Nicosia, Cyprus. Sustainable and resilient tourism will be a key priority of the EU council presidency, Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said on Friday at a European conference on climate action and competitiveness in Mediterranean destinations.
Tourism focus under Cyprus’ EU presidency
Koumis said tourism reflects its “strategic importance for economic growth, social cohesion and regional development, particularly for Mediterranean and island destinations”.
He said Cyprus’ six-month term comes at a “historic moment” for the bloc, not only for coordinating legislation but also for shaping longer-term political direction.
Koumis said the presidency would place emphasis on strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector, adding that climate action, environmental protection and balanced, inclusive development across Europe would form the core of the agenda.
Structural challenges and the “twin transition”
Koumis cited structural weaknesses including seasonality, destination management and pressures on cultural and natural heritage, saying fragmented responses are no longer sufficient.
He said the strategy centres on the “twin transition”, green and digital, to shape a tourism ecosystem that is resilient, innovative and capable of delivering long-term value.
Link to Cyprus Tourism Strategy 2035
Koumis linked the presidency’s priorities to the Cyprus Tourism Strategy 2035, saying targeted grant schemes under the recovery and resilience plan (RRP) are supporting upgrades to rural accommodation, the modernisation of catering businesses and the development of experiential tourism offerings.
Greece cites record tourism year and regional sensitivity
Greece’s deputy tourism minister Anna Karamanli said 2025 was the strongest year on record for Greek tourism, with revenues reaching €23.626 billion, up 9.4 per cent from 2024.
Karamanli said revenue growth outpaced the 5.6 per cent rise in arrivals, calling it “a clear indication of the qualitative upgrade of the Greek tourism product”.
She described the Eastern Mediterranean as one of Europe’s most dynamic tourism regions, but also one of heightened environmental sensitivity.
What do you think should be the top priority for making Mediterranean tourism more sustainable and resilient?
