Safeguarding tourism is a collective responsibility and a prerequisite for the sector’s resilience, trust and sustainability, said the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Kostas Konstantinou.
In his keynote address at "Safeguarding Cyprus' Tourism Industry", held under the Deputy Ministry's auspices and organised by the British High Commission, Konstantinou stressed that tourism, as one of the most important pillars of employment and revenue in Cyprus, has the power to shape social attitudes and influence the country’s image as a destination.
As he noted, in a period of crises, uncertainty and global threats - ranging from geopolitical tensions and terrorism to health crises and cyberattacks - commitment to security is a "top priority".
Konstantinou underlined that high safety standards enhance the resilience and credibility of the tourism product: "Security ensures that visitors and residents can truly enjoy the hospitality and services Cyprus offers, our natural and cultural assets, the richness of our gastronomy, and the uniqueness of our experiences across the island."
Equally important, he said, is that protecting tourism is not solely the responsibility of the state but of all stakeholders involved. "Prevention is wiser than reaction, and this is indisputable when we talk about security. Let us raise awareness, train ourselves to respond effectively, and empower ourselves to act with confidence."
A central point of his speech was the presentation of the new Counter Terrorism Awareness e-learning platform, which he described as "a significant milestone in Cyprus' national security strategy". As he explained, the platform provides "training based on realistic scenarios, interactive content and progress certification, fully accessible in Greek and English".
He added that the new platform "empowers the workforce to remain vigilant, informed and prepared not only to protect themselves and visitors, but also to contribute to a culture of security throughout the sector".
Konstantinou expressed warm thanks to the United Kingdom for its strategic cooperation and support, noting: "It is now a fully integrated, national tool of the Republic of Cyprus." At the same time, he thanked all local and international partners who continually contribute to promoting safety and excellence.
In closing, he reminded that "security is a journey that requires continuous progress and dedication", and expressed confidence that the conference proceedings will further strengthen Cyprus’ position as a safe and welcoming destination.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
