Golfers visiting Elea Golf Club, Sir Nick Faldo’s ‘Mediterranean Masterpiece’, can now carry their golf clubs free of charge, thanks to a generous helping hand from Cyprus Airways.
The new allowance for sporting equipment, including golf bags, weighing no more than 15kgs was introduced on all Cyprus Airways flights from 5th May and replaces the previous one-way tariff of €35.
This covers routes to and from Paphos International – Elea Golf Club’s local airport – and Larnaca International 100 kilometres away. Among the airports in mainland Europe serving these two Cypriot destinations are London Heathrow and Manchester (UK), Frankfurt and Munich (Germany), Milan and Rome (Italy) and Paris (France).
Ross Robertson, Director of Golf Operations at Elea Estate, said: “This new allowance is tremendous news for visitors from abroad travelling to Elea Golf Club for a golf break. We are proud that www.golf.com, one of the world’s largest and most influential golf websites, ranked Elea at nine in its ‘Top 10 New International Golf Courses of 2010’ category and Golf World in the UK has recognised our development as ‘one of the world’s most exciting new courses’ – all of which is a tremendous testament to the world-class facility we have built.”
He added: “Offering golf enthusiasts keen to experience our magnificent course and estate an even better deal on their flight packages can only serve to broaden the unique appeal of Elea Golf Club, and Cyprus, as a true all-year-round destination.”
Maro Kazepi, Golf Tourism Coordinator of Cyprus Tourism Organisation, commented: “We welcome the positive news from Cyprus Airways which is a further boost for the golf tourism business in Cyprus. It enhances its attractiveness as a golfing destination and offers golf enthusiasts the added benefit of better value for money golf holidays. It’s a win-win situation for all.”
She added: “The magic of Cyprus ascribes each golfing holiday a memorable experience. It is an exciting blend of dramatic scenery, rich cultural and natural heritage, tasty gastronomy, high quality hotels and tourist services, ideal climate and authentic hospitality. With a cluster of four highly acclaimed and unique golf courses – in terms of design, environmental characteristics and challenge – Cyprus invites golfers to discover an emerging golfing paradise.”
Speaking at the recent golf industry-wide KPMG Golf Business Forum, Andrea Sartori, Head of KPMG Golf Advisory Practice EMA, said: “Cyprus is fast establishing itself as a golf market in Europe with real potential for growth. The stature of golf in the country is rising fast – and any initiatives designed to help drive growth in these emerging markets is to be welcomed.”
The stunning 6,900-yard Elea course is supported by the Elea Golf Academy that features a full-length driving range complete with target greens and bunkers, a short-game practice area and a stunning putting green, which commands an imposing location overlooking the whole course.
Elea Estate www.eleaestate.com
Cyprus Tourism Organisation www.visitcyprus.com
Cyprus Airways http://cyprusair.com