Paphos “smart” signs were scanned more than 43,000 times in six months

Paphos Regional Board of Tourism Development and Promotion (ETAP) recorded more than 43,000 QR code scans on interactive “smart” signs across the region in the first half of 2026. The data was published on June 25.

What do the numbers show?

According to the company, from January to June 2026 the scanners registered more than 43,000 scans from around 150 “smart” signs installed at archaeological sites, monuments, natural landmarks and other points across the district. Statistics are now collected automatically — through the QR codes themselves. By comparison, during all of 2025 the signs were scanned more than 140,000 times. ETAP describes the results of the initiative to digitize tourist information as “very positive”.

Which signs and visitors were the most active?

The most popular signs in 2025 were those at Panagia Chrysopolitissa church, Saint Neophytos Monastery, Kremiotis waterfall, the Saint Solomoni catacombs and the Maa-Paleokastro archaeological site. Among these places are an early Christian basilica, a medieval monastery and a Bronze Age settlement; the Saint Solomoni catacombs are an early Christian underground sanctuary in the city itself.

In addition to permanent residents of Cyprus, the system was most often used by visitors from five nationalities: British, Polish, German, Israeli and Greek. The picture is changing: in earlier reports, French and Austrian visitors were also among the top five.

How does the “smart” sign work

To access the content, a visitor only needs to scan the QR code and choose a language. After that, an audio guide, informational texts, photos, videos and 360-degree panoramic tours open up. With these signs — compact and, according to the company, eco-friendly — ETAP is gradually replacing the previous bulky signposts.

What’s next for the project?

The network continues to expand: the seventh phase is now underway, under which eight more signs will be installed in Nikokleia, Pelathousa, Polis, Letymbou and Akamas.
This is not the first expansion: in the fifth phase the company placed 18 signs in Paphos, Geroskipou and other locations, including a 500-year-old oak tree in Fyti.

The project is part of the strategy to turn Paphos into a “smart” tourist destination (SMART destination). ETAP is one of Cyprus’ six regional tourism companies. The organizations were created in 2007–2008 as public-private partnerships. They are funded by the Ministry of Tourism.

The company says its key priorities are digitalization, accessibility, development, improving the visitor experience and promoting cultural heritage — with year-round tourism in mind.