EU presidency sparks growth in Cyprus tourism sector

Cyprus is preparing for its presidency of the Council of Europe from January to June 2026 by launching a major hotel tender to accommodate over 30,000 delegates attending more than 250 meetings across the island. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has opened bids for hotels in Nicosia and other districts, with an estimated value of €165,000–€195,000 for nearly 33,000 overnight stays. The ministry will cover basic accommodation costs, while delegates will pay for extra services like meals or minibar use.

The presidency is seen as strategically important for promoting Cyprus’ international image and boosting tourism, a key sector of the economy. Officials are planning a revised European Tourism Agenda 2030 and a new strategy focused on sustainability, digitalisation, SME support, and rural destinations. Cyprus will also host an informal meeting of EU tourism ministers in June 2026.

Selected hotels must reserve rooms for all conference dates, provide free Wi-Fi, display conference info, and facilitate delegate registration. Contracts will run through June 2026, with strict requirements for pricing, licensing, and reporting to ensure smooth operations and quality standards.