Pafos Redefines Religious Tourism Through Strategic Church Partnerships

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 21, 2025

The province of Pafos continues its determined multi-year effort to elevate religious tourism into a permanent fixture of its annual visitor flow. In a deliberate move to internationalize its rich spiritual heritage, the Church, via its Office of Pilgrimage and Religious Excursions, is forging partnerships with key agencies to spotlight the region’s treasured religious sites.

Strategic Initiative For Sustainable Tourism

Bishop Gregorios, the head of the Office of Pilgrimage Tours for the Church of Cyprus, is spearheading a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing religious tourism as both a cultural ambassador and economic catalyst. Bishop Gregorios recounted the office’s storied history, which began in 2008 following an invitation from the then head of the Cyprus Tourism Organization to participate in the launch of the seminal work, Cyprus, Island of Saints. The project quickly culminated in a series of high-profile presentations across Cyprus, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Moscow, marking the beginning of an expansive mission to showcase Cyprus’s religious wealth.

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International Collaboration And Cultural Preservation

Overcoming centuries of challenges, Cyprus has managed to preserve and transmit its sacred traditions through successive generations. Established in April 2012 by decree of the Holy Synod, the Office has since represented the biblical legacy and cultural narrative of Cyprus at various international tourism showcases. Bishop Gregorios highlighted a major milestone in November 2017 during an exhibition at the Warsaw Ethnographic Museum, where a ten-day presentation of Cyprus’s history and the tradition of the Twelve-Day Saints captivated audiences and notably increased tourist traffic from Poland. This cultural diplomacy has now linked the historic city of Jerusalem with Cyprus in the minds of international visitors.

Educational Engagement And Experiential Learning

In an innovative step to integrate educational outreach, the Office has also organized guided pilgrimage tours for middle school students over the past eight years in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education. These excursions enable young Cypriots to immerse themselves in their religious traditions, thereby ensuring that the sacred heritage is experienced more profoundly than ever—even by foreign students previously trailing behind in religious studies.

Valuable Partnerships And Forward Momentum

Collaborative efforts extend beyond the Church, as strategic alliances with experienced tour guides, travel agents, hospitality professionals, and museum curators enhance both the quality and reach of Cyprus’s religious tourism. Bishop Gregorios underscored that these collaborative ventures broaden the scope of the Church’s publishing activities, with comprehensive updates and resources available on the Church of Cyprus’s official website for those interested in detailed information.

Ensuring Authentic Experiences For Pilgrims

Working closely with PASYXE and its president Thanos Michailidis, Bishop Gregorios expressed his gratitude for the seamless cooperation that has enabled the distribution of detailed information to international visitors. This collaboration ensures that each pilgrim receives an authentic and informed experience, allowing them to distinguish between historical facts, enduring traditions, and mythic narratives. “We remain committed to offering comprehensive support and guidance to those who seek to explore our rich religious legacy,” he concluded.

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EU Mercosur Agreement Sparks Political Battle Over Cyprus Agriculture

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2026

A political battleground emerged in the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee’s latest session, as fierce debates broke out over the controversial trade deal between the European Union and Latin American nations under the Mercosur framework. Lawmakers voiced deep concerns regarding food safety and the prospects for local agriculture, particularly following the high-profile absence of the Minister of Trade.

Minister Absence And Parliamentary Integrity

Committee Chair Giannakis Gabriel expressed strong disapproval over the Minister’s no-show, noting that the extraordinary session was scheduled at midday at the Minister’s own request. “His absence undermines the authority of the parliament,” Mr. Gabriel declared. Given that the Minister is not abroad, it was expected that he would be present to clarify why Cyprus supported an agreement widely criticized as disadvantaging the agricultural sector.

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Trade Deal Under Scrutiny

In his address, A.C.E.L General Secretary Stefanos Stefanos described the pact as a “dangerous agreement” imposed under the pressure of multinational conglomerates. He especially critiqued the contrasting sanitary standards whereby, while the EU bans our farmers from using certain pesticides and antibiotics, the Mercosur deal appears to allow imports produced with these very substances. His remarks underscored the possibility of double standards in safety measures and the potential long-term impacts on Cypriot agriculture.

Economic And Safety Concerns

Legislators questioned the basis of government studies that justified backing the agreement, even as Cyprus’ agricultural sustainability is increasingly threatened by water scarcity and soaring production costs. Representatives from various political factions pointed to insufficient controls over import volumes and tariff structures. For example, Christos Orphanidis (DIKO) demanded precise data on imports from Latin America, citing honey as a case in point, and pressed for clear explanations regarding the tariff regime.

Legal And Health Implications

Questions about legal authority were raised by Elias Myriantounos (EDEK), who inquired whether parliament can reject or amend the agreement should economic studies forecast negative outcomes. Environmental advocates, like Haralambos Theopemptou of the Movement of Ecologists, emphasized the need to safeguard traditional products such as halloumi, highlighting concerns over how rigorous food safety controls will be maintained. Meanwhile, Linos Papagiannis (ELAM) cautioned against unfair competition, drawing parallels with challenges posed by lower-standard goods from occupied territories.

Protecting Local Interests

The overarching message from lawmakers was clear: the future of Cyprus’ farming community and the well-being of its citizens should not be sacrificed at the altar of commercial trade. Agricultural organizations have voiced alarm over the importation of goods potentially contaminated with banned substances, the risk of market distortion by low-quality products, and the lack of localized impact studies. They argue that the agreement is biased in favor of select corporate interests, ultimately undermining consumer safety and the livelihood of European farmers.

As this debate continues to unfold, the outcome of these deliberations will be pivotal in determining not only trade policy but also the long-term economic and food security landscape of Cyprus.