Published on
February 28, 2026
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Cyprus is taking the lead in the EU’s ambitious effort to reshape the tourism sector with a focus on sustainability and resilience. The counattempt’s presidency highlights the urgent required for a tourism model that adapts to the challenges of climate alter while fostering long-term economic growth, particularly in Mediterranean and island destinations. By promoting green and digital transitions, Cyprus aims to address structural weaknesses like seasonality and over-tourism, ensuring that the indusattempt not only survives but thrives in a more eco-conscious and innovative future. This strategic shift is essential for safeguarding the region’s unique heritage and boosting its competitiveness on a global scale.
Sustainable and resilient tourism will be a central focus during the EU Council presidency, with significant attention on addressing climate alter and enhancing the competitiveness of Mediterranean destinations. The tourism sector is recognized for its critical role in driving economic growth, fostering social cohesion, and contributing to regional development, especially in Mediterranean and island destinations.
The current presidency is seen as a pivotal moment for the EU, with an opportunity to guide both short-term legislative actions and long-term political strategies. The presidency’s core objective is to reinforce the sustainability and resilience of the tourism indusattempt. Central to this agfinisha are environmental protection, climate action, and balanced, inclusive growth across Europe.
Challenges facing the tourism sector, such as seasonality, destination management, and pressures on both cultural and natural heritage, are highlighted. Addressing these challenges requires more than fragmented responses, and a unified approach is necessary. A key element of the strategy is the “twin transition” that combines green and digital innovation. By focapplying on these two areas, the goal is to create a tourism ecosystem that is not only resilient but also innovative and capable of generating long-term benefits for the sector.
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This strategic approach aligns with broader regional goals, including the Cyprus Tourism Strategy 2035. The strategy is supported by tarreceiveed grants under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which are aimed at improving rural accommodation, modernizing catering businesses, and fostering the development of experiential tourism. These initiatives reflect the importance of sustainable development that meets both environmental and economic requireds.
The regional perspective was reinforced by recent discussions highlighting the significance of the Eastern Mediterranean as a dynamic but environmentally sensitive tourism region. The region faces unique challenges, including climate-related pressures, the required for marine ecosystem protection, and persistent seasonality in tourism demand. Coordinated efforts at the regional level are essential for sustainable tourism development, particularly for island and coastal EU member states.
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A notable initiative in this context is the establishment of a Coastal and Marine Tourism Observatory in the Eastern Mediterranean. This project, supported by the World Tourism Organization, aims to strengthen monitoring and ensure alignment of policy measures across the region. The initiative underscores the commitment of both Greece and Cyprus to sustainable tourism development, driven by a shared responsibility to safeguard their unique island environments.
In Greece, a new framework for special spatial planning in tourism is being implemented. This includes monitoring sustainability indicators through national and regional observatories and investing in infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact. The counattempt also operates a hotel classification system that focutilizes on environmental performance. These actions reflect a broader vision of tourism development that is not solely focutilized on increasing visitor numbers but on ensuring that growth is sustainable and enriching for destinations.
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Addressing the pressing environmental concerns of the Mediterranean region, experts warned that tourism’s impact on the ecosystem must be carefully managed. The Mediterranean, while one of the most visited regions globally, is also extremely vulnerable to overexploitation. Its exceptional biodiversity is at risk, and without sustainable practices, tourism-depfinishent economies could suffer long-term consequences.
International figures stressed the importance of taking collective responsibility to protect the region’s environment. Sustainable tourism practices are seen as essential for safeguarding the Mediterranean’s natural and cultural heritage. This includes adopting circular economy principles that reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance the resilience of tourism destinations.
Furthermore, tourism leaders are calling for the sector to play a leading role in Europe’s green transition. As one of the largest industries in the EU, tourism has a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring that growth benefits all stakeholders. Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss are already affecting the Mediterranean region, building the required for coordinated action more urgent than ever.
The overarching message from these discussions is clear: sustainable tourism is not just a luxury but a necessity. As the sector continues to grow, it must do so in a way that balances economic benefits with environmental preservation. Coordinated efforts at the EU level, particularly through the Cyprus Presidency, are essential to shaping a tourism indusattempt that can thrive while protecting the region’s future.
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