The annual Larnaka Region Tourism Symposium took place on June 05, 2026 and incorporated the awarding of three entrepreneurs for their investment in Larnaka region’s tourism. 

Dr Rajai Khoury - President and founder of Solaar Global Ventures: Solaar Global Ventures brought the first Mercure hotels of the French hotel giant Accor to Larnaka and to Cyprus - the Mercure Larnaca Beach Resort in Voroklini and the Mercure Larnaka Foinikoudes Beach in the heart of the town centre. The company also offers visitors serviced stays at the Solaar apartments in Saint Lazarus and Faneromeni areas. 

Dr Khoury’s contribution to Larnaka region’s tourism continues with further international hotel chains planned, including Ibis and Movenpick branded hotels, and the Embassy Suites; revitalizing one of the city’s most historic 1900s buildings. 

Mr Marios Polyviou - CEO of Sunnyseeker Hotels: Sunnyseeker Hotels launched major international hotel brands to Larnaka with Hotel Indigo Larnaca by IHG Hotels and Resorts, and the first Radisson Group Hotels on the island – the Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca, and Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca. The company also operates Mikes Kanarium City Hotel and future plans include the development of an additional three hotels.

Mr Polyviou’s contribution to tourism in Larnaka extends beyond hotel development through his roles as President of the Larnaka Hotels Association and Board Member of Larnaka Tourism Board. 

Mr Aleksander Eng - founder of The Agora Hotel in Lefkara: The Agora Hotel in mountainous Lefkara village is the first luxury boutique hotel in Lefkara, housed in the building of the old, courtyarded marketplace. 

The opening of this hotel has helped to enrich tourism in the small but popular community and honour its history at the same time with a new concept for the region's mountainous villages (Orini). Each of the 18 rooms is unique in design but faithful to the character of the village. The hotel has been awarded an esteemed Michelin Key - a recognition awarded by the Michelin Guide specifically for hotels. 

The symposium was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Costas Koumis, Larnaka Tourism Board Chairman, Mr Dinos Lefkaritis, Mr Charalambos Andreou - on behalf of Larnaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Director of Larnaka 2030 - European Capital of Culture, Mr Andreas Karakatsanis. 

The educational and artistic programme Carte PostArt - supported by Larnaka Tourism Board - was also presented by Larnaca Cultural Foundation for Children and Youth and Larnaka Archives – Phivos Stavrides, and aims to strengthen the destination's cultural identity by engaging children from an early age.