October 2006 Newsletter:

Civil Marriage in Cyprus

Romance is always what you make it, but in Cyprus the spirit of Aphrodite can only help. As Aphrodite once did, newlyweds will delight in the splendors of Cyprus’ natural environment. You can see the spot where she bathed in a natural grotto on the still pristine Akamas Peninsula. The stunning coastline exerts a powerful pull, from Pafos to Agia Napa and the spectacular Cape Gkreko. Clean beaches and warm, clear waters invite spontaneous swims any time of the day. History and pleasure comfortably intertwine at five-star beach resorts within a short distance of evocative ancient ruins. Head inland and you will quickly discover charming villages with their friendly cafes, not to mention the revitalizing pine and cedar-covered mountains of the Troodos massif.

For contracting a civil marriage in Cyprus, the interested persons must apply personally to the Marriage Officer at the Municipality of their choice for the necessary formalities. The procedure begins by the submission of a joint "notice of marriage" (by the persons to be married) to the Marriage Officer.

The marriage can be celebrated, at least 15 days after the date of the notice. In this case the parties to be married have to stay in Cyprus about 20 days. Prescribed fee: C£75,00 / $160.00 In case of emergency however, the interested persons may apply to the Marriage Officer to fix an earlier date, by paying advanced fees. In this case the marriage can be celebrated within 2-3 working days. Prescribed fee: C£165,00 / $ 351.50

Parties to be married should be in possession of:
• Legal identification documents and certificates.
• Evidence that they are free to marry.

Also the parties must make an affirmation before the marriage Officer that they know of no impediment or law hindrance to their marriage.

For detailed information please contact directly the:
Union of Cyprus Municipalities
P.O.Box 22033, CY 1516 Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Tel: 357 22 66 91 50
Fax: 357 22 67 72 30
E-mail: endeky@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.ucm.org.cy
or any Municipality in Cyprus.


ICORET 2006 (1st International Conference on Religious Tourism, 19-21 October 2006)

Aiming to tap into what is part of a US$18 billion industry the conference will formally instigate an initiative of elevating the status of religious tourism in Cyprus, the nearby region and in Europe, will cover both the demand and supply perspective of religious tourism. The focus will primarily be on how involved parties can handle challenges that are expected to have a positive influence in the development of this type of tourism.

Cyprus is the ideal staring point for ICORET 2006. The Byzantine heritage of Cyprus with its important architecture, iconography, mosaics, murals and rare icons, the chapels and shrines of the countryside, the buildings speak for the intense dedication to traditions and the close interconnection of art with religious worship through the centuries. The visitor also has the opportunity to come across buildings and places of worship belonging to other doctrines and religions which co-exist in a continuous dialogue promoting the rare historic and cultural environment of Cyprus.

The underlying perspective of ICORET 2006 is global, but with a particular focus on similarities and differences between regions of the world, representing various phases of development, systems, cultural, societal and environmental conditions. The expected outcome of ICORET 2006 is to build stronger ties between tourism authorities, travel agents, communities and religious sectors, and to devise approaches to move towards a more truly integrated way of thinking about religious tourism; a holistic approach to a complete offering with sustainability at the center. This is an approach that will help policymakers and business professionals, religious authorities and civil society to address the complex issues around them more effectively.

Contact information:
ICORET 2006
c/o SCS Limited
P.O. Box 25660
1311 Nicosia
Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 373503
Fax: +357 22 370965
Email: info@icoret.org
Website: www.icoret.org


2006 Cyprus Rally

From 22-24 September 2006, this year’s Cyprus Rally was another exiting test of man and machine under the warm Mediterranean sunshine. Given its standing as one of the most popular holiday destinations - thanks to its wonderful climate and welcoming atmosphere - it will come as no surprise that the Cyprus event has become known as the “Holiday Rally” of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Fans often combine a holiday in the sun with the viewing of this major international sports event -even the drivers often bring along their families for a short holiday break.

The 2006 Cyprus Rally saw once again the world’s top drivers go ahead on the challenging mountain roads of the Troodos massif. This year the course of the Rally involved the lively coastal resort of Lemesos with its long beaches, first-class hotels, plentiful bars and restaurants.

To book for next year’s rally please visit www.cyprusrally.org