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Paphos Advances As A Smart And Sustainable Tourism Leader

Paphos is strategically enhancing its reputation as a smart and sustainable destination under the auspices of the European initiative SMART TOUR – Smart Tourism, Smart Destinations. The region is leveraging advanced data and digital technologies to foster targeted, eco-conscious tourism development.

Strategic Participation In The Smart Tour Project

The Paphos district tourism development and promotion company, Etap Paphos, is actively engaged in the third Steering Group Meeting and thematic workshop scheduled for May 20-21 in Perros-Guirec, Brittany, France. This high-level gathering is designed to facilitate the exchange of expertise and policy tools among European regions, strengthening the continent’s overall approach to smart tourism.

Leveraging Data And Digital Technologies

Key discussions during the meeting will focus on reviewing the project’s progress, outlining actions planned for the remainder of 2026, and addressing advanced topics such as tourism statistics, performance indicators, and innovations in digital services. Such dialogues underscore the pivotal role of data analytics in driving sustainable tourism practices.

Fostering A Network For Sustainable Tourism

The accompanying thematic workshop represents a critical forum for sharing best practices and policy initiatives that support the sustainable development of tourism destinations. By exchanging experiences and successful strategies, participating regions are poised to set a benchmark for smart tourism development across Europe.

Collaborative European Effort

The SMART TOUR project unites ten partners from Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Albania, Ukraine, Belgium, and Cyprus. Co-financed by the European Union at 80%, this initiative exemplifies how collaborative efforts can drive both digital innovation and environmental sustainability in the tourism sector.

Clive Owen Films Scorpion In Cyprus In One Of The Island’s Biggest Productions

Cyprus Secures Another High-Profile Production

Oscar-nominated British actor Clive Owen is filming Scorpion in Cyprus, a new action thriller from Copper Island that is understood to have one of the highest daily production budgets ever recorded for a film shoot on the island.

Filming began in Cyprus on July 6 and is scheduled to conclude later this month in Bulgaria. The production marks another high-profile international project to choose Cyprus as a filming location.

A Cast Built For International Sales

Alongside Owen, the film stars Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, The Butler, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) and Reda Elazouar (Sex Education, The Family Plan). The cast also includes Ronan Summers, Jake Ryan, Mark Rhino Smith, Joey Ansah, Alex Cooke and Luke Bouchier.

The screenplay is by Richard Hughes and Bennett Fisher. Copper Island’s Matt Murphy, David Mansfield and Luke Bouchier are producing, while WestEnd Films is handling international sales. The company is expected to present the first footage at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

A Survival Thriller

Scorpion follows Jason, a rookie police officer assigned to an elite special operations unit made up of Afghanistan war veterans. After arriving at an isolated farmhouse, the team is cut off from the outside world and given an ultimatum: every 30 minutes one member will die unless someone reveals the truth about a covert military operation carried out years earlier.

Cyprus’ Role In The Production

The production credited the Cyprus Film Commission for its support, with Copper Island founder Matt Murphy thanking both the commission and the local crew.

Owen also praised the experience of filming in Cyprus, describing the local crew as highly professional and highlighting the island’s diverse filming locations.

Copper Island Expands Its International Portfolio

Limassol-based Copper Island has worked on several international productions, including The Leader, which premiered at Tribeca, as well as Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire and Ron Howard’s Eden.

The company is also supporting Cypriot productions, including Apart by Stelana Kliridou and The Well by Marios Piperides, which is completing post-production in Limassol.

Matt Murphy is also serving as executive producer of the upcoming Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie.

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