I6: Attract cruise Shipping to Cyprus

Cyprus is a country with abundant sunlight all year round, beautiful beaches and ancient monuments situated all over the cities and their outskirts.
What can we do to attract more cruise Shipping on the island throughout the year?

(2nd Brainstorming event pictures of the team's presentation on highlighted link).

Aris Phitides (Initiative Leader)
After 4 years of experience in shipping companies working as a purchasing officer, I decided to go on board.
I sailed as an apprentice engineer and now I am holding a 3rd engineers license. Currently, I am working in BSM as an Assistant Technical Superintendent.
I'm a person who love challenges and when I set a goal I'm willing to achieve it, no matter what it takes. For this reason I am involved with many professional bodies on maritime sector promoting shipping.
I want to share my experiences and set an example to the youngsters that nothing is impossible if you are passionate about it.

Rolande El Imad holds a BBA with emphasis in marketing from the American University of Beirut and nine years of experience in the field.
She has recently moved back to her homeland, Cyprus, where she is the Business Development Manager at Multimarine Services Ltd and is simultaneously studying for her MBA: Oil, Gas and Energy Management at the University of Nicosia.
She has in depth knowledge and experience in marketing and business strategies, as well as market research and penetration, in accordance to various products, brands and innovative marketing mediums.
Her exposure to global markets and participation in numerous international exhibitions and events broadened her creativity and understanding of different cultures and market habits.
Rolande appreciates art, music and theatre, loves the sea and nature exploration.
In terms of creativity, she is intrigued to create practical solutions to people, and has an eye for talent and design.

Maria Kyprianou is an Economist and a Hotel Management UK Graduate with a demonstrated history of working  in  a Market Research company, as well as at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism as a hotel and tourism Quality Assurance professional.  
Very recently she has been promoted as  the new manager of Larnaka Marina where she is faced with new challenges such as the upgrading of  the quality of services rendered as well as the improvement of matters such as health and safety.
She is a holder of ISSA YACHT CREW CERTIFICATE as competent for the safety and operation of a sailing yacht and she is a member of Cyprus Marine Club.
Maria enjoys playing the guitar, dancing tango, snow skiing and sailing. She is an amateur vocalist -holder of a singing performance diploma of Guildhall School of music. Many times she sang as a soloist at charity events supporting the local community.

Kenneth Cuschieri is a Senior Global HR leader with demonstrated success in multiple industries including Financial services, Information Technology, hospitality, consulting, pharmaceutical and manufacturing. Diverse experience working with companies ranging in size from start-up to Fortune 500. International business experience in North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. 
He is a skilled Human Resources professional who partners with business leaders to align HR strategies to drive results. A Leader who mentors and develops strong HR teams. Excellent communicator with fluency in several languages, able to work across diverse organizations, across all cultural and functional boundaries and at all levels of an organization. Recognized as critical thinker adept at aligning Human Resources needs with corporate strategies and leveraging people assets with technology based infrastructure.  Practical, forward-looking leader with a collaborative focus. 

Andreas Papachristophorou is a professional with extensive experience and expertise in shipping, trade, tourism and cruises; as well as adept knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.
Andreas is a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, holder of a Master of Science in “Shipping, Trade and Finance” from Cass Business School of the City University London and a Bachelor of Science in “Maritime Studies” from the University of Piraeus. Currently working with Celestyal Cruises, identifies himself as an entrepreneurial spirit who loves good challenges, encourage fairness and would like to inspire and assist those around him to achieve excellence.
Values personal and professional development, continuous education and has participated in a substantial number of conferences. He also contributes through participation in working groups, industry committees, think-tanks and other initiatives in his field.
Loves the sea and oceans. A sailor whenever he has the chance and a natural born traveller and explorer. Also enjoys nature walks and cultural events.

Yioula Tatianou has entered the yachting industry in the recent years.
She is a Yacht Broker specialising in yacht chartering, yacht management and sales of yachts, both power yachts and sailing yachts.
Yioula has the MYBA Super yacht Brokers’ Seminar Certificate.
She has also been engaged in the Larnaca Marina Development Competition Process as a Project Preparation Assistant.
She enjoys her work in the yachting maritime world and looking forward to see this sector of business to grow on the island.
She is Greek-Cypriot and she speaks fluently Greek and English.
Yioula holds the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate for Power yachts and the Pasimis Offshore Skipper’ Certificate for Sailing Yachts.
She loves most watersports and is a member of the Cyprus Marine Club and the Water Ski Association.

Michael Papadopoulos qualified as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Cyprus in 1998, has an LLM in Maritime Law from University College London, was a Partner in the Shipping Department of Chrysses Demetriades & Co. LLC until 2017 before setting up his own practice, Michael Papadopoulos LLC, a boutique law practice offering specialized industry advice.
He has also been a Tutor of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Cyprus Branch.
His areas of legal practice cover ship sale and purchase, ship registration, ship finance, lease finance, taxation, yachting and marinas, Admiralty and commercial dispute, as well as construction and real estate law.