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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.

Cyprus Posts The EU’s Second-Strongest Retail Trade Growth In August

Retail Trade Volume Rises 7.5% Year On Year In August

Cyprus recorded one of the strongest retail performances in the European Union in August, with retail trade volume increasing 7.5% year on year, according to Eurostat.

Cyprus Ranks Second In The EU

The annual increase placed Cyprus second among EU member states with available data, behind Sweden at 7.7%. Estonia followed with growth of 6%.

Cyprus’ retail growth was more than six times the EU average of 1.2% and significantly above the euro area’s 0.8% increase.

Cyprus Outperforms A Weaker European Market

The figures point to resilient retail demand in Cyprus despite more subdued conditions across much of Europe.

Retail trade volume declined in four member states. Malta recorded the sharpest fall at 2.4%, followed by Spain at 0.6%, Italy at 0.5% and Germany at 0.4%.

Across the euro area, annual growth was supported by food, drinks and tobacco, as well as non-food products excluding automotive fuel. Food, drinks and tobacco sales rose 1.6%, while non-food retail increased 1.7%. Automotive fuel sales fell 3.7%.

EU-wide figures showed similar trends, with food, drinks and tobacco up 1.4% and non-food products excluding fuel rising 2.2%. Automotive fuel sales declined 1.9%.

Monthly Retail Growth Remains Modest

On a monthly basis, seasonally adjusted retail trade volume rose 0.1% in both the euro area and the EU in August, following declines of 0.6% and 0.5% respectively in July.

Romania posted the strongest monthly increase at 2.3%, followed by Sweden at 1.4% and Germany at 1.3%. Luxembourg recorded the largest monthly decline, with retail volume falling 9.4%. Malta and Latvia followed with decreases of 1.9% and 1.4%.

Cyprus’ August performance places it among the EU’s strongest retail markets, with annual growth far exceeding both the EU and euro area averages.

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