As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026, we are determined to seize the opportunity to build on the European Agenda for Tourism 2030 but also explore new frontiers in tourism, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday.
Addressing the 91st HOTREC General Assembly that took place in the coastal town of Paphos, the Persident said that during the Cyprus Presidency the new European Tourism Strategy will be presented, discussed and translated into concrete action.
"And it will be an indispensable component both of our focus as Presidency on bolstering EU competitiveness, including through simplification and cutting red tape, and also on the very difficult negotiations for the new Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU" he noted.
President Christodoulides said that tourism is far more than an economic sector; it is a bridge between people, an enabler and multiplier of cultural exchange, and a driver of sustainable prosperity.
Cyprus is very proud to contribute and lead on this shared European endeavor, including during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, he noted.
"As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026, we are determined to seize the opportunity – with ambition and confidence - to build on the European Agenda for Tourism 2030 but also explore new frontiers in tourism. And the fact that for the first time the EU has a Commissioner dedicated to Tourism is proof that we are extending our frontiers" he pointed out.
Referring to Cyprus tourism, he said that it remains a cornerstone of Cyprus’ economy, contributing over 13% of the country’s GDP and supporting nearly 120,000 direct and indirect jobs.
"Beyond economic figures though, tourism plays a key role in strengthening social cohesion, supports local communities, and contributes to the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage".
He noted that in Cyprus, tourism played a decisive role in driving economic recovery in 2022 after the pandemic, reaffirming its significance as a driver of growth and prosperity.
"As a Government, we are tangibly committed to continuing our work – nationally and at the European level – to develop a robust and forward-looking tourism policy, anchored on pillars that align with HOTREC’s priorities, including: Enhancing the quality and diversity of the tourism product, promoting Cyprus’ unique advantages; Developing, upgrading and revitalising destinations, with a focus on sustainable development, rural, mountain, and remote areas; Promoting education, innovation, and digital transformation within the sector; Fostering tourism awareness, ensuring that tourism benefits society across the board," President Christodoulides stressed.
He recalled that in 2024, Cyprus welcomed over four million visitors, generating more than three billion euro in tourism revenue.
"And early projections for 2025 indicate yet another record-setting year. Furthermore, according to the Aviation Council International, Cyprus ranks second among European countries in the improvement of air connectivity compared to the year 2019," he said.
These results, President Christodoulides noted, reflect strategic planning and collaboration across government, industry, and local communities.
"And yet, we are fully aware that we constantly need to strive for more. The sector must continuously adapt and innovate. In this regard, we remain committed to addressing climate change impact on tourism, implementing policies investing in green transition and digital transformation, responding to labour market challenges, investing more in tourism education and workforce skills, and embracing digital and technological developments," he concluded.
CNA/RP/AAR/EPH/2025
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
