Operator News

Cyprus – City of Dreams Mediterranean to ease island’s dependence on summer tourism

By Phil - 30 September 2019

City of Dreams Mediterranean aims to attract 300,000 tourists to Cyprus each year following its proposed opening at the end of 2021, making the island less dependent on seasonal tourism.

Craig Ballantyne, Property President of City of Dreams Mediterranean and Cyprus Casinos, said: “With the opening of the Integrated Casino Resort, we aim to attract high value customers from all over the world. This ground-breaking project is expected to attract an additional 300,000 tourists on an annual basis thus, having a multiplying effect on the local economy. Furthermore, we focus on providing quality jobs and in parallel educate potential personnel through our academy, creating opportunities for career advancement within Melco and even the global entertainment industry.

“Also, we believe that the casino, as an alternative form of tourism, will assist in expanding the island’s tourism period thus fighting seasonality and establishing Cyprus as an all-year destination,” he said.

The statement was made prior as Cyprus celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27, an attempt to raise awareness of the importance tourism plays in society by following the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Melco said its goals are aligned with this year’s WTD theme, “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future For All”.

Melco operates three satellite casinos in Larnaca, Nicosia and Ayia Napa as well as the temporary casino, C2 Limassol, employing more than 700 people in various positions. With an upcoming casino launch in Paphos, Melco will employ more than 950 people. The opening of the permanent City of Dreams property is expected to bring 2,400 permanent jobs.

Mr. Ballantyne said Melco opted to develop City of Dreams Mediterranean, the first ICR in Europe, in Cyprus due to the island’s strategic location and potential of becoming a must-visit tourism and entertainment destination.