Cyprus is poised to welcome approximately 20,000 visitors during its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, President Nikos Christodoulides announced. Drawing tourists from across EU member states and beyond, the anticipated influx is based on detailed official planning for the coming period.
Visitor Projections And Historic Record In Arrivals
President Christodoulides highlighted that Cyprus’ two major airports recently set arrival records and are expected to replicate these historic figures. This achievement is attributed to the strong collaboration between the government and Hermes Airports, operator of both Larnaca and Paphos airports. “I want to publicly thank and congratulate Hermes Airports,” he said during his remarks.
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Strategic Collaboration With Hermes Airports
Christodoulides noted that this partnership has not only yielded impressive statistics last year but is also on track to do so this year. Emphasizing the importance of government cooperation with industry leaders, the president underscored that the record-setting performance at the airports is a clear signal of efficient and innovative management.
Cultural Showcase And EU Legacy
During the inauguration of the exhibition titled “Carte Postale. EU Journey Through The Lens Of Time” at Larnaca Airport, hosted in partnership with Hermes Airports, the president praised the event as a unique cultural narrative. The exhibition, which showcases approximately 250 curated postcards from across Cyprus and the 26 other EU member states, offers a visual journey back to the early 20th century—a time when personal correspondence was a primary mode of communication.
The collection, originally amassed by the late deltiologist Antonis Hadjipanayis and curated by his son, journalist Panicos Hadjipanayis, also serves as a memorial tribute. Christodoulides recounted Hadjipanayis’ origins as a refugee from Assia, who nurtured an early passion for postcard collecting from Cyprus and around the globe.
Heritage And Modern Day Connection
While acknowledging that the art of sending postcards may be considered outdated today, the president observed that this practice retains a nostalgic charm and pedagogical value for both older generations and youth alike. He also noted that such exhibitions are more than mere historical retrospectives; they are also a warm farewell to the many visitors anticipated during Cyprus’ EU Presidency.
Concluding his remarks, President Christodoulides commended Hermes Airports for their innovative use of historical material and extended his gratitude to Panicos Hadjipanayis and his family for their initiative in curating a memorable exhibition that bridges Cyprus’ rich heritage with its contemporary global engagement.
