The Paphos regional tourism board (Etap) has approved an increased budget of €600,000 and a new action plan for 2026, aiming to upgrade visitor experiences and expand the region’s digital and promotional reach.

According to Etap, its board of directors met this week and approved both the budget and the plan for the next year.

The plan covers initiatives across the province and continues to prioritise product upgrades, improved visitor experiences, the digitalisation of information and the use of new technologies.

It also maintains, as stated, a strong emphasis on a more intensive campaign and public relations work both within Cyprus and abroad to promote Paphos as a destination.

Moreover, Etap said a broader meeting of local bodies and organisations will be convened in the coming weeks to review the issue of seasonality.

Meanwhile, the Etap is participating in the second steering group meeting and thematic workshop of the European project ‘Smart Tourism – Smart Destinations’, taking place on November 18 – 19 in Jesolo, in Italy’s Veneto region.

According to the announcement, the project promotes smart and sustainable tourist destinations through actions that enhance accessibility, sustainability, digital transformation, cultural tourism and creativity.

During the meeting, partners are presenting project progress and discussing planned actions through 2026, while also examining management, communication and financial coordination matters.

In parallel, the thematic workshop includes the exchange of good practices, knowledge transfer and policy tools aimed at supporting sustainable development in tourist destinations.

Etap explained that its participation forms part of the region’s ongoing effort to strengthen the digital and green transition of local tourism businesses and to position Paphos as a model “smart and sustainable destination” at European level.

The ‘Smart Tour’ project involves 10 partners from Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Albania, Ukraine, Belgium and Cyprus. It is 80 per cent funded by the European Union and runs for 36 months. Etap Paphos is expected to absorb up to €200,000 in funds.