City of Dreams Mediterranean, Europe’s first integrated casino resort, officially opened its doors this week, with high hopes that it would usher in a new era for tourism.
The development is an investment exceeding €600 million, undertaken by the Integrated Casino Resorts Cyprus Consortium (ICR), comprising of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and the Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Limited (member of the CNS Group).
Its goal is to position Cyprus as a year-round premium tourism destination, offering world-class entertainment and serving as a prominent hub for international business and conference tourism.
(from left to right) Menelaos Shiacolas, Lawrence Ho, Evan Andrew Winkler, Grant Johnson
With ambitions to become a regional landmark, the resort aims to contribute to the growth of the Cyprus economy by attracting a substantial number of visitors annually and generating job opportunities for the local population.
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, met the media on Tuesday and outlined the company’s vision for this groundbreaking development.
“Today marks the start of the most exciting chapter,” said Ho on Tuesday. “City of Dreams Mediterranean gives Cyprus a new story to tell by blending local culture, hospitality and beauty with a new form of entertainment and experience”.
He added: “City of Dreams Mediterranean provides premium luxury, inspired and infused with local flavour. It allows Cyprus to unlock new markets in the region and beyond. Having a resort of this quality, with all its attractions, including the largest expo facilities on the island, opens multiple new possibilities.”
The resort was a product of “incredibly hard work by many thousands of individuals through the partnership with the government, the business community, our colleagues and the people of this island,” said Ho.
Menelaos Shiacolas, Managing Director of CNS Group, which own the Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd, commented that the official opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean was “a truly momentous day” for everyone at the Group.
“It is a project that is completely unique in Cyprus, and which significantly elevates the status of the country as a destination. We are extremely proud of our excellent partnership with Melco, a company whose experience, industry know-how and absolute commitment has made this amazing integrated resort possible,” he added.
In his address, Grant Johnson, Property Manager of the City of Dreams Mediterranean, thanked the people of Cyprus for embracing the project and making it possible and paid special tribute to his colleagues for the tireless hours spent over the last few years.
“This tremendous achievement is a testament to the incredible cooperation and support we have received here in Cyprus,” he said.
“This resort, the largest of its kind in Europe, is, like everything we do, the product of partnership. The combination of our brand, our expertise in entertainment, the thrill of our gaming, and the quality of our guest experience, hand in hand with Cyprus culture and hospitality, is an extremely powerful mix,” he added.
“Cyprus is now ready to compete across Europe and the Middle East in luxury tourism and large-scale conferences,” Johnson concluded.
City of Dreams – Bedroom view
What is more, City of Dreams Mediterranean has been awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating for its sustainability strategy during the design stage.
According to an announcement, this distinction highlights the resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility and signifies its role as a pioneer in integrating sustainability into its operations.
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