Melco Resorts and Entertainment has officially opened the doors of its delayed, multimillion euro City of Dreams Mediterranean on the island of Cyprus.
Hailed as “marking the beginning of a new era for tourism” for the island nation, the property, located in Limassol, represents one of Cyprus’ biggest development projects and “the largest of its kind in Europe”, the company said.
In welcoming the long-awaited opening on July 10, Grant Johnson, Property Manager of City of Dreams Mediterranean, confidently predicted that Cyprus “is now ready to compete across Europe and the Middle East in luxury tourism and large-scale conferences”.
“This tremendous achievement is testament to the incredible cooperation and support we have received here in Cyprus,” he said.
“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.”
City of Dreams, which represents a total investment in excess of €600m, features a fourteen-storey hotel with 500 guest rooms and suites, over 8,000 square metres of MICE space, outdoor amphitheatre, family adventure park, and variety of dining and retail establishments.
It has previously been suggested that the property’s casino area would be installed with 36 tables and 1,200 gaming machines.
Melco noted that it is aiming to establish City of Dreams as “a regional landmark”, with the resort aiming to contribute to Cyprus’ year-round sustainable growth through the creation of hundreds of jobs, influx of tourism and partnerships with the local community.
It is also hoped that this grand opening will establish the mediterranean island will become established as a “year-round destination for premium tourism, world-class entertainment, as well as a hub for international business and conference tourism”.
Lawrence Ho, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, commented: “Today marks the start of the most exciting chapter. 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.”
During the years of development, Melco debuted four C2 satellite casinos in Limassol, Ayia Napa, Paphos and Nicosia that will each remain open. A temporary venue will be shuttered.
