Cyprus is actively integrating the European Tourism Agenda 2030 into its national strategy, focusing on sustainability and digital readiness to navigate the sector’s evolving landscape. This commitment was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis at a recent conference hosted by the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises.
Pillars of the New Era
Koumis affirmed that the government has prioritized the sector’s transition, emphasizing respect for both businesses and local communities. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is implementing the five core pillars of the 2030 European Agenda through specific actions and incentive schemes:
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Green Transition: Promoting environmental sustainability.
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Digital Transition: Embracing technological advancements.
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Resilience: Building the sector’s ability to withstand future shocks.
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Inclusion: Ensuring all social groups are supported and accommodated.
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Skills and Education: Focusing on skilling, upskilling, and reskilling the workforce.
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Legislation: Adopting new regulatory frameworks.
The Deputy Minister stressed that sustainable tourism development is the only viable path forward for Cyprus.
Investment Focus: Quality, Authenticity, and EU Funds
To enhance the qualitative characteristics of Cyprus as a tourist destination, the government is directing significant investment towards underserved areas and key developmental goals:
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Regional Support: Incentive plans are actively supporting the countryside, mountainous, and remote areas, including specific grants for hotel businesses operating in these regions.
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Authenticity and Green Dimension: Investments focus on the authenticity of Cyprus, promoting local products through schemes that have a strong green and digital dimension.
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Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM): The Deputy Ministry is utilizing the RRM, with plans to allocate funds exceeding €20 million to tourism businesses and local communities once the measure is fully completed.
Koumis concluded by acknowledging the sector’s fundamental strength, stating, “we invested in local communities, in visitors, in people, but also in businesses, whose strong and timeless contribution we certainly recognise.”
Source: Stockwatch.com.cy