The strengthening and coordination of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation of Greece and Cyprus in the tourism sector were discussed during today’s meeting by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogiannis with the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus Costas Koumis.

Ms Kefalogiannis requested and received her bold support for Greece’s double nomination at the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), both for the position of Secretary General in the face of Haris Theocharis, and for the renewal of our country’s term of office. to the Executive Board of the Agency.

At the EU level, and on the occasion of the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency at the EU Council (from 1 January 2026), possible synergies of the two countries in the field of tourism were investigated to present initiatives on mutual interest, such as sustainable tourism development and treatment. of the consequences of climate change in tourism.

For the better coordination of actions, the setting up of a bilateral cooperation committee, led by the Greek secretary of the Ministry of the Ministry Vassia Koutsoukou and the Cypriot General Manager of the Ministry, Costas Constantinou.

Also discussed the design of joint travel packages aimed at distant destinations (USA, China), the exchange of practices for legislation on matters such as short -term leases, tourist flow management and the extension of the tourist season, as well as the utilization of tripartite cooperation schemes. in the wider area.

Mr Koumis referred to Cyprus’ interest in cooperating at the Observatory for the coastal and maritime tourism in the Mediterranean, an initiative of Greece, and received reassurance of constant information as the operating and scientific framework procedures for the operator would go ahead.

The meeting was attended by, inter alia, the Secretary General of Tourism, Vassiliki Koutsoukou, her counterpart in Cyprus, General Manager of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Costas Konstantinou and the diplomatic adviser of the Minister, Ambassador George Dimitriadis.