Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the 91st HOTREC General Assembly

From:

Presidency of the Republic

16/10/25 12:15 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, Tourism

I am delighted to address the 91st HOTREC General Assembly and to join such a distinguished gathering of leaders, innovators, and visionaries from the European hospitality and tourism sector.

I wish to extend our appreciation to the President of HOTREC, Mr Alexandros Vassilikos, the Vice President, Mr Morten Thorvaldsen, and the other members of the Board of Directors of HOTREC for this important event, as well as the President and the Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association, through which Cyprus is represented at HOTREC’s General Assembly.

A warm welcome also to all representatives of the hospitality and tourism sector, whose dedication, expertise, and innovation are indispensable not only to economic growth, but also to the shared European cultural heritage.

HOTREC, representing 47 national associations across 36 countries, has consistently demonstrated and contributed to the sector’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Through advocacy at the highest institutional levels, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices, HOTREC ensures that European hospitality remains a dynamic and trusted partner for policymakers and society at large.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Cyprus’ economy, contributing over 13% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting nearly 120,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Beyond economic figures, though, tourism plays a key role in strengthening social cohesion, supporting local communities, and contributing to the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage.

At the same time, the recent global pandemic, international developments, and subsequent economic challenges have highlighted both the vulnerability and the resilience of the tourism sector.

In fact, in Cyprus, tourism played a decisive role in driving economic recovery in 2022, reaffirming its significance as a driver of growth and prosperity.

These experiences have underscored the importance of diversifying source markets, of extending the tourism season, and continuously enhancing the quality and sustainability of the offering tourism experiences.

As Government, we are tangibly committed to continuing our work – nationally and at the European level – to develop a robust and forward-looking tourism policy, anchored on pillars that align with HOTREC’s priorities, including:

Enhancing the quality and diversity of the tourism product, promoting Cyprus’ unique advantages;
Developing, upgrading, and revitalising destinations, with a focus on sustainable development, rural, mountain, and remote areas;
Promoting education, innovation, and digital transformation within the sector; and
Fostering tourism awareness, ensuring that tourism benefits society across the board.

Our overarching goal is that the sector develops in a way that is economically robust, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive. A sector that continuously evolves.

Together with our industry partners, including the Cyprus Hotel Association, we are investing in resilience, quality, and sustainability across the tourism ecosystem.

These efforts have yielded results. In 2024, Cyprus welcomed over four million visitors, generating more than three billion euros in tourism revenue. And early projections for 2025 indicate yet another record-setting year.

Furthermore, according to the Aviation Council International, Cyprus ranks second among European countries in the improvement of air connectivity compared to the year 2019.

These results reflect strategic planning and collaboration across government, industry, and local communities.

And yet, we are fully aware that we constantly need to strive for more. The sector must continuously adapt and innovate. In this regard, we remain committed to:

Addressing climate change impact on tourism;
Implementing policies investing in green transition and digital transformation;
Responding to labour market challenges;
Investing more in tourism education and workforce skills; and
Embracing digital and technological developments

As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in January 2026, we are determined to seize the opportunity – with ambition and confidence – to build on the European Agenda for Tourism 2030, but also explore new frontiers in tourism.

And the fact that for the first time the EU has a Commissioner dedicated to Tourism is proof that we are extending our frontiers. And the additional fact that it is Commissioner Tzitzikostas at the helm of this effort at EU level, who is already doing an excellent job, is great promise for European tourism. I had the pleasure to receive Commissioner Tzitzikostas in Cyprus earlier this month and we discussed specific initiatives to put tourism at the forefront of the European agenda.

In this regard, we are particularly pleased that it is during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU that the new European Tourism Strategy will be presented, discussed, and translated into concrete action.

And it will be an indispensable component both of our focus as Presidency on bolstering EU competitiveness, including through simplification and cutting red tape, and also on the very difficult negotiations for the new Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU.

Tourism is far more than an economic sector; it is a bridge between people, an enabler and multiplier of cultural exchange, and a driver of sustainable prosperity.

Cyprus is very proud to contribute and lead on this shared European endeavour, including during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

I wish you all a productive and successful General Assembly and to warmly welcome you once again, to my hometown, the remarkable city of Paphos. I am certain its exceptional people will embrace you and demonstrate first-hand what Cypriot hospitality entails.

(RM/GS/NZ)

Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the 91st HOTREC General Assembly

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