UNESCO names Pafos this season's must visit destination

UNESCO and National Geographic list Cypriot city among top European destinations in “travel differently, travel deeper” round-up
Visitor numbers to Cyprus from the UAE up by 55.5% year-on-year

Dubai, UAE, 14 October 2018:   The Cypriot coastal city of Pafos has been selected as one of this season’s must visit destinations by UNESCO and National Geographic. The listing as one of the top World Heritage Sites in Europe, comes off the back of record visitor numbers from the UAE this summer.

During August this year, Cyprus welcomed a 55.5 per cent increase in visitors from the UAE, compared to August 2017 with Kuwait and Bahrain also seeing increases of 33.1% and 22.8% respectively. The Gulf arrivals contributed to some 66,532 August visitors from Asia.

At just a four-hour-flight from the GCC, Cyprus is one of the most sought-after and accessible destinations for travellers looking for a close-by getaway, and the addition of Pafos to the “World Heritage Journeys” is set to propel this further. 

UNESCO’s “World Heritage Journeys”, in collaboration with National Geographic, aims to align travellers with sustainable travel to the most remarkable World Heritage Sites in Europe.

Co-funded by the European Union to promote the top sites, UNESCO has developed a newly launched website (visitworldheritage.com), which encourages visitors to ‘travel differently, travel deeper’ by travelling beyond the major tourist hubs, staying longer in their destinations and experiencing more of what the local region has to offer. 

“We are deeply honoured to have Pafos shortlisted as one of the top World Heritage Sites, particularly for our GCC travellers who want to explore Europe but don’t want to take a long flight”, said Mr Marinos Menelaou, CTO’s Acting Director General.

“Pafos, and Cyprus as a whole, offers a wide range of activities, sites and experiences, and the inclusion of Pafos as part of the World Heritage Journeys listing further highlights the city’s appeal for travellers from the gulf region to explore.”

The listing is a result of an 18-month project between the Department of Antiquities and Cyprus Tourism Organisation to develop inspiring and educational content to be featured on the platform for viewers.

Boasting stunning beaches and a dramatic coastline with the mythological ‘Petra tou Romiou’, also known as Aphrodite’s rock, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have rose from the waves, at its heart, Pafos is a destination that appeals to all. Steeped in ancient mythology, from ancient ruin site The Tomb of the Kings, the Pafos Fort, and lively restaurants along the coast, Pafos is fun for the whole family, regardless of where they are travelling from.

Pafos is situated a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Larnaca International Airport, with direct flights operated with Emirates Airlines from Dubai, Gulf Air from Bahrain and Qatar Airways from Doha