EU tourism ministers will meet in Nicosia on Friday for an informal gathering under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with talks set to focus on the bloc’s tourism strategy, sustainability and support for small businesses.

The meeting is being organised by Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism and will take place at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, according to the official programme of the Cyprus Presidency.  

Chaired by Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis, the meeting is expected to serve as a platform for an exchange of views on issues affecting the EU tourism sector, with the aim of strengthening coordination and shaping future action.  

Discussions will be split into two sessions. The first will centre on the forthcoming European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, which is expected to play a key role in strengthening the sector’s resilience and competitiveness while also promoting more responsible and sustainable development.  

The second session will turn to small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of European tourism, looking at ways to boost resilience and support their digital and green transition.  

That part of the discussions is set to include the partial participation of Ukraine’s State Tourism Development Service and the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, according to the announcement.  

A press conference will follow, with Koumis and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas due to address the media.  

The programme will conclude with a visit to Cyprus’ east coast, including stops at Ayia Napa Monastery, the Cavo Greco Environmental Information and Education Centre and Fig Tree Bay in Protaras.