PAFOS REGIONAL BOARD OF TOURISM PARTICIPATES IN 'RESPECTS' INTEREG EUROPE PROJECT EVENT IN HUNGARY
The Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (PRBT participates in the 2nd Thematic Event and Workshop of the RESPECTS Interreg Europe Project, which is taking place from 17 to 20 March 2026 in Szombathely, Hungary.
The thematic workshop focused on “Religious Festivals and Celebrations for Sustainable Cultural Tourism”, bringing together project partners, policy makers, experts, and stakeholders from across Europe to exchange best practices and innovative approaches in the development of religious and cultural tourism.
During the workshop, the Pafos region will deliver a presentation entitled: “Safeguarding Living Religious Traditions while Enhancing Cultural Tourism in the Pafos Region”, highlighting the rich religious heritage of the destination and its integration into sustainable tourism development.
The presentation showcased how Pafos successfully leverages its living traditions, religious festivals, and local community engagement to enhance visitor experiences, while at the same time preserving cultural identity and promoting sustainability principles.
Particular emphasis is given to:
the role of religious festivals in strengthening cultural authenticity
community participation and intergenerational knowledge transfer
the contribution of such events to year-round tourism development
the alignment with Pafos’ strategy as a smart and sustainable destination
The event also included panel discussions, study visits, and interactive workshops, providing valuable insights into how different European regions approach religious tourism and its adaptation to modern audiences.
Through its participation, Pafos as a destination reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the continuous development of innovative and sustainable tourism products, in line with European best practices and Interreg objectives.
The RESPECTS project continues to provide a valuable platform for regions to collaborate on strengthening cultural tourism, ensuring that traditions are preserved while contributing to economic and social sustainability.
