eu tourism — Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis has been actively discussing the future of the European tourism strategy, emphasising its significance for the sector during a recent meeting with European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
This meeting took place amidst Tzitzikostas’s visit to Cyprus, where the two officials addressed the critical role tourism plays in the Cypriot economy, particularly in light of the challenges faced since 2019. The ongoing effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions were central to their conversation.
Eu tourism: Shaping the European Tourism Strategy
At the heart of their discussion was the European Tourism Strategy, an initiative led by Commissioner Tzitzikostas, which aims to be unveiled in 2026 following extensive consultations with various stakeholders in the tourism sector. This strategy will align with the EU’s 2030 Strategic Agenda, a framework guiding tourism policy across Europe.
Key Pillars of the Strategy
The strategy will focus on several critical areas, including:
- Environmental and social sustainability
- Destination management resilience
- Digital transformation
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Competitiveness
- Support for SMEs and start-ups
- Skills development
- Transport
- A common European identity as a destination
Koumis noted that the Cypriot government, through the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, is already implementing a range of policy actions and incentive plans that align with the EU’s 2030 tourism agenda. The emphasis is particularly on promoting a green transition and advancing digital transformation within the sector.
Looking Ahead: Cyprus as a Leader
The upcoming informal ministerial meeting on tourism, scheduled for April 16 – 17, 2026, will take place under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. This event will provide a platform for further discussions and insights as the country leads the final consultation process for the European Tourism Strategy.
Moreover, the Cyprus Presidency aims to submit Council Conclusions to the Competitiveness Council in May 2026, proposing a revised version of the EU Tourism Agenda 2030. This revised document will be based on findings from earlier evaluations, ensuring that the EU’s policy framework is updated to reflect the current needs and priorities of member states.
