A significant European conference on sustainable tourism is set to take place in Nicosia this Friday, uniting policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental experts from across the continent. Organised by the national tourism initiative (CSTI), this event commemorates the organisation’s 20th anniversary and occurs under the auspices of Cyprus’ EU council presidency.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Anticipated Attendance and Keynote Speakers
More than 300 participants from Europe and beyond are expected to gather at the Filoxenia conference centre. The event will feature prominent figures, including European commissioners Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who will deliver the keynote address on sustainable transport and tourism, and fisheries commissioner Costas Kadis, who will discuss the European oceans’ pact and its implications for tourism development.
Addressing Urgent Challenges in Tourism
This conference comes at a pivotal moment when the tourism sector faces escalating challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and increasing infrastructural pressures. Organisers stress the necessity of shifting from mere commitments to actionable implementations. Philippos Drousiotis, executive chairman of CSTI, remarked, “This conference is not just a celebration of the past. It is a strategic moment to shape the tourism of tomorrow, one that is more resilient, more responsible, and more equitable.”
Insights from Experts on Sustainability
The programme is designed to offer a comprehensive perspective, featuring academic, policy, and industry insights through keynote speeches and interactive discussions. Dr Christina Anagnostopoulou from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki will address the utilisation of climate data and seasonal forecasting to bolster tourism resilience in the Mediterranean. Her insights are particularly timely as southern European destinations contend with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged heatwaves.
Transforming the Tourism Industry
Jeremy Sampson, chief executive of the Travel Foundation and co-author of the Glasgow declaration on climate action in tourism, will emphasise the structural changes needed within the industry. He aims to highlight “the imperative and the opportunity to transform tourism for good” in his address.
Industrial Initiatives and Collaborative Discussions
The conference will also showcase various industrial initiatives. Helen Caron from the TUI Care Foundation will present on plastic reduction programmes in Cyprus and Greece, illustrating practical steps being taken toward sustainability.
Roundtable Discussions on Sustainability Goals
At the heart of the conference are two roundtable discussions that will explore how sustainability goals can be effectively translated into practice. The first discussion will focus on tourism resilience across local, Mediterranean, and European levels, while the second will examine the cooperation between the public and private sectors to achieve these goals.
Participants in these discussions will include deputy tourism minister Kostas Koumis, Greece’s deputy tourism minister Anna Karamanli, as well as senior representatives from local government, the tourism industry, and international organisations. Notable contributions are expected from representatives of UN Tourism, the IUCN European regional office, easyJet holidays, and Hermes airports.
CSTI’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Founded in 2006, CSTI has carved a niche for itself as a bridge between government, business, and civil society. Over the past two decades, it has collaborated with various organisations, including UN Tourism, UNEP, IUCN, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, on projects that link environmental protection with economic viability.
Event Logistics and Accessibility
The conference will take place on Friday at the Filoxenia conference centre, with proceedings being conducted in both Greek and English, and simultaneous interpretation will be provided to ensure accessibility for all participants.
This gathering is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in Europe, fostering a collaborative environment to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the industry.
