Limassol Marina's 10 year anniversary through the eyes of our marketing team; Marketing & PR Manager, Maria Nikolaou and Marketing & PR Officer, Chara Theocharous, the team behind Limassol Marina's new brand identity and 10 year anniversary.
What is one memorable moment that stands out to you from your time at Limassol Marina?
MARIA: I’ve been here almost ten years myself, so I’ve certainly had my fair share of memorable moments over the years! The first one that comes to mind was from the Marina’s one-year anniversary, just when I started working here. As part of the celebration preparations, we had to blow up hundreds and hundreds of balloons, and that’s something I remember vividly. I must have blown up at least 500 balloons on that day! Another great memory is more recent, when we presented the Limassol Marina’s new brand identity to all our teams. It was such a joy to see everyone respond so warmly to it, and to see the love everyone shares for this place.
CHARA: As a newer member of the team, only having been here for almost two years, my memorable moments are more recent! Mine is probably my first boat show. It was amazing to see the Marina transform itself into something so dazzling and seeing all the teams come together and collaborate to make this event happen was really such a great thing to experience. I may have felt like I had dived into the deep end, but it was a truly rewarding experience.
What have you learned from working at Limassol Marina that you didn’t know before?
MARIA: The main thing I learned here is that when you have a good team that works well together, where there is mutual understanding and respect, you can achieve just about anything. Another important factor for achieving every goal we set is having a clear vision and strategy, and this is what has helped us get to where we are today.
CHARA: I found that when you are part of such a great community – not just of colleagues, but of the greater Marina community as a whole, this becomes more than just a job. And when you love where you work, everything is possible.
How do you feel about Limassol Marina reaching this 10-year milestone?
MARIA: I am certainly very proud, but also grateful to have been a part of this project, all these years, since its first year of operation till today marking its 10 year milestone.
CHARA: I joined the team right at the time the rebranding was taking place, yet after having learned about the immense amount of work that went into the creation of Limassol Marina, and the work that is still ongoing, I feel very proud to be a part of it.
What are you most proud of as you look back at the last ten years?
MARIA: There are so many different images that come to mind from the last ten years. I remember the construction of the Marina; I remember when most of the shops and residences were still empty. Some of the restaurants were different. And comparing that incomplete project to the living, breathing Limassol Marina today fills me with immense pride. Especially considering the challenges we faced over the years, but also the many achievements that made it all worth it. We’re still here, we love what we do, and we’re looking forward to the next ten years!
CHARA: My perspective from the last ten years is that of a visitor to Limassol Marina, and yet I can clearly see what Maria is saying, for I also remember what the area was like before construction started, the anticipation people had when the Marina was being built, and the excitement when it was finally time to visit. I felt proud that this gem was in my city, and I feel proud to be a part of it today.
What does Limassol Marina mean to you personally?
MARIA: Limassol Marina is the place where I grew up professionally. I faced challenges, I overcame them, I learned so much, and I achieved so many milestones. And for that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
CHARA: This is my first job, and I still can’t believe that I am able to experience this wonderful environment every day. There is so much to learn, not just in terms of Marketing, but life lessons that are unique to this job. We meet people from all around the world, from different backgrounds and cultures, and that is an invaluable experience.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
MARIA: Every day here is a new day. There is always so much going on, something new to learn and experience each day, that it is never boring. Couple that with working on the sea every day, there’s nowhere else like it!
What emotions do you feel when you see the changes and growth over the years at Limassol Marina?
MARIA: I’m proud, happy, grateful, and a small part of me even feels disbelief – like I can hardly believe where we once were and where we are now!
CHARA: Pride is certainly the overreaching emotion, both as a citizen of Limassol and an employee of Limassol Marina.
Describe Limassol Marina in one word.
MARIA: My second home.
CHARA: All-encompassing. It’s a place that has it all.
What do you think people feel when they visit Limassol Marina?
MARIA: I believe people feel that they are somewhere special. There really is no other place like it – the architecture, the vibe, the serenity, the sense of community is so unique.
Do you have a story you want to share with us from Limassol Marina’s 10-year history?
MARIA: A story from last year actually, when we were setting up the Christmas decorations, we had been brainstorming and designing the Santa home for our Christmas lights on event. Everyone was so enthusiastic about it, with people from across our departments pitching in with ideas and offers to help. One of our technicians was determined to create a working chimney. He spent hours trying to figure out how to do it, and he did! This is what I love about our team – everybody is passionate about what they do and this spills over into every aspect of our work.
CHARA: My story is also a Christmas one, particularly the year when we had four days to decorate the entire Marina. The way everyone came together and worked hard to make sure it got done was something quite astounding and made me appreciate our teams so much more. Not a single person refused to help, even if it wasn’t part of their duties. It really is true that anything is possible when you work together.
