Published on
November 4, 2025
In a bid to bolster public safety and enhance the security of Cyprus’ tourism sector, the UK has rolled out a cutting-edge e-learning programme aimed at training professionals in high-traffic environments. The Counter-Terrorism e-Learning Programme (ACT Awareness) was developed by the UK Home Office’s Joint Overseas Protect and Prepare (JOPP) Team and is set to be launched across Europe with Cyprus as its first host. This initiative is a significant step toward strengthening the safety infrastructure within Cyprus’ tourism industry, ensuring a safer environment for both tourists and workers. With a focus on real-world threats such as terrorism, the programme is designed to help workers respond effectively to potential dangers, including suspicious behavior, bomb threats, and attacks involving firearms.
Enhancing Cyprus’ Tourism Security: A UK-Cyprus Collaboration
A joint initiative between the UK and Cyprus aims to create a safer environment for the island’s tourism sector. This collaboration is marked by the introduction of a comprehensive e-learning training programme, which will officially launch on November 26, 2025, at the City of Dreams Mediterranean. This conference, dubbed “Safeguarding Cyprus’s Tourism Industry,” is a key event in the ongoing effort to prepare the tourism industry for handling potential security challenges.
Developed specifically for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the programme’s primary goal is to provide essential training for staff working in high-risk areas such as hotels, airports, ports, and restaurants. This collaboration is part of a broader plan to enhance protective measures and ensure the safety of Cyprus as a leading tourist destination.
The Core Objectives of the Counter-Terrorism e-Learning Programme
The ACT Awareness Programme is designed to give professionals the tools and knowledge to identify and respond to various security threats. Key areas of focus include:
- Identifying suspicious behavior in public spaces
- Responding to potential bomb threats
- Handling armed attacks or incidents involving dangerous weapons
- Preventing insider threats from those within the organization
The e-learning platform is accessible to a wide range of professionals in tourism-heavy sectors, from frontline staff to management teams, ensuring that everyone involved in Cyprus’ tourism industry has the skills needed to deal with potential risks efficiently.
Practical Training for Real-World Threats
The interactive nature of the ACT Awareness programme ensures that participants gain practical experience through simulations of common threat scenarios, equipping them with the confidence to handle emergencies. The UK Home Office’s JOPP team has tailored the content to ensure it addresses specific security concerns relevant to tourism hotspots. These concerns include the management of threats that could disrupt the normal operations of tourist establishments or endanger the safety of guests.
By focusing on practical preparedness, the programme aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to reinforce Cyprus as a safe, resilient, and high-quality tourist destination. The online modules will be hosted on the official website of the Deputy Ministry, making it easy to incorporate the programme into existing safety protocols.
The Importance of This Programme for Tourists and Staff
For tourists, the introduction of the ACT Awareness programme serves as an added assurance that the Cyprus tourism industry is proactive in ensuring a safe environment. Hotels, airports, shopping malls, and entertainment venues will have trained staff capable of managing serious threats. This significantly enhances the safety of visitors and contributes to a more secure tourism experience.
For staff, this programme offers essential knowledge in crisis management, ensuring that they are prepared to act swiftly and appropriately in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, by involving everyone in the tourism sector, from security personnel to hotel managers, the initiative strengthens the overall resilience of the industry.
How Travelers Can Benefit
- Peace of Mind: Tourists can visit Cyprus with the confidence that the local tourism infrastructure is well-prepared to handle security threats, ensuring a safer travel experience.
- Safe Environment: High-traffic venues like airports and hotels will be safer, thanks to trained personnel who can respond promptly to any emergency situation.
- Security Awareness: Travelers can also contribute to their own safety by being aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious activity, making it easier for trained staff to act effectively.
Moving Toward a Safer Future for Cyprus Tourism
As Cyprus continues to strengthen its tourism industry’s resilience, the ACT Awareness programme marks a critical step in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism efforts. This collaborative project between the UK and Cyprus highlights the importance of global partnerships in addressing the evolving threats facing the travel and hospitality sectors.
By equipping Cyprus’ tourism professionals with the necessary tools, the island is setting a global example of how tourism can thrive in a secure environment. This initiative will not only protect the tourism sector from immediate threats but also ensure its long-term success by making safety a top priority.
