Cyprus Yacht Owners Club launches a new flagship yachting event, bringing together RIBs,
motorboats, powerboats and superyachts for an unforgettable three-day maritime experience!
29 – 31 May 2026
The 1st Poker Run Cyprus, the ultimate Yachting Event was concluded successfully on 31st May
2026, following a spectacular two-day journey around the island’s coastline that brought together
yacht owners, boating enthusiasts, sponsors, partners and distinguished guests in a celebration of
adventure, camaraderie and the yachting lifestyle.

Organised by the Cyprus Yacht Owners Club (CYOC), Poker Run Cyprus was created with a clear
vision: to establish a unique annual event that will become one of the leading gatherings of the
Cyprus yachting community and a landmark fixture on the Eastern Mediterranean yachting
calendar.
The excitement peaked on Sunday evening during the Official Closing Fiesta at Columbia Sun,
Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol, where participants awaited the reveal of the final poker card and the
announcement of the winning hand.

The winner of the 1st Poker Run Cyprus Best Poker Hand Award was Mr. Polis Tofinis, who
participated with his powerboat MOANA, successfully securing the strongest poker hand among
the participating fleet and becoming the first-ever Poker Run Cyprus champion!
During the Awards Ceremony, organisers also presented the Industry Leadership Award to Mr.
Marios Iordanou, Managing Director of Bluepoint Yachting Ltd, in recognition of his outstanding
contribution to the development and advancement of the Cyprus yachting industry.
A particularly emotional moment of the evening was the special recognition presented to Mr.
Heinrich Schoeller, who was honoured for his exceptional support, participation and contribution to
the successful launch of the inaugural Poker Run Cyprus. As a token of appreciation, Mr. Schoeller
was presented with a bespoke handmade sculpture created especially for the occasion by
renowned Cypriot sculptor Philippos Giapanis, commemorating his commitment to the growth of
the yachting sector and his support of this pioneering initiative.
It is worth noting that all the awards presented during the evening are handmade and have been
crafted by Mr. Giapanis.

The Program – PoKer Run Cyprus 2026
The event began on Friday, 29 May at Limassol Marina with the Captains’ Briefing and Opening
Cocktail Reception, marking the start of Poker Run Cyprus.
On Saturday, the fleet set off east along the coast, stopping at checkpoints to collect poker cards
while cruising from Limassol to Larnaca Marina, Ayia Napa, Cape Greco and Konnos Bay. The
event featured RIBs, speedboats, leisure yachts and superyachts, including the Superyacht Big
Easy.

One of the defining highlights of the event was the overnight gathering at Konnos Bay, where
participating vessels anchored around a dedicated hospitality catamaran, creating an impressive
floating yacht village in one of Cyprus’ most beautiful natural settings. Live entertainment, cocktails,
dinner, swimming, sea activities and networking transformed the bay into a vibrant social hub under
the stars.
The final day included a cruise around Cape Greco, a stop at Zygi Marina and GUABA Beach Bar,
before ending the event at Columbia Sun with the closing Fiesta at Lady’s Mile, Limassol. Special
DJ guests Andreas Kountourakis & Savvas Poumpouras from Athens Rock n Roll closed the night
with a high-energy set.
Speaking after the event, organisers expressed their satisfaction with the overwhelming response
received from participants, sponsors and supporters, highlighting the strong enthusiasm for a
premium yachting lifestyle event that combines boating, networking, hospitality and friendly
competition.

The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to all Participants and Sponsors, Community
Partners, Supporters & Volunteers whose enthusiasm and commitment contributed to making the
first Poker Run Cyprus a remarkable success.
With its first chapter now complete, Poker Run Cyprus has firmly charted its course towards
becoming one of the most anticipated events on the Cyprus yachting scene.
See you at Poker Run Cyprus 2027. ⚓♠️♥️♦️♣️
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The Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP Limassol) is supporting Poker Run Cyprus 2026, a new and innovative yachting lifestyle event that aims to showcase Cyprus as an emerging luxury maritime tourism destination in the Mediterranean.

The three-day event will take place from 29 to 31 May 2026, starting from Limassol Marina and following a route that connects some of Cyprus’ most iconic coastal destinations.

Poker Run Cyprus 2026 is organized by the Cyprus Yacht Owners Club (CYOC), in collaboration with Limassol Marina and Ayia Napa Marina, and is expected to attract yacht owners, professionals from the maritime industry, representatives of luxury brands, and visitors from Cyprus and abroad.

Through its support of the event, the Limassol Regional Tourism Development and Promotion Company reinforces initiatives that contribute to promoting Limassol and Cyprus as modern, high-quality tourism destinations, with a strong focus on maritime tourism, hospitality, and premium lifestyle experiences.

A New Luxury Yachting Experience Arrives in Cyprus

The Cyprus Yacht Owners Club (CYOC), in partnership with the official event hosts, Limassol Marina and Ayia Napa Marina, presents Poker Run Cyprus 2026! A new signature event for the island’s yachting community.
Inspired by the internationally legendary Poker Run events originating from Miami, Florida from the 1950’s till today, Poker Run Cyprus is set to become one of the Mediterranean’s most anticipated yachting lifestyle experiences, bringing together yacht owners, boating enthusiasts, luxury brands, business leaders, and members of the marine industry for an unforgettable 2-day journey around the Cyprus coastline.

A 3-Day Experience | 29–31 May 2026

The event will feature a specially designed sea route connecting some of Cyprus’ most iconic coastal destinations, including:

• Limassol Marina
• Larnaca Marina
• Cape Greco (konnos bay)
• Zygi Marina
• Columbia Sun – Lady’s Milie

The route has been specially designed by Captain Kleanthis Hadjisoteriou of Limassol Marina, an experienced maritime professional and respected figure within the Cyprus yachting community. A mandatory Captains Briefing will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Conference Room of Limassol Marina, led by Captain Kleanthis Hadjisoteriou, where participants will be guided through the official route, safety procedures, communication protocols, weather considerations, and operational arrangements for the event. Further details and participant guidance will be circulated directly by the organizers prior to the event.

The experience officially begins on Friday, 29 May 2026, with an Opening Sunset Cocktail Event at Marina Breeze, Limassol Marina, at 18.00h welcoming participants, sponsors, officials, and distinguished guests. The organizers are particularly honoured to welcome representatives of Limassol Municipality , at the Opening Ceremony.

On Saturday morning, 30 May, the fleet will depart from Limassol Marina and cruise along the Cyprus coastline through Larnaca Marina before arriving at Ayia Napa Marina and then sailing to Konnos Bay for an overnight luxury celebration featuring live entertainment, DJs, dining, and networking events.

The entire event will be covered live by Sigma TV and hosted throughout the three-day experience by Marios Priamos Ioannides, one of Cyprus’ most-known television personalities and lifestyle presenters, adding a vibrant media and entertainment dimension to the event.

The journey continues on Sunday towards Cape Greco and then through the south-eastern coastline through Zygi, before returning to Limassol for the highly anticipated Closing Fiesta at Columbia Sun (Lady’s Mile), where participating yachts will line up offshore for a spectacular finale celebration with live performances, awards, entertainment, and sunset party vibes featuring signature DJs from Rock n’ Roll Athens (from 6pm to 10pm).

More than a Boating Event

Poker Run Cyprus aims to further position Cyprus as an emerging destination for luxury yachting tourism while creating a unique platform connecting the marine industry, hospitality sector, luxury brands, tourism professionals, and international boating enthusiasts.

“We are creating far more than a boating event. Poker Run Cyprus is a lifestyle experience built around the passion for the sea, adventure, luxury, and community” state the organizers.

Participation & Registrations

Participation is limited, with registrations already attracting significant interest from both local and international yacht owners.

For registrations and event information, please:

– Visit: Poker Run Cyprus: A Luxurious Yachting Adventure
– Call: 25 731437 or 99403222
– Email: info@pokerruncyprus.com or demos@pokerruncyprus.com

Full Program

The Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company participated in the conference and the final meeting marking the closure of the European HERIT ADAPT Interreg EURO-Med Project, which took place in Athens on May 18 and 20, 2026. During the conference, the results of the HERIT ADAPT project were presented by eight organizations from Mediterranean countries.

During the event, the significant results of the project’s nine pilot actions were presented, highlighting the crucial role of innovation in creating sustainable tourism development models focused on cultural heritage and resilience to climate change.

Particular emphasis was placed on the innovative technologies applied in the pilot areas of the participating countries, such as 3D modelling, XR technologies, IoT systems for climate monitoring, and artificial intelligence tools for the promotion of cultural heritage.

At the same time, discussions were held on the connection between sustainability and the circular economy with tourism, as well as on the prospects for scaling up the project’s results across the entire Mediterranean region.

The participation of the Limassol Region Tourism Development and Promotion Company in HERIT ADAPT confirms its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative practices in the fields of tourism and cultural heritage.

The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated in the conference as an associated partner of the project.

The Limassol Tourism Development & Promotion Company (LTC) held today, Wednesday, 6 May 2026, a working meeting with hotel managers, the Representative of Cyprus Hotel Association in Limassol, Mr. Christos Tsanos, and the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, aiming to strengthen the tourism industry and coordinate actions for the further development of Limassol as a modern and competitive destination.
During the meeting, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities shaping the tourism sector, placing particular emphasis on the need to enhance cooperation among tourism stakeholders. Views and proposals were exchanged regarding the improvement of the visitor experience, the upgrading of services provided, and the development of a common strategy for promoting Limassol.

Special reference was made to the development of targeted initiatives to attract new markets, extend the tourism season, and promote thematic forms of tourism such as cultural, wine and gastronomy, sports, and conference tourism.

At the same time, proposals were examined for the use of promotional tools and digital channels, aiming to strengthen Limassol’s international image.

In this context, the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, presented the key actions and initiatives implemented by the Municipality to support tourism in the city, including:
• The upgrading and continuous improvement of the seafront and public spaces, enhancing accessibility and the overall experience for visitors and residents.
• The organization and support of major cultural and thematic events.
• The promotion of Limassol as a city break and conference tourism destination.
• The strengthening of sustainable practices, with emphasis on sustainable mobility, environmental awareness, and green development.
• The support of smart city initiatives, improving both the visitor experience and the city’s promotion.

The President of the Limassol Tourism Development & Promotion Company, Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas, stressed the urgent need—also in light of geopolitical crisis—for continuous consultation and cooperation with hotel representatives, in order to address challenges and capitalize on Limassol’s opportunities.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue the dialogue on a regular basis and to jointly promote specific actions that will substantially contribute to further strengthening Limassol’s tourism product.

On 27 and 30 April 2026, the Limassol Tourism Development & Promotion Company (LTC), within the framework of the European HERIT ADAPT Interreg EURO-Med Programme, successfully organised a Citizen Science Awareness Campaign.

As lead organisers and coordinators, LTC guided students from the Limassol Technical School through an interactive, hands-on workshop. The aim was to introduce and explain digital tools used for the protection of archaeological monuments from the impacts of climate change.
Through presentations, guided tours, educational workshops, and interactive activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of safeguarding archaeological sites against climate-related risks, as well as their connection to sustainable tourism development.

The students showed great enthusiasm, actively engaging with digital technologies. They explored a 3D digital model of the pilot site of the project, the Temple of Apollo Hylates, and experienced the site through virtual reality headsets.
During their visit to the archaeological site, they were also divided into groups and asked to identify damage to the monuments, proposing possible solutions for their preservation and protection.
The event was particularly meaningful, highlighting the role of young people as active contributors to the digital preservation of cultural heritage. Through experiential learning, the students strengthened their interest in sustainable tourism and heritage protection.

This initiative is part of the HERIT ADAPT project, which aims to develop innovative solutions for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in response to the growing challenges of climate change.

The Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company Ltd (ETAP Limassol) successfully participated in the Information Day, the 7th Technical Meeting, and the 7th Steering Committee of the European HERIT ADAPT Interreg EURO-MED Project, held in Granada, Spain. The event brought together representatives of project partners and stakeholders from eight European countries.
The Information Day took place on 21st of April 2026, aiming to inform the public and local stakeholders about the objectives, activities, and progress achieved by the project to date. Participants had the opportunity to be familiar with innovative strategies being developed for the adaptation of cultural heritage to contemporary environmental challenges, as well as to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding their future application and potential.

On 22nd of April 2026, the 7th Technical Meeting and the 7th Steering Committee of the project were held. During the sessions, partners presented the progress of their respective activities, evaluated the results achieved so far, and defined the next steps for implementation until the end of the project. Emphasis was placed on the development and application of innovative tools for the sustainable management of cultural heritage, as well as on strengthening the resilience of monuments against climate change.

The meeting was conducted in a spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue, reinforcing the partnership among stakeholders and contributing to the achievement of the project’s objectives.
Within the framework of the meeting, Limassol Tourism Board presented the pilot area of the Temple Apollo Hylates archaeological site, highlighting its importance as an example of the project’s practical implementation. The presentation included the development of a 3D model of the site, which contributes to a better understanding of its characteristics and supports the planning of targeted interventions for its protection and sustainable use.
The HERIT ADAPT project aims to develop and implement integrated strategies and tools for adapting cultural heritage to the impacts of climate change. The project seeks to enhance the resilience of highly significant monuments, promote sustainable management practices, and support local and regional authorities in evidence-based decision-making through innovative, digital, and participatory approaches.

The Limassol Tourism Development Company supported the International General Assembly of the European Mountaineering Associations, held on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at 08:30 a.m., at the George Seferis Hall in the Platres Municipality building.

The President of ETAP Limassol, Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas, greeted and addressed the event.

ETAP Limassol continues to actively support initiatives that promote sports tourism, helping to create meaningful experiences that attract visitors to the Limassol district.

Cyprus’s tourism sector is going through a period of renewal and fresh strategy, and Limassol is right at the heart of this effort. The city is playing a key role in boosting tourism and extending the season beyond the traditional peak months. Thanks to coordinated efforts between organizations and businesses, a more modern, sustainable, and competitive tourism model is slowly coming together.

As part of this push, Andreas Tsouloftas, President of the Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company, has been meeting with hotel owners and tourism professionals. The goal is clear: identify practical, targeted actions that can truly strengthen the sector and support the local economy. He stressed that tourism is a major driver of growth for Limassol, and that strong collaboration between the government, local authorities, and private businesses is essential to keep the city competitive.

At the same time, Limassol has all the ingredients to become a year-round destination. By making better use of its modern infrastructure and the experiences already developed—both in the city and in the countryside, the region is building a more balanced and sustainable tourism offering.

Efforts are already underway to enhance the visitor experience and showcase the area’s authenticity. These include creating themed routes, developing scenic viewpoints in rural communities, and setting up photo spots in the famous wine villages of the Limassol district.

There’s also a focus on improving the look and feel of local areas, with initiatives like street art projects in villages such as Agros and Agios Konstantinos, adding a cultural touch and making these places more attractive to visitors.

Sustainability is another key priority. Plans include the development of an eco-route designed to promote environmentally friendly tourism and encourage alternative travel experiences.

At the same time, Limassol is embracing digital innovation. New technologies are being used to promote niche experiences like diving tourism, while a newly launched website features an AI-powered chatbot tailored specifically to the Limassol area. QR codes at key locations are also helping visitors access useful information instantly, making their overall experience smoother and more engaging.