The island boasts 340 days of sunshine and over 600km of stunning coastline, but when it comes to attracting professionals to convene and share ideas, Cyprus has plenty more advantages. An efficient infrastructure, high-speed technology and extensive use of English are all key success factors when catering to a discerning international business community. Good transport links and short distances in addition to the sophisticated hotel and services infrastructure have also secured Cyprus’ status as a destination of choice. The ease with which a visitor can move from business to pleasure - from the fast-paced competitive modern world to the relaxed environment of the beach tavern or mountain village - makes Cyprus an ideal location for short conference and incentive breaks. The business traveller can move effortlessly from a high-octane presentation in the executive boardroom in the morning, to hot air ballooning over the remote Troodos Mountains in the afternoon, before moving on to an evening reception in the ancient amphitheatre of the Greco-Roman metropolis of Kourion.
Adding more interest to the conference package, the Antiquities Department of Cyprus allows the use of some historical sites for certain conference activities, such as seminars and workshops, allowing delegates to experience first-hand one of the oldest civilisations in the world going back 10,000 years. For extra-special events, exclusive access to some of the island’s most breath-taking ancient monuments, including the Temple of Aphrodite, the Byzantine fort in Paphos Harbour, or the Crusader castle of Kolossi, can be arranged through the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. Then of course there are also the island’s four world-class golf courses to consider and its many spa hotels, as well as small bespoke vineyards, Byzantine monasteries, camel back safaris and the enchanting wilderness of the Akamas peninsula. With crystal waters and some of the cleanest beaches in the EU, boat trips and snorkelling in secluded bays is a firm favourite with visitors.
This diverse offering has supported the development of conference tourism, especially in off-season between the months of October and May when the island’s mild climate makes it particularly attractive. Conference facilities, venues and local organisers are also highly recognised. Attractions for the shorter-term visitor include a wide selection of 4 and 5 star hotels, all of which have extensive experience of hosting conferences, product launches and incentive breaks. In total, Cyprus provides 309 conference rooms, a seating capacity for 30,604 people and 34,189 beds in hotels with conference facilities alone. The seating capacity by town is 4,460 in Nicosia, 7,295 in Limassol, 9,981 in Paphos, 2,600 in Larnaca, 5,572 in the Famagusta area and 696 in hill resorts. The Cyprus Convention Bureau also offers various financial schemes whether you are a non-profit organisation, an association, a foundation, an academic institution or organising a corporate conference.
The discerning visitor to Cyprus will find not only a highly competitive operating environment, but also a rich and diverse culture, with warmth and spontaneity. Ingredients which, when packaged imaginatively, guarantee a memorable and professional event with plenty of ‘wow’ factor.
