Cyprus has opened the largest casino resort in Europe, signaling a recovery in tourism as the pandemic begins to decline. The City of Dreams Mediterranean, a 500-room resort located on the outskirts of Limassol, aims to establish the East Mediterranean island nation as a year-round vacation destination. The resort features a 81,000 square-foot casino with 100 tables and 1,000 slot machines, along with various other attractions including a family adventure park, sporting facilities, and a conference center.
The construction of the City of Dreams Mediterranean, which cost €600 million ($659 million), represents one of the largest development projects ever completed in Cyprus. In addition to creating 6,500 jobs, the resort is expected to attract approximately 300,000 additional visitors each year, injecting hundreds of millions of euros into the local economy annually. Lawrence Ho, the CEO of Melco Resorts and Entertainment, the Hong Kong-based company behind the project, stated that the resort would allow Cyprus to tap into new markets and further boost its tourism sector.
Cyprus, like many other tourism-reliant areas, has been gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourist arrivals between January and May of this year have increased by 36.2% compared to the same period last year, and are nearly 4% higher than 2019 figures. Despite facing a decline of approximately 900,000 annual tourists from Russia due to sanctions resulting from the country’s invasion of Ukraine, Cyprus has managed to attract visitors from other regions.
Grant Johnson, the Resort Property Manager, expressed confidence in the resort’s ability to compete in the luxury tourism and conference sectors across Europe and the Middle East. The combination of Melco’s expertise in entertainment and gaming with Cypriot culture and hospitality is expected to provide a unique and enticing experience for tourists.
What sets the City of Dreams Mediterranean apart from other developments in Cyprus is its top-rated sustainability strategy. The resort is committed to implementing environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the global effort to protect the planet. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing trend in the tourism industry, where travelers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible options.
With the opening of the City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus aims to position itself as a premier destination for luxury tourism and large-scale conferences. The resort’s extensive facilities and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a high-quality vacation experience. As the pandemic subsides and travel restrictions continue to ease, Cyprus looks forward to welcoming more visitors from around the world and revitalizing its tourism sector.
In conclusion, with the opening of the largest casino resort in Europe, Cyprus is ready to compete in the luxury tourism market. The City of Dreams Mediterranean offers a wide range of attractions and amenities, including a large casino, sporting facilities, and a family adventure park. With a focus on sustainability, the resort aims to attract tourists from around the world and contribute to the local economy. As tourism rebounds following the pandemic, Cyprus is poised to become a year-round vacation destination for travelers seeking a unique and luxurious experience.
