Quote:
Originally Posted by BeachLover
Thank you for the feedback Cleo.
I realize that competing with local players would be extreamely difficult and I have no desire to come in there without a relatively good business plan. I was planning on coming in the off season and spending a few weeks looking around the island, meeting some expats by visiting different businesses and possibly even meeting some cypriots in different fields as well.
I have no experience in the restaurant business and I feel, as you say, if you don't have a great idea it is next to impossible to make that work.
I am really considering buying an exisiting property management business that can show a good client base, web presence and customer satisfaction. Other alternatives would be a small bar or small hotel.
My nitche would be to focus on clientele from Russia, Sweden/Norway, UK and possibly the US. My background is Swedish/American and I have good contacts in these countries. I know there are a lot of UK visitors still so that is obviously something worth looking into. Also, my significant is Russian and have formidable contacts in Moscow/St. Petersburg. I have hear that there is a growing population of Russians and visitors due to the relaxed visa procedure- Is this true?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi BL,
To be honest with you I think that there are so many property management businesses (many of them operating under the radar aso they can charge low rates) that I really don't think at this time it is the direction to go. We know of many such businesses that are struggling to get enough clients to make ends meet.
Bars also are ten to the penny but if you can come up with something a bit different to the usual run of the mill type expats bar maybe you could make that work.
Perhaps the best idea would be a small hotel if you have experience in that field.
Have you thought about the possiblity of an eco tourism type hotel? That is something which is lacking in Cyprus with most of the focus being on beach holidays but there opportunities for specialist holidays for bird watchers, hikers, etc.
Just a thought.
Veronica