Nicosia: The European Strategy for Tourism, which is anticipated to be unveiled in June, is being developed around four central pillars: sustainability, competitiveness, resilience, and digital transformation. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, highlighted these aspects during his address at the European Conference on Sustainable Tourism held on Friday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Tzitzikostas addressed the conference via video link, focusing on the strategic importance of tourism for Europe. He noted that Europe is set to welcome 793 million international visitors in 2025, which represents a 4% increase from 2024 and a 6% rise from 2019. This growth underscores the sector's economic value and its role in sustaining jobs and promoting social cohesion, particularly in regions like Cyprus.
The Commissioner also pointed out several challenges the sector faces, including climate change, geopolitical instability, demographic shifts, skills shortages, and imbalanced tourism flows. He emphasized that these issues, if not managed, could undermine Europe's competitiveness and the public's acceptance of tourism.
Tzitzikostas's presentation detailed how the European Strategy for Tourism will focus on sustainability by supporting the sector in reducing emissions and protecting essential ecosystems. He stressed the need for Europe to remain attractive in a rapidly evolving global market by shifting from volume to value, promoting quality experiences, and extending tourism seasons to foster stable year-round economies.
Regarding resilience, Tzitzikostas highlighted the importance of managing tourism flows, especially in hotspots where over-tourism strains infrastructure and local communities. He added that effective data management would be crucial in transforming tourism landscapes and improving visitor experiences.
The Commissioner also addressed the persistent skills gaps in the tourism workforce, emphasizing the need for investment in upskilling and reskilling through initiatives like large-scale skills partnerships. He specifically noted that islands like Cyprus should be key focus areas in the Tourism Strategy due to their unique challenges and potential for innovation.
Costas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and Antonia Theodosiou, Cyprus' Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, joined a panel discussion following Tzitzikostas's address. Koumis emphasized climate change as a significant challenge and highlighted the need for private sector engagement and regional cooperation to address environmental issues.
Theodosiou pointed out the need for holistic tourism policy planning that addresses climate risks and promotes resilience. She advocated for defining social resilience indicators and aligning efforts across local, Mediterranean, European, and global levels to support sustainable tourism practices.
Boris Erg from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Matt Callaghan, CEO of easyJet holidays, also contributed insights. Erg noted the need for incentives to promote sustainability, while Callaghan stressed the importance of data measurement for building resilience. Nina Boys, VP of Sustainability and Beyond Green, highlighted the necessity of setting practical examples to demonstrate the benefits of investing in nature.
In conclusion, the conference underscored the need for a balanced approach that integrates economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being within the European tourism sector. The forthcoming strategy aims to position sustainability not just as a goal but as a competitive advantage for Europe.