Luxury hotel boost as Cyprus eyes premium segment growth

Cyprus’ increasing hotel and resort portfolio is expected to grow by 1,634 rooms this year, with seven new luxury hotels due to open across the idyllic Mediterranean island before the end of 2019.

With the traditional summer influx of tourists expected to set new arrival records in the coming months, Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism revealed that the latest hotel openings will help attract future arrivals from the GCC.

The four- and five-star properties, which include Parklane Resort & Spa, AMARA Hotel, Amavi Hotel and Sun City Resort & Residences, will cater to both luxury and active travellers. All within walking distances of a number of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, each property boasts lavish suites, private swimming pools, world-class F&B options and expansive spas and gyms.

“With Cyprus’ diverse array of tourism attractions contributing to year-on-year increases in overall tourist numbers, expanding the island’s hotel portfolio is a strategic necessity that will enhance Cyprus’ appeal to visitors from across the GCC and further afield,” says His Excellency Mr. Savvas Perdios, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

“More and more luxury hotels are recognising Cyprus as a vital address in their network expansion and investment plans, so seven new property openings in 2019 is just the beginning. While these properties have been built with both leisure and business visitors in mind, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism will continue to enhance its luxury product portfolio to meet the demands of modern-day travellers.”

Marking Marriott International’s entry into Cyprus and the first international luxury branded resort in the country, Parklane Resort & Spa opened its doors in Limassol earlier this month. Lying within 100,000 square metres of lush landscaped gardens and overlooking a 300-metre pristine sandy beach, the hotel is in close proximity to several heritage attractions, including the Ancient Amathus Archaeological Site.

Cyprus’ first five-star, couples-only hotel Amavi opened its doors in February in the heart of Pafos. The recreational areas of the hotel include two outdoor and one indoor pools, as well as a gym, tennis court, spa, four restaurants and three bars.

For families looking to enjoy Ayia Napa, the impressive four-star Nissiblu Beach Resort – due to open next month – boasts four floors of luxe suites, two pools and an array of F&B outlets.

Perhaps one of the most exciting openings of the year, the ultra-luxury AMARA is set to change the gastronomic landscape of Limassol when it opens in May. The property will house three restaurants connected to celebrity chefs, including Nobu Matsuhisa, Giorgio Locatelli and Giorgos Papaioannou.

Not to be outdone, the five-star Louis Ivi Mare, a member of Louis Hotel’s Elegant Collection, will open on the beach of Kato Pafos – walking distance from Pafos Harbour – in May. The hotel will feature 148 Superior and Deluxe rooms, as well as Junior Suites.

The final two openings of the year include the Chrysomare Beach Hotel & Resort in the heart of Ayia Napa’s Nissi Avenue, and the five-star Sun City Resort & Residences.

Travellers from across the GCC can reach Cyprus in three-four hours, with direct flights operated by Emirates and Gulf Air. For more information about what to see and do in Cyprus, visit: www.visitcyprus.com or www.facebook.com/visitcyprus.ar