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World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on 27 September, is this year dedicated to redefining the role of investment in the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda ("Tourism & Green Investments"). The World Tourism Organization (WTO) puts targeted investments as a key priority for the recovery and future growth of tourism. It urges the international community to move towards a new tourism investment strategy aimed at creating opportunities along three axes: investing in people, accelerating the green transition and the prosperity that comes from harnessing innovation, technology and entrepreneurship ('Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity').
These axes are strategic priorities for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, as its actions are aimed at sustainable tourism development, upgrading the skills of human resources, digital transition and encouraging non-discriminatory entrepreneurship. The range of businesses and activities that make up tourism is wide, hence every investment entails multiplier benefits for the economy, society and the environment.
The provision of employment, (re)training and skills upgrading opportunities is promoted through a targeted plan of seminars in all provinces, an advertising campaign related to tourism professions, rewarding best practices and programmes in schools aimed at raising awareness about tourism and hospitality.
The provision of employment, (re)training and skills upgrading opportunities is promoted through a targeted plan of seminars in all provinces, an advertising campaign related to tourism professions, rewarding best practices and programmes in schools aimed at raising awareness about tourism and hospitality. Sustainability now governs every aspect of tourism policy and is an essential criterion in Cyprus' sponsorship schemes, quality labels and promotional activities. This encourages professionals in the sector to invest in the sustainability of the product on offer. Moreover, and as in the post-pandemic era the digital transition emerges as a key agent of socio-economic transformation, the Deputy Ministry provides incentives for service modernization and innovation.
The epitome of the alignment with this year's PDO theme is the innovative project of the Deputy Ministry "Heartland of Legends". This is a circular route that covers the hinterland of Cyprus and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to nature, learn about local traditions and participate in experiential activities. The ultimate aim is to ensure a balanced distribution of the benefits of tourism in all areas of Cyprus, to preserve cultural and environmental heritage, to reduce inequalities, to retain the local population in mountainous, rural and remote areas, to encourage synergies and to stimulate entrepreneurship.
As tourism is on the road to full recovery, the WTO invites the public and private sectors to a dialogue: how can strategies, incentives and business models be adapted to redirect investments towards human capital, green transition and innovative entrepreneurship? We celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 by highlighting the need to respond to current trends and challenges. It is a necessary condition for establishing Cyprus as a quality, sustainable and year-round destination on the one hand, and for the further contribution of the sector to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the country on the other.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism, fully aligned with the above messages, celebrated this year's World Tourism Day with splendour at a special event in the presence of its tourism partners and fellow travellers. The event sent out a strong message, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate tourism awareness, a culture of sustainable development and green investments that will preserve the natural and cultural heritage diversity of the planet.
During the event, the Mayor of Lefkara, Sophocles Sofokleous, was presented with the "UNWTO - Best Tourism Villages 2021" award, following the decision of the World Tourism Organization to award the town. Subsequently, the historical review of the hotel industry in Cyprus was presented. The new standard (Label) of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism was also presented, which will reward hotels that highlight the historical heritage of Cyprus, through their connection with events and elements of the past.
During his speech, the Deputy Minister of Tourism stressed: "Woe to the state, the institution, the sector, the society that does not invest in people",while stressing that taking decisions and planning actions to support the green transition is not and should not be a catchy slogan, but an immediate need and an urgent responsibility.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism also stressed that the needs, goals and vision for tourism in Cyprus can only be common. The high goals of tourism require alignment, cohesion and unity of all. The fact that the entire spectrum of Cyprus' tourism industry was represented at the event is a reflection of this goal and gave the event a special significance.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism departed on 26/9/23 for Riyadh to participate in the official celebrations of the World Tourism Organization's World Tourism Day 2023.
A related video has been posted at the link here.
(AF/SX)
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