Paphos begins district-wide accessibility assessment for tourism infrastructure
Paphos is mapping accessibility barriers at tourism sites and rural communities under a study expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Paphos, Cyprus. Paphos has begun assessing accessibility barriers across its tourism infrastructure as part of efforts to make beaches, attractions, cultural sites and rural communities easier to visit for people with mobility difficulties and other accessibility needs.
The assessment is being conducted for the Paphos regional tourism board, Etap, by European University Cyprus with support from the American University of Beirut and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Assessment framework
Etap executive director Nasos Hadjigeorgiou told the Cyprus News Agency that a scientific team has been formed and work has begun on creating a mechanism to record public and private infrastructure.
The study is intended to provide a comprehensive picture of current accessibility conditions, identify gaps and determine measures required across the district.
Hadjigeorgiou said Etap aims to avoid piecemeal solutions and establish foundations for an integrated accessibility plan.
Smart Destination commitments
The initiative forms part of Paphos’ commitments as a Smart Destination and supports efforts to make the region more welcoming to visitors with mobility difficulties and other accessibility needs.
Etap’s approach follows EU principles including non-discrimination and equality, digital inclusion, independent living, autonomy and freedom of movement without exclusion.
European programmes
The tourism board is also participating in European programmes and international networks focused on accessible, sustainable and smart tourism.
These include the Smart Tourism – Smart Destinations programme, which involves partners from nine other countries and receives 80 per cent of its funding from the EU. The programme seeks, among other objectives, to improve accessibility through digital transformation.
Etap also participates in the Interreg Euro-MED programme through the MED-Routes project, which focuses on transferring expertise and developing accessible cultural tourism.
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