Paphos Joins European Religious Tourism Program

The Cypriot resort region of Paphos is taking part in the European program “Religious, Spiritual, and Pilgrimage European Cultural Tourism with Sustainable Development” (RESPECT).

This program aims to research, analyze, develop, and promote policies and initiatives connected to religious, spiritual, and pilgrimage tourism across Europe. The focus is on sustainability, digitalization, and innovation to enhance the sector’s potential.

The project brings together nine partners from Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and Belgium.

Funded 80% by the European Union, the program will run for 36 months with a total budget of €2 million.

Paphos is expected to receive a €200,000 grant for the promotion and development of tourism in the region. A portion of the funds will go toward efforts to secure Council of Europe recognition for the “In the Footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle” route.