Sustainable And Resilient Tourism Focus
The Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council has placed sustainable and resilient tourism at the center of its agenda, with a focus on challenges facing Mediterranean destinations. The priorities were discussed at a high-level conference in Nicosia addressing climate action, competitiveness, and long-term tourism strategy in the region.
Strategic Vision Under Cyprus Presidency
Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said tourism remains a key priority during the Cyprus Presidency due to its role in economic growth and regional development, particularly for island economies.
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Cyprus’s six-month term also provides an opportunity to shape policy direction at the EU level. Current discussions focus on strengthening the sector’s resilience and improving sustainability standards across Mediterranean destinations.
Greece’s Tourism Record And Collaborative Strategy
Greek Deputy Minister of Tourism Anna Karamanli said 2025 was a record year for Greek tourism, with revenues reaching €23.626 billion, up 9.4% compared with 2024. Revenue growth outpaced visitor growth, which officials attribute to higher-value tourism products.
Karamanli described the Eastern Mediterranean as one of Europe’s most dynamic tourism regions, but also one of the most environmentally exposed. Key challenges include seasonality, climate pressure, and marine ecosystem protection. Greece and Cyprus, she said, are aligning strategies around sustainable development.
The planned creation of a Coastal and Marine Tourism Observatory under the World Tourism Organization is intended to strengthen regional cooperation and data sharing.
Environmental Warnings And Call For Collective Action
In a recorded message, King Albert II highlighted environmental risks facing the Mediterranean, describing the region as both heavily visited and environmentally vulnerable.
He warned that further ecosystem degradation could affect both biodiversity and tourism-dependent economies, calling for coordinated action to protect natural resources.
Integrating Climate Action And Circular Economy
Industry representatives said climate action and circular economy principles are becoming central to tourism policy. Dilyor Hakimov, Director of Institutional Relations at UN Tourism, referred to the Glasgow Declaration and the “One Planet” program as frameworks guiding this transition.
Philip Drousis, CEO of the Sustainable Tourism Initiative of Cyprus, noted that tourism accounts for nearly 10% of EU GDP and employment, increasing pressure on the sector to accelerate its green transition as Mediterranean destinations face rising temperatures and water scarcity.
