Paphos Celebrated For Innovative Slow Tourism Uniting Akamas Villages

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 22, 2025

Setting A Global Standard In Sustainable Tourism

Paphos has ascended to the forefront of sustainable destinations, earning recognition as one of the Top 100 Green Destinations Stories 2025. This accolade reflects the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the success of its flagship project, which leverages slow tourism to integrate and rejuvenate the natural and cultural heritage of its rural heartlands.

Innovative Collaborative Approach

Under the guidance of the Paphos Regional Tourism Board (ETAP), the initiative, titled “Fostering Green And Sustainable Growth Through Slow Tourism By Preserving Natural And Rural Heritage With The Enhancement Of Local Environmental Education Centres,” was honored in the Culture And Tradition category. By uniting the villages of Arodes, Innia, Droushia, and Kathikas on the Laona Plateau, the project consolidates four museums through shared advertising, coordinated social media campaigns, and joint excursions. This strategic cluster overcame isolated operations, elevating public awareness and increasing tourist engagement.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Economic And Community Impact

An extensive evaluation process, which considered 180 submissions from 33 countries and involved international experts, underscored the tangible benefits of the project. The collaborative model has boosted regional tourism, resulting in a 30 per cent increase in visitors over two years, with each museum now attracting nearly 5,000 visitors annually. Local guesthouses and agro-tourism accommodations have seen weekend bookings surge by 40 per cent, while nearby tavernas, wineries, and artisan workshops experienced up to a 25 per cent boost in sales during cultural events.

Leveraging Heritage And Inclusivity

The initiative extends beyond economic gains by strengthening community ties and fostering a collective sense of ownership. Local residents actively contribute as museum guides, event coordinators, and cultural ambassadors, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are broadly shared. Workshops and creative programs have further enriched the cultural identity of the region, underscoring the role of inclusivity in building lasting success.

A Blueprint For Sustainable Development

Integrating cultural heritage, community empowerment, and innovative tourism planning, Paphos has crafted a scalable model for sustainable rural development. The curated experiences, which combine museum visits with wine tastings, nature walks in the Akamas Peninsula, and traditional craft demonstrations, not only extend visitor stays but also deepen their engagement with local heritage. As the region continues to evolve, its pioneering approach offers a compelling roadmap for destinations worldwide seeking to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

Breaking news