued compared to 4,581 in the corresponding period of the previous year. The Read More
May launch for Luxury Larnaca Project
A huge seafood restaurant, the first phase of the luxury ‘Castle Project’ at Larnaca’s Mackenzie beach is expected to be completed in May.The undertaking by Lebanese millionaire Antoine Saniour includes a luxury hotel with nearly 500 beds and 13 floors, a beach bar and a jacuzzi for 100 people while water sports and around 800 sunbeds and umbrellas will be on offer on the beach.In the sea a small island in the shape of Cyprus will be constructed Read More
Larnaca Fuel Storage Facilities Dismantled
Fuel storage tanks in Larnaca were dismantled on Friday in a “historic” day for the city, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis said. Lakkotrypis noted that the city governance and its citizens have been seeking the removal of the fuel installations from the city’s seafront for a “long time”. The installations of the Cyprus Fuel Storage Company (KETAP) take up a space of 150,000 square metres of Laranca’s eastern seafront. The strategic fuel reserves previously held in these installations have been moved Read More
Poseidon Grand Marina Paphos marina secures funding
The consortium awarded the contract for the construction of the Paphos marina has secured a letter from the Bank of Cyprus in which it guarantees to fund the entire project according to the president of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.The president of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Andreas Demetriades told the Cyprus News Agency that, according to information received, the Poseidon Grand Marina of Paphos consortium has secured a letter from the Bank of Read More
Police in Nationwide Seat Belt Campaign
Traffic police across Cyprus began a week-long seat belt campaign on Monday that will specifically target those not buckling up.“The campaign for seatbelts will continue for all motorists and passengers up until Sunday,” Traffic Police Chief Yiannakis Charalambous told state radio on Monday. “This is the first such campaign of 2017.”He added: “The non-use of safety belts play a huge role in road fatalities. More than 50% of road deaths are due to people not using seat belts. Read More
HOTEL AWARD WINNERS
The ‘HolidayCheck Award 2017’ list was announced at the beginning of January revealing the top rated hotels in Cyprus, with four out of the eight located in the south Famagusta region.Hotels in the region took the first five spots (with the exception of second place, which goes to Club Aldiana in Larnaca).Napa Mermaid Hotel & Suites in Ayia Napa was ranked first, with Crystal Springs in Protaras taking third position, followed by Ayia Napa’s Nissi Beach Resort and Read More
Exciting News for Larnaca Airport Hotel
The first airport hotel and conference centre in Cyprus, a Radisson Blu hotel, is scheduled to open in Larnaca in 2019, it was announced on Wednesday. The hotel, located one km from the airport, will have 180 guestrooms and extensive meetings and event facilities as well as leisure facilities including a spa, gym, tennis court and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. It is the second hotel in Larnaca of one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, the Read More
EU to give Cyprus €3.1bn if solution materialises
he European Commission will allocate 3.1 billion euros to the island if a solution to the Cyprus Problem materialises, its President Jean-Claude Juncker said at Thursday’s Conference on Cyprus, according to CNA English today. Juncker reportedly informed the Conference that the money will come from the Commission’s Multiannual Financial Framework. Juncker and the EU’s Foreign Affairs Commissioner, Federica Mogherini, were the Union’s representatives at the Conference which focussed on the security and guarantees issue.- See more at: http://www. Read More
Bank of Cyprus fully repays ELA
The Bank of Cyprus announced today that it fully repaid its emergency liquidity assistance (ELA), to the Central Bank of Cyprus. ELA inherited €11.4 billion in April 2013, after Laiki Bank went into liquidation. The full repayment of ELA comes as the bank`s shares trading in the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) is expected to begin on January 19. “This is another significant milestone in the Bank’s journey back to strength since 2013, and Read More
2016 Cyprus Real Estate Sales Rise
Real estate sales rose by 43 per cent in 2016, figures released by the Department of Lands and Surveys (DLS) showed yesterday. Cyprus-wide sale contracts submitted to the DLS reached 7,013 in 2016 compared with 4,952 in 2015. The data exclude sales to foreigners to be released at a later stage. December sale contracts spiked 121 per cent reaching 1,134 in 2016 from 513 in December 2015. Sale contracts submitted in Limassol increased by 59 per cent reaching 2,496 in Read More
Parties express support for Cyprus talks in Geneva
A National Council meeting has concluded on Thursday with almost all of the political party leaders stating that they would decide in the afternoon whether or not they would attend the conference in Geneva on January 12. On Wednesday President Anastasiades said that the conference will be held in the form of a five-party conference. At the meeting today, the President presented the Council with two legal consultations from the Greek judge Christos Rozakis and the law firm Law and Read More