Discussion on human trafficking in Cyprus follows exposé of tourism sector abuse

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, an event titled "From obstacles to bridges" was held at the Journalists’ Union building in Nicosia to address human trafficking and labor exploitation in the Cypriot hospitality industry. The initiative was led by the NGO Step Up Stop Slavery, directed by Katerina Stefanou, and received support from the Ministry of Justice. The timing of the conference coincided with the UN’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The discussion was prompted by the lasting impact of a British television documentary aired in January 2026. That investigation uncovered systematic labor exploitation and sexual harassment of young British women working in the Ayia Napa tourism sector. The documentary featured direct testimonies from victims and undercover recordings of venue owners who conditioned employment on the provision of sexual favors. Stakeholders gathered at the Nicosia event to evaluate these findings and discuss strategies for combating such abuses within the national tourism infrastructure.

Moving forward, the event served as a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange views on strengthening protections for seasonal workers. The focus remains on systemic reforms to prevent future exploitation in the hospitality sector following the public outcry caused by the earlier investigations.