Cyprus must change its strategy in the tourism sector, says Jochen Niemann, General Manager of the Londa Hotel. In his opinion, this strategy includes adding further developments which will attract additional demand. He gives as examples the casino project, a huge Ferris wheel on the Limassol coastline, or the opening a large Disney-style amusement park in Paphos. He concludes that we need to be constantly upgrading our facilities and adding reasons why tourist should visit Cyprus.

How would you describe the Cypriot hotel industry ?

The local tourism industry is definitely in a great period right now. We are seeing a significant increase of tourist arrivals this year compared to last year. Over 2.6million arrivals are forecast for 2015, which will most likely exceed the record numbers seen in 2001. In contrast to this, however, revenues from tourism have decreased. While we have successfully managed to increase the quantity of visitors, we now need to quickly and thoroughly analyse the reasons for the stagnant revenues, in order to launch countermeasures and increase the average spend.

What are the challenges faced by the tourist sector and the hotel industry ?

Tourists are spending less than they used to and, in addition to this, the tourism industry suffers from seasonality. Tourist arrivals during the summer months of May to September are up to seven times higher than those during the rest of the year, forcing most hotels in the coastal areas to close during winter. Cyprus' reputation as a summer destination remains cemented and alternatives need to be introduced to complement the ‘sun and sea’ concept. By expanding into holidays focusing even more on culture, religion, golf, agro-tourism and conferences, the island could succeed in attracting visitors with higher spending power and this would also reduce seasonality. In the past, poor flight connections have also been an obstacle. But with the recent increase in numbers of low-cost airlines flying to and from Cyprus, the situation is starting to change. This is definitely an improvement.

In what ways can the government help in further enhancing tourism ?

The government has identified the aforementioned challenges and is working on a new strategy with the aim of enhancing Cyprus’ advantages as a tourist destination¹. In my opinion this strategy should include adding further developments which will attract additional demand. The casino project is a prime example, but other landmarks need to follow. Why not building a huge Ferris wheel on the Limassol coastline, or opening a larger Disney-style amusement park in Paphos ? We need to constantly up-grade our facilities and add reasons why tourist should visit Cyprus.

Apparently a modernisation of laws and regulations governing the tourism industry is currently being prepared¹. This is more than needed in order to attract further investments. As an example, to operate our hotel we need to obtain more than 15 different licences annually and, each year, new ones are required. The procedures to obtain these permits are way too complicated and occupy up to two employees. This situation does not create an investment-friendly environment.

In your opinion, what differentiates the Londa from other hotels ?

The Londa is a boutique hotel. The definitions vary according to the reference source that you choos; however, all agree that a boutique hotel has between 10 and 100 rooms. Recurring terms describe such a property as a lifestyle hotel which is unique in design, atmosphere and character, and offers a high level of quality in its facilities, and it is often also luxurious.  Thanks to its smaller size and our fantastic team, the Londa offers an intimate atmosphere and highly personalised service.

What are the qualities needed for someone to be a successful hotel manager?

A hotelier must be a diplomat, a democrat, an autocrat, an acrobat and sometimes even a doormat! To be successful he must keep the bar full, the house full, the storeroom full, the wine cellar full, the customers full – and not get full himself! Jokes aside, it is a wonderful career path that guarantees no two days are ever the same. One has to be a ‘people person’, with patience and a passion for wanting to consistently deliver outstanding service. Qualities such as the ability to think quickly and make sound decisions, to be able to multitask, and to know your way around numbers are vital, because at the end of the day, it all has to add up!

Can you tell us a little bit about the Londa Hotel?

The Londa is owned by Serendipity Ltd, a company which belongs to the J&P group and is managed by Columbia Hotels & Resorts. The hotel first opened in 1982 as Deluxe Hotel Apartments and re-opened in 2005 as Cyprus’ first contemporary lifestyle boutique hotel after an 18-month closure for a full refurbishment. The Londa’s discreet and refined style was created by an Italian team from Milan. The hotel’s stunning aspect on the shores of the Mediterranean is emphasised by the use of large walls of glass that open to look out across the sea. With just 68 rooms and suites spread across seven floors, the atmosphere at the Londa Hotel is intimate and welcoming, yet it offers every modern facility. All rooms have five-star facilities including Nespresso coffee machines, luxury Molton Brown cosmetics, high speed internet and cordless phones.

Furthermore the hotel boasts a renowned restaurant – the Caprice – offering Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian base, and a chic lounge bar that have both become the place to be seen. Guests can also enjoy dinner outside on the terrace and deck overlooking the sea, as well as at the poolside bar.

The Londa Spa offers a range of various Elemis, Thalgo or organic treatments. In-house and outside guests can enjoy a relaxing area with sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi. The fully equipped gym and fitness studio have natural daylight and feature a good range of exercise facilities, including cardiovascular and strength equipment.

During the summer period our outside pool and pool-bar are available.

For conferences, weddings or private functions, the Londa offers two different meeting rooms, either the intimate 12-seat Executive Boardroom, the Londa Meeting Room – 115 square meters flooded by natural daylight – or the open- air pool bar area, which is perfect for BBQs and private dinners for up to 80 guests. The Londa was recently voted “Cyprus’ Leading Boutique Hotel in 2015” by the World Travel Awards.

¹ Source: KPMG Cyprus Tourism Market Report, August 2015