**Etap Larnaca Taps Heritage and Technology to Boost Year-Round Tourism**
Larnaca is embarking on a comprehensive tourism action plan aimed at enhancing its appeal as a year-round destination. The Larnaca tourism board, known as Etap, has outlined a series of initiatives that focus on heritage projects, digital tourism, and improvements in accessibility, all set to unfold under the 2026 tourism action plan.
One of the standout proposals is the transformation of the Pervolia Lighthouse, also referred to as Kiti Lighthouse, into a marine education centre. This initiative is designed to merge research, education, and cultural activities, creating a hub for marine knowledge. An agreement signed in June 2025 between the Cyprus Ports Authority, Dromolaxia-Meneou municipality, Etap, and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) will facilitate this conversion. Plans for the lighthouse include interactive displays, exhibitions, and workshops, along with technology that will provide live footage from the seabed. The outdoor space is also envisioned to host educational activities, cultural events, and civil weddings.
In addition to the lighthouse project, Etap is working on the restoration of historic railway wagons in Kalavasos, aimed at preserving the area’s mining heritage. This restoration is part of a broader effort to promote local history and culture through tourism. The geological survey department has issued a tender with an estimated value of €220,000 for the restoration of the Kanellopoulou mine gallery entrance and the conservation of related mining heritage facilities. This initiative is part of the Interreg Greece-Cyprus 2021 – 2027 programme and includes work on ore-separation infrastructure, transport rails, and unloading areas.
Another project on Etap's agenda is the completion of the Ayios Theodoros Farm, which combines a village farm with a picnic area. This initiative is designed to introduce visitors to traditional agricultural practices and includes features such as Cypriot farm animals, local greenery, and traditional products. This project builds on a proposal from Etap’s 2024 programme.
The action plan also includes the addition of new permanent sculptures at the ‘Mesoyios’ Artists’ Park and enhancements to the entrance of the Choirokoitia nature trail. These physical improvements are complemented by a significant expansion of the region's digital tourism offerings. Etap has successfully digitised 16 museums, with plans to add the Ecclesiastical Museum of Athienou, which opened in July 2025, to the digital platform by the end of the year. This museum houses a collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, including icons and manuscripts dating back to the late 15th century.
Visitors can explore Larnaca's attractions through a digital walk, which allows them to scan QR codes during their tours. The Larnaka 360° Cultural Walk connects virtual museums and storytelling statues, providing routes that cover the seafront, town centre, archaeology, and cultural sites.
Sustainability is also a key focus of Etap's initiatives. The action plan includes ongoing plantings in Voroklini, upgrades to Pyla’s coastal park, and the installation of themed benches along Voroklini’s coastal walkway. Plans for public space improvements also include an upgrade to the garden beside the tourism information office, which is currently in the study stage. Additionally, common signage for honey villages and a map of workshops open to visitors in Kato Drys are in the works.
Accessibility improvements are another priority for Etap. The board aims to enhance facilities at Livadia’s Kalamourgiki Memorial Museum, also known as the Craft of Caning Museum, and promote fully accessible seating at Finikoudes. The Livadia museum already offers features such as video screens with large captions, sign-language interpretation, and a Braille booklet to assist visitors.
Etap is also working to strengthen the connection between tourism and local producers, exemplified by the CyFood B2B Forum organized in collaboration with the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce. This initiative aims to broaden the region's appeal and encourage year-round tourism.
Through these multifaceted efforts, Larnaca is not only looking to enhance its tourism offerings but also to foster a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and improve accessibility for all visitors. The combination of heritage and technology in Etap's action plan reflects a commitment to developing Larnaca into a more sustainable and attractive destination for both residents and tourists alike.