Europe’s first true integrated resort, City of Dreams Mediterranean, officially opened its doors on Monday via a lavish ceremony attended by Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho.
Coming at a total cost of more than €600 million (US$660 million), City of Dreams Mediterranean is described one of the largest development projects of its kind ever undertaken in Cyprus, aiming to establish the island as a year-round destination for premium tourism and world-class entertainment, and as a hub for international business and conference tourism.
“Today marks the start of the most exciting chapter,” said Ho at the property’s launch. “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. 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 is a product of incredible hard work by many thousands of individuals through the partnership with the government, the business community, our colleagues and the people of this island. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their achievement here in Cyprus. Thank you to all those who have helped turn this dream into a reality.”
Grant Johnson, Property Manager of City of Dreams Mediterranean, added, “This tremendous achievement is testament to the incredible cooperation and support we have received here in Cyprus. 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, the quality of our guest experience, hand in hand with Cyprus culture and hospitality, is an extremely powerful mix. Cyprus is now ready to compete across Europe and the Middle East in luxury tourism and large-scale conferences.”
City of Dreams Mediterranean, located in Limassol, incorporates a 14-storey hotel featuring 500 guest rooms and suites, designer-brand retail, iconic architecture, renowned art, sporting facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre, family adventure park, plus world-class conference and exhibition space, a spacious and contemporary gaming floor and fine dining restaurants.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment holds a 75% stake in the operating entity of City of Dreams Mediterranean, ICR Cyprus, with the other 25% held by local firm Cyprus Phassouri Ltd (CPZ).