Nicosia, Cyprus. EU tourism ministers will meet in Nicosia on Friday for an informal gathering under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Talks will focus on the bloc’s tourism strategy, sustainability and support for small businesses.
Meeting organisation and agenda
The meeting is being organised by Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism and will take place at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, according to the official programme of the Cyprus Presidency. Chaired by Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis, it is expected to provide a platform for exchanging views on issues affecting the EU tourism sector, with the aim of strengthening coordination and shaping future action.
First session: European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
Discussions will be split into two sessions, with the first centred on the forthcoming European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. The strategy is expected to play a key role in strengthening the sector’s resilience and competitiveness while promoting more responsible and sustainable development.
Second session: support for small businesses
The second session will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, described as the backbone of European tourism, and will examine ways to boost resilience and support their digital and green transition. This part of the discussions is set to include the partial participation of Ukraine’s State Tourism Development Service and the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, according to the announcement.
Press conference and visit programme
A press conference will follow, with Koumis and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas due to address the media. The programme will conclude with a visit to Cyprus’ east coast, including stops at Ayia Napa Monastery, the Cavo Greco Environmental Information and Education Centre and Fig Tree Bay in Protaras.
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