Cyprus can benefit from new EU policy on tourism, says Minister

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides said here today that after adopting the Lisbon Treaty, the EU can undertake action in order to support tourism, adding that the EU has the competency to support, coordinate and complement moves by the member states.

Addressing a public dialogue on “A new framework for the tourism policy in the EU”, Paschalides as far as Cyprus is concerned, “the challenge is to choose the appropriate action that will add value to our tourist product as soon as possible, so that Cyprus, as a tourist destination, will modernize and become more competitive.”

Tourism, he pointed out, is a wide sector of the economy and affects almost all aspects of life, adding that it also has the potential to develop and provide prospects for employment.

He said that the new framework on tourism policy in the EU is the outcome of long consultations at the Commission among member states and those involved in tourism.

Cyprus, he continued, is a tourist destination with deep knowledge of the challenges and the prospects ahead and is pleased to be one of the most active members of the consultative committee on tourism in the EU.

The Minister said that every opportunity which opens up for closer cooperation with the EU must be seized and suggested that Cyprus submits targeted and constructive proposals and recommendations which will serve Cyprus’ tourist aspirations and at the same time be in line with EU directives in the framework of the new tourism policy.