Hermes Airports is actively participating in a UNESCO awareness campaign, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Permanent Delegation of Cyprus to UNESCO, aimed at combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
This initiative forms part of UNESCO’s broader efforts to safeguard global cultural heritage and is funded by the European Commission. It underscores the vital role that airports can play, not only as gateways for travel and cultural exchange, but also as strategic platforms for raising awareness and engaging international audiences on critical global issues.
At the European level, the campaign is being officially launched at the airports in Larnaca and Paphos, underscoring the pivotal role of Cyprus and its airports in this international effort. The initiative has already been implemented in countries across Latin America and is expected to expand to additional regions worldwide.
To mark Hermes Airports’ participation in the campaign, a modest ceremony was held on Friday, 20 March at Larnaka Airport, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, and the President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou.
Commenting on the collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports, Eleni Kaloyirou, stated, “Hermes Airports recognises the pivotal role of airports as gateways where people and cultures converge. Through our participation in UNESCO’s campaign, in cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Permanent Delegation of Cyprus to UNESCO, we aim to highlight the importance of protecting cultural property and to further raise public awareness about its illicit trafficking.”
In her remarks, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, noted, “Today, in close cooperation with UNESCO, we are launching in Cyprus an important awareness campaign against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. This initiative, implemented by UNESCO with the support of the European Commission, reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and combating the looting and illegal trade of cultural objects.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Director-General of UNESCO for his contribution to this effort, as well as to all partners involved in the implementation of this initiative, including the Permanent Delegation of Cyprus to UNESCO, the Department of Antiquities, and the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO. Special recognition is due to Hermes Airports, whose valuable support enables us to directly engage with the travelling public at Larnaka and Pafos airports.”
On her side, the President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou, stated, “The illicit trafficking of cultural property constitutes one of the most serious threats to global cultural heritage, as it deprives peoples of elements intrinsically linked to their historical memory and identity. UNESCO plays a decisive role in promoting international policies and synergies to address this phenomenon, while the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO actively contributes to the implementation of these actions at the national level, strengthening cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. Today’s initiative clearly highlights the importance of collaboration between public authorities, international organisations, and private sector entities, such as Hermes Airports, in enhancing awareness and prevention.”
Hermes Airports remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote social responsibility, public awareness, and respect for culture, contributing meaningfully to the preservation of our shared heritage for future generations.
