Nicosia: Sustainable and resilient tourism will be a central priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said, addressing a European conference focused on climate action, competitiveness, and the future of Mediterranean destinations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis emphasized that tourism is a key priority of the Cyprus Presidency, reflecting its strategic importance for economic growth, social cohesion, and regional development, particularly for Mediterranean and island destinations. He addressed delegates at the European Conference on Sustainable Tourism, organized by the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative under the auspices of the Presidency, highlighting the historic moment for the bloc, which offers an opportunity not only to coordinate legislation but to shape long-term policy direction.
"Our Presidency places strong emphasis on strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector, promoting climate action, environmental protection, and balanced, inclusive tourism development across Europe," he stated. Koumis highlighted structural challenges such as seasonality, destination management, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage, stressing that coordinated responses and long-term planning are essential. A core pillar of the agenda is the "twin transition" - green and digital.
He elaborated on the advancement of the twin transition, aiming to foster a tourism ecosystem that is resilient, innovative, and capable of delivering long-term value. The strategy aligns with Cyprus' Tourism Strategy 2035 and is backed by targeted subsidy schemes under the Recovery and Resilience Plan to upgrade rural accommodation, modernize catering establishments, and promote experiential tourism.
The regional dimension was underscored by Greek Deputy Tourism Minister, Anna Karamanli, who announced that 2025 marked "the best year of all time for Greek tourism," with revenues reaching £23.626 billion, up 9.4% from 2024. Revenue growth outpaced arrivals, which rose 5.6%, indicating a qualitative upgrading of the Greek tourism product. Karamanli described sustainable tourism as a shared strategic priority for Greece and Cyprus, highlighting cooperation initiatives, including a coastal and maritime tourism observatory under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization.
Environmental urgency was stressed by Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who warned about the Mediterranean's fragile ecosystems amidst mass tourism. He highlighted the dual nature of opportunities and risks of mass tourism in the region, which boasts exceptional biodiversity. Prince Albert emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism as a shared responsibility to protect the environment, the planet, and future sustainability.
UN tourism official Dilyor Khakimov called for climate action and circular economy principles to become structural pillars of tourism policy. He emphasized the integration of tourism into broader climate policies through frameworks like the Glasgow Declaration and the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. Philippos Drousiotis, Executive Chairman of CSTI, highlighted the extraordinary power and responsibility of the tourism sector to lead Europe's green transformation, reduce carbon intensity, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure inclusive and equitable growth.