Three new artificial reefs created around deliberately sunk ships are expected  to be in place around the Cyprus coastline by the summer.

Speaking  to Chairman of the Cyprus Dive Centre Association(CDCA) Andy Varoshiotis said efforts were at “an advanced stage” with the three craft purchased especially for the purpose expected to be at the bottom of the sea by June this year. The CDCA is spear-heading efforts for using these ships to create artificial reefs encompassing non-fishing areas.

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents of Cyprus enjoy scuba diving at a wide variety of sites around the island and dives to wrecks are often the most popular. Of these, the Zenobia wreck of the coast of Larnaca, is considered to be one of the world’s five best.

Wrecks have the added advantage of quickly turning into artificial reefs which attract a wide variety of marine life, particularly if fishing is outlawed at the site.

The CDCA efforts are being carried out to improve the natural marine environment and make Cyprus an even more attractive scuba diving destination, Varoshiotis told .

The CDCA is working in close cooperation with the department of Fisheries and Marine Research and , the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) funding, contributed to the purchase of two  of craft for the purpose—the Laboe and Nemesis III.

“A third craft, the Lady Thetis, has been purchased by the Association with co-funding from the CTO and others,” a CDCA announcement noted, adding that the Association was also in the midst of acquiring a fourth boat.

“The three boasts have already been evaluated by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and have been found to be suitable for use in the creation of artificial reefs,” said the CDCA which operates under the umbrella of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce  and Industry (KEVE)

Varoshiotis yesterday elaborated that studies were currently being carried  out to ensure the three craft would be properly cleaned and made safe for divers in accordance with relevant EU regulations.

1 environmental studies are also being carried out and the relevant government service is preparing reports on sea currents so that the craft can be placed in the best possible position,” he said.

Varoshiotis said that the artificial reefs would be an important boost to local marine life and  tourism.

“ there has been significant damage to the environment because of over fishing and there is also the huge problem of dumping. I believe that some hotels are still disposing  of waste- including chemicals mostly from their swimming pools and drains-into the sea,” he said.

All this had contributed to the presence of fewer fish. “This is why marine protected areas are so important. Artificial reefs can be inhabited by many species.”

The CDCA’s  second goal is to boost Cyprus’ destination as a diving destination.”The Zenobia wreck is one of the five best in the world. More wrecks around  Cyprus will contribute to its becoming an international diving destination, like Malta. That is what our aim will be, to enhance diving opportunities more and more,” he said.

With the first three wrecks scheduled to be in place by June, Varoshiotis also revealed their most likely sites to the paper.

“The NemesisIII will be in Protaras near the new Liberty wreck and the site will be knows as the Liberty Reef, the Lady Thetis will be in Dasaki, Limassol of the coast near the Holiday inn Hotel.”

Discussions on the exact site of the Laboe are still underway but Varoshiotis said it would potentially be off the coast of Paphos in the Amoudia area.

“We want to make the wrecks as accessible as possible to all levels of divers,” he added, noting that only experienced and properly certified divers should attempt penetrating wrecks and again only provided they have the necessary equipment with them.

Also speaking to the paper, veteran recreational diver Vassos Yiazos reflected local divers’ anticipation for the new sites.

Welcoming artificial reefs, Yiazos said: 1 It  is not only a good idea, it is a crucial move.”

“ Neighbouring countries like Egypt have the far more colourful Red Sea to attract divers and the Mediterranean is far less interesting on its own.” Yiazos continued:” I go diving at the Zenobia wreck almost every weekend year-round weather permitting and there new to see. Because fishing is not permitted around there, there are always a large number and variety of marine life to see and even the wreck itself provides a different diving experience depending on the time of year and depth you dive to.”

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The  Horexpo Cyprus and Souvenir Expo Cyprus fairs opened in Nicosia.

Being held at the International state Fairgrounds from 6pm until Sunday, January 29,the 1st Horexpo Cyprus is aimed at the hotel, restaurant and cafe industry. Being held at the same tİme,the 2^nd Souvenir  Expo Cyprus will showcase souvenirs, gifts and home decor items. Both aim at bringing local businesses up to date  on the latest trends, practices and products connected to their sector.

Apart from the displays, featuring more than 70 exhibitors-including a large contingent from crete as part of an initiative between Cyprus and Crete  Chambers of commerce- the two events also incluse a series of academic and professional seminars.

Topics include Third Millennium Challenges : Tourism will never be the same , Sports Tourism – the new way forward, sales and customer service – New ideas ,new approaches and their use amongst others.

A full list of the talks can be found by selecting th relevant topic at http: www.horexpocyprus.com/en/visitors/guide.Alternatively, call 22841627 or 22841649 for more information. Organised by the state Fairs Authority and Greek conference and exhibition organisers Rota and Xenia, Horexpo Cyprus and Souvenir Expo Cyprus will be open from 4-10pm on each day. Both have free admittance although visitors will be invited to submit their business cards at the entrance

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Cypriot  Eurovision fans  and panel of expert  judges on Wednesday  nights chose the song that  will be representing  Cyprus at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

During a live broadcast , singer Ivi Adamou performed three candidate songs  with pop tune ‘LALA Love’ coming out tops.

The song was written by Alex Papacostan tinou , Bjorn Djupstrom, Alexandra Zakka and Viktor Svensson.

It was produced by Victory and features instruments played by Svensson  and Papaconstantinou, who also arranged the vocals.

Additional backing vocals were provided by Jeanette Olsson.

The 57^th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan  on May 22, 24 and 26 with Cyprus competing in this group.

The song can be heard on www.cybc.com.cy. Cyprus’ Eurovision entry selection was sponsored by MTN.

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The wind  in your hair , the sun on your back, the gentle crunch of tyres on gravel, the sounds of nature all around you,  a glimpse of the sea sparkling in the distance, the smell of pines all around.

If this is your idea of travelling, then cycling in Cyprus is for you.

In the last few years Cyprus has taken off as a destination for cycling enthusiasts both as a place to enjoy the sport and  as a means to explore the island.

The island has perfect weather for cycling, especially in the months between October and  April, when temperatures range between  15C and 25C, while annual rainfall is also quite low in comparison  to European countries. What’s  more, unlike other European or Mediterranean  countries, the strong headwinds that are a bane to cyclists, here are rare.

But what makes Cyprus stand out as a heaven for cyclists is its compactness. It is like a whole continent condensed into a small island. The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus combines attractive beaches with pine-peaks, busy modern  towns and tranquil old stone village, vineyards and olive groves and ancient monuments. The local terrain varies within very short distances, making cycling both a great workout and a journey of discovery. Thanks to the excellent secondary roads winding through spectacular local countryside, Cyprus is also great for road cycling.

Being a world-renowned tourist destination, Cyprus   benefits from a strong tourist infrastructure, such as a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets, an excellent road network, and first class services. An additional attraction is that visiting the island during the winter months means it is easier to find   accommodation and one can benefit from lower off-season prices.

Cypriots as a whole are friendly people and cyclists can be assured of a warm welcome, particularly in the more remote villages and countryside, where modern life has yet to spoil their traditional hospitality. There one can discover a variety of taverns specialising in Cypriot cuisine which is typically Mediterranean with a lot of olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Cyclists across  Cyprus  are being urged to take part in an islandwide tour in March as part of an effort to increase awareness of road safety. The 2012 Tour of Cyprus Cycling Challenge (ToC) is a three-day event modeled  after the prestige Tour de France race which  will see cyclists of different backgrounds- whether they are professional athletes or amateur cyclists-participating.

It is being organized by Podlatokinisi and cycling enthusiast Andy Hadjivasiliou, an avid campaigner for cycling rights on the island.  The last ToC took place two years ago. Podilatokinisi is an association of cyclists in Cyprus which aim to raise awareness about the right of cyclists on Cyprus’roads.

Unlike many other EU states, Cyprus lags behind when it comes to cycle-friendly roads. The association also campaigns for cycling as a means of healthy living.

Explaining the format of this year’s race which will start in Nicosia and end in Paphos, Hadjivasiliou explained,” Cyclists will need to complete a three-day tour of approximately 300km. there will be two groups- Group A and Group B. Group A  ride may include certain time taking sections that the cyclists can compete for a yellow, green or red jersey.

“Group A will feature only road bikes while Group B riders will take on the same routes but with lower speeds and no time taking sections. Group B riders have the option to complete as many stages or distance as they wish and they can also use any type of bike.”He added: “Riders from any group can enter the broom bus or support car if they wish to stop at any time , for example, in the event of an emergency.”

Stage one will see a race from Nicosia to Larnaca, Stage Two a race from Larnaca to Limassol and Stage Three from Limassol to Paphos.

The event kicks off on March 23 and ends on March  25 although organizers are calling on cyclists wanting to participate to register before January 15 to avoid paying an additional euro50 fee.

The participation fee is currently set at euro75 minimum although cyclists may also pay extra depending on whether they also require dinner and\ or accommodation.

The first Toc took place back in 2005 following  efforts by a group of cyclists to organize a three-day, 350km trek across the island.

The following year, the event was added to the annual calendar of Podilatokinisi and continued to grow with a total of 110 participants from 18 different countries taking part in the event in  2010.

This year’s event will also be  backed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Communications, the police, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation(CTO) as well as several local municipalities.

Registration and payments can br made at www.tourofcyprus.com or by telephoning 22315656.

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