Nicosia: The European Ocean Pact aims to enhance the sustainability of coastal and marine tourism by explicitly addressing its role in marine and coastal ecosystems, said European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, during his address at the European Conference on Sustainable Tourism held in Nicosia. He highlighted the importance of building synergies for Sustainable Tourism in the EU.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Commissioner Kadis referred to the 20-year anniversary of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI), which, since 2006, has promoted eco-friendly tourism, protected Cyprus’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage, supported local communities, reduced the carbon footprint of tourism, and worked to align tourism supply with local needs.
Kadis emphasized the collaborative efforts needed among stakeholders to ensure that tourism in Cyprus is both economically viable and environmentally responsible. He noted that the goals of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative align with the European Ocean Pact’s approach.
The European Ocean Pact, presented by Kadis and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice last year, aims to create coherence across all policy areas linked to the ocean. It establishes a single strategic reference framework to better protect the ocean, promotes a thriving blue economy, and supports the well-being of people in coastal areas.
Kadis mentioned ongoing efforts to implement the Pact, which includes a strong governance framework and an ‘Ocean Act’ to be presented later this year. This Act will modernize maritime spatial planning as a strategic tool. The Pact’s focus on sustainability and integrated ocean governance is crucial, especially in regions like the Mediterranean, where tourism pressure increases ecological vulnerability.
Tourism is a central element of the European Ocean Pact, as coastal and maritime tourism represents the largest sector of the blue economy. It is a significant income source for many coastal areas, diversifying livelihoods, particularly in rural coastal and island communities. Tourism also plays a vital role in promoting cultural richness and understanding between peoples.
Kadis highlighted that tourism contributes nearly 10% to the EU’s GDP, impacting growth, social development, and employment. It creates millions of jobs across Europe, including in rural, island, and remote regions. He stressed that tourism is more than just economics, as it strengthens territorial cohesion and brings Europe closer together.
The European Ocean Pact seeks to enhance tourism sustainability by addressing its role in marine and coastal ecosystems. It promotes stakeholder engagement and aims to enhance resilience in tourism destinations. One key deliverable is the first-ever European Strategy for Tourism, slated for presentation in early May. This Strategy will strengthen Europe’s global leadership in tourism, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being.
Kadis outlined four key priorities for the strategy: competitiveness and sustainability, addressing labor shortages and upgrading skills, leveraging data and technology, and reinforcing Europe as a global tourism destination. The strategy will also focus on coastal and maritime regions, addressing their unique vulnerabilities and strengths, while ensuring tourism growth respects carrying capacity and marine protection goals.
Kadis concluded by emphasizing the potential of tourism to improve environmental sustainability, contribute to biodiversity restoration, and enrich cultural vitality. He stressed the importance of investing in skills and attracting young people to tourism professions. The upcoming strategies aim to ensure tourism remains a pillar of Europe’s economic and social development while being environmentally responsible and socially fair, shaping Europe’s tourism model for the next decade.