Cyprus-Khalid Al-Dhababi

When one plans to visit a country, one is often overwhelmed by a feeling, which varies according to people and country. Sometimes, one feels bored as soon as his feet touch the ground : other times, one is very happy on arrival.

When landing on the island of Cyprus one immediately feels great happiness and tranquility. The island, in spite of its small area and population, ranks highly on the map of international tourism because of its numerous natural and cultural attractions. The locals, whose smile is inexhaustible, always extend a warm welcome to tourists.

At Larnaka airport, one feels tenderness and warmth. It is immediately apparent that the island is a first class tourist destination, especially for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here they find safety and peace of mind.

Cyprus is an island impregnated by the history and aura of the past. This island was once the theatre of mythological gods as Aphrodite. It was ruled through the centuries by the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans and Byzantines: hence its rich historical legacy, a major asset for tourism.

I visited the island recently, at the invitation of the management of the Higher Hotel Institute, Cyprus, to take part in their annual training course relating to hotel management. Course participants of both sexes, represented various countries: Yemen, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, the Maldives, Iran, India, Armenia, Bulgaria and others.

Program sessions

The lectures on hotel management were given by specialists. They were followed up by field visits to the principal hotel establishments and visits to the tourist and historical areas of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka and Paphos.

Perhaps there was not enough time to realize the ambitious aims of the program, but this session achieved several goals. Most important of all, course participants were acquainted with the islandأ¢â‚¬â„¢s major hotels.

Each participant made a detailed presentation about tourism in his country and its principal places of interest.