Welcome
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation recognizing the importance of Religious Tourism has undertook the initiative with the cooperation of the World Tourism Organization and hosted the 1st International Conference on Religious Tourism on 19 - 21 October 2006 in Nicosia.
Cyprus has:
- a rich cultural heritage and civilization that goes back 10,000 years
- Monasteries, Byzantine churches ten of which are included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites
- Chapels and Shrines
- thematic routes such as the “ On the footsteps of St. Paul”, and “Saint Helena’s “passage from Cyprus
- Caves and hermits of Saints and Apostles
- Graves and remains of Saints and Apostles
- Unique Examples of superb Byzantine Art
- Buildings and places of worship belonging to other doctrines and religions which co-exist in a continuous dialogue promoting the rare historic and cultural palimpsest of Cyprus
These are some of the reasons together with an ideal all year round climate, beautiful scenery and traditionally hospitable people why Cyprus was the ideal venue to launch the 1st International Conference on Religious Tourism.
The phenomenon of pilgrimages is one of the oldest form of tourism migration for which there is great interest today form both ecclesiastical authorities and tourism professionals. The principal motivation behind all religious related events is for the visitors to connect spiritually with divinity and with other people on a personal level. This motivation is now more important than it has ever been and this is why this form of tourism is growing at such unprecedented rates.
I would like to express my warmest appreciation to the World Tourism Organization, Church Authorities, academics and tourism professionals for their support and cooperation in the organisation of this Conference.
I am convinced that the Conference will act as a platform for the development of intercultural dialogue among various stakeholders, practitioners and decision makers in religious tourism and help all stakeholders utilize management and marketing tools which take seriously into consideration the need to respect and protect places of worship.
It was a pleasure hosting all speakers and participants who came from many counties around the world, had fruitful discussions, exchanged thoughts and experienced a Spiritual and Cultural Journey in Cyprus