Pafos Live 4 October 2025
At the 18th Annual Conference of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN 2025), the four museums of the Akamas communities won the 1st prize, standing out among 54 entries from 15 countries.
This distinction is part of the 12th edition of the ECTN Awards, which took place on October 2, 2025 in the city of Sibiu, Romania.
The theme of this year's event was "Visitor Experiences and Authenticity for Sustainable, Smart and Resilient Cultural Tourism Destinations". The conference was organized by the European Cultural Tourism Network in collaboration with the European Travel Commission, the NECSTouR network and Europa Nostra, in the framework of the European initiative Transition Pathway for Tourism (European Commission DG MOVE, formerly DG GROW) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The jury praised the proposal for its excellence in revitalizing the museums of the Laona Plateau, highlighting practices of participatory, authentic, and sustainable cultural tourism. The successful model developed and coordinated by ETAP Paphos, in close cooperation with local communities and museum operators, received a high rating. This initiative is now recognised as a European good practice for cultural revitalisation.
The main elements that contributed to the award were the integration of museums and their cultural resources into a single regional experience (the DIY Tour), the common promotional identity and the experiential experiences offered to visitors. Actions include guided tours, workshops, and educational exchanges, enhanced by digital tools and supported by improved accessibility through organized tours.
This distinction demonstrates how collaboration, creativity and cultural heritage can transform lesser-known villages and points of interest into popular and sustainable cultural destinations.
On this occasion, ETAP Paphos expresses its thanks to the municipal and community authorities and congratulates the staff of the four museums: the Akamas Museum of Rural Life in Drousia, the Regional Information Centre for Birds and Flora in Kathikas, the Geology and Paleontology Information Centre in Arodes and the Turtle Museum in Ineia. The passion and dedication of museum officials play a crucial role in satisfying visitors, increasing traffic, and safeguarding the natural wealth and local cultural heritage.
ETAP reaffirms its commitment to support such initiatives and to continue to be a strategic partner in promoting authentic, creative, smart and sustainable tourism.
