(This is the second year that I have nominated Peter and, if anything, his case for shortlisting is even stronger than in 2024.)
Cyprus Comic Con continues to go from strength to strength, and last year the event attracted nearly 30,000 visitors over one weekend in Cyprus. Many of those came from overseas, helping boost the Cyprus tourism and hospitality industry. In addition, the space provided to local retailers and small businesses allowed them to reach an unprecedented number of new and old customers. Many saw more sales in two days than the rest of the year combined.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Comic Con also played a valuable role in reopening the Cyprus State Fair in Nicosia, a site that had been mothballed and was falling into disrepair. They helped pay for key renovations to the site.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has been promoting his brain gain initiative to help bring back talented young people to the island. Cyprus Comic Con has played a vital role in supporting this, recognising that people do not just want tax breaks to return, but also want to find a cultural and social framework in which they are welcomed, and can find like minded individuals.
Cyprus Comic Con has also played a major role in fostering links with other countries, particularly through their strong links to the Japanese embassy and their promotion of Japanese culture.
Last but by no means least. Many of the people who will be nominated for these awards will be recognised for just doing their jobs. Cyprus Comic Con is different. The people behind it wake up every day and their first thought is how can we put on the best show possible for as many people in Cyprus as they can reach. That is what makes them special and different.