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Famagusta Launches Digital Campaign To Boost Tourism Demand

Famagusta Launches Digital Campaign To Boost Tourism Demand

The free district of Famagusta has launched a new digital tourism campaign aimed at strengthening its international profile, increasing visitor arrivals and extending the tourism season beyond the peak summer months. Ongoing economic uncertainty and instability in the Middle East have added pressure to tourism flows, prompting regional stakeholders to intensify promotional efforts.

Strategic Objectives And Broad-Based Collaboration

The campaign is coordinated by the Famagusta Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) in cooperation with the Famagusta Hoteliers Association (PASYXE Ammochostos), the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia, the Bank of Cyprus and tourism industry stakeholders. Organizers said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the district’s position in international tourism markets and support year-round visitor demand.

Leveraging Advanced Digital Tools

Digital advertising, social media platforms, search engines and tourism-focused websites will be used to target potential visitors across key international markets. Primary focus has been placed on the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Promotional efforts also include audiovisual content and thematic campaigns highlighting destinations such as Protaras, Ayia Napa and inland areas of the Famagusta district.

Highlighting Unique Competitive Advantages

Campaign materials emphasize the district’s award-winning beaches, tourism infrastructure, hospitality sector and culinary offerings. Cultural events, sports tourism, family-oriented travel and alternative tourism experiences also feature prominently in the promotion strategy. According to organizers, showcasing the breadth of experiences available across the region remains a key objective of the campaign.

A Forward-Looking Strategic Initiative

ETAP said the initiative forms part of a long-term effort to strengthen the international visibility of the free Famagusta district. Targeted digital marketing campaigns will continue supporting the region’s positioning as a year-round destination while promoting a broader range of tourism experiences beyond the summer season.

Paphos Tourism Board Reports Strong Uptake For Smart Signage Programme

The Paphos regional board of tourism (Etap Paphos) says its smart signage programme continues to attract strong visitor engagement, highlighting the growing role of digital tools in destination management and tourism experiences.

Designed to replace traditional information boards with interactive and environmentally friendly signage, the initiative aims to improve access to information while supporting a more sustainable visitor experience.

QR Code Engagement Continues To Rise

Between January and June 2026, visitors recorded more than 43,000 QR code scans across 150 smart signs installed throughout the district.

Usage remained strong throughout 2025, with the network generating more than 140,000 scans between January and December, indicating that the platform has become an established part of the region’s tourism offering.

Top Destinations Attract The Most Interest

Data from Etap Paphos show that the most frequently accessed locations in 2025 included Panagia Chrysopolitissa, the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, Kremmiotis Waterfall in Kritou Terra, the Catacomb of Agia Solomoni and the Maa-Palaiokastro archaeological site in the Municipality of Akamas.

Among international users, the largest numbers of scans came from visitors from the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Israel and Greece, excluding permanent residents of Cyprus.

Expansion Continues In 2026

Further expansion is planned this year, with the seventh phase of the programme already underway.

Eight additional smart signs are scheduled for installation at points of interest and natural landmarks in Nikokleia, Pelathousa, the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, Letymbou and the Municipality of Akamas.

By scanning a QR code, visitors can access content in their preferred language through a smartphone or tablet. Available features include audio guides, written information, photographs, videos and 360-degree virtual tours.

Digitalisation As A Tourism Strategy

According to Etap Paphos, digitalisation remains a key pillar of its broader tourism strategy, alongside accessibility, sustainable development, cultural heritage promotion, creative tourism and destination marketing.

These initiatives form part of the organisation’s long-term efforts to strengthen Paphos’ position as a year-round destination while enhancing the visitor experience through technology.

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