Paphos, Cyprus. The most serious issue facing Paphos tourism is seasonality, Paphos Regional Tourism Board (Etap) head Nasos Hadjigeorgiou said on Sunday, adding that there is no holistic approach by competent services to address it. He also highlighted inadequate public transport and other challenges affecting the region’s tourism ecosystem.
Seasonality and public transport
Hadjigeorgiou said seasonality remains the region’s most pressing tourism issue and that a comprehensive solution has not yet been implemented. He said inadequate public transport is particularly acute, especially in linking urban centres with the countryside, describing it as a long-standing problem for the region.
Technology use, costs, and infrastructure
He said another obstacle is the insufficient knowledge and use of technological tools in tourism by many tourism service providers. Additional issues include high operating costs, the abandonment and decay of the countryside, and ageing hotel and urban infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and the Polis Chrysochous area.
Brand positioning, project delays, and short-term rentals
Hadjigeorgiou said Paphos lacks a clear image and strong brand in key tourist markets, and that delays in implementing necessary projects are also serious. He also referred to what he described as reckless and unregulated growth of thousands of short-term rental beds, saying this affects the balance and sustainability of the tourism ecosystem.
Etap initiatives and domestic tourism
Hadjigeorgiou said Etap Paphos is working to address challenges through the development of winter products and experiences linked to nature, sports, culture and other thematic forms of tourism. He said Etap is also investing in digital empowerment of the destination and tourism ecosystem, thematic specialisation, improving digital competence, and strengthening Paphos’ image as a year-round destination, including targeted digital promotion in multiple tourism source countries. He added that Paphos is among the top choices for Cyprus residents, who he said play a key role in the destination’s sustainability.
Which of the challenges identified for Paphos tourism do you think should be prioritised first?
