Integrated Casino Resorts Cyprus Consortium (ICR) opened Europe’s first integrated casino resort (IR), the €600 million City of Dreams Mediterranean, on July 11. The celebration was marred by union accusations of obstructing their activities, Philenews reported.
ICR is made up of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd. Its goal is to make Cyprus a year-round tourist destination, with world class entertainment for business and as a conference center.
The IR has a 14-story hotel with 500 rooms, retail shopping, sports facilities, an amphitheater, adventure park, conference and exhibition spaces and fine dining.
Another goal is to generate local job opportunities.
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment spoke to reporters: “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.”
Ho continued, “City of Dreams Mediterranean provides premium luxury, inspired and infused with local flavor. 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.”
Menelaos Shiacolas, managing director of CNS Group, the owner of Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd, added, “It is a project that is completely unique in Cyprus, and which significantly elevates the status of the country as a destination. We are extremely proud of our excellent partnership with Melco, a company whose experience, industry know-how and absolute commitment has made this amazing integrated resort possible.”
Grant Johnson, the IR’s property manager, added, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the exceptional cooperation and support we have received here in Cyprus. This resort, the largest of its kind in Europe, is the result of collaboration. Our brand, entertainment expertise, thrilling gaming offerings, and exceptional guest experience, combined with Cyprus’ culture and hospitality, create a powerful combination. Cyprus is now well-prepared to compete in the luxury tourism and large-scale conferences sectors across Europe and the Middle East.”
Dimming the celebration were accusations of labor law violations by the Pancyprian Federation of Labor (Peo) and the Democratic Labor Federation of Cyprus (Deok), claiming that the company obstructed unionization efforts and prevented them from entering the property.
The unions originally planned to hold a protest outside of the property on July 11 but Deok withdrew from the protest. It issued a statement declaring that Melco “must recognize that its business activities take place within the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and should stop acting as a separate entity.”
Peo went ahead with the protest.
