The need for the EU to adopt support measures for island tourist destinations was raised by Cyprus Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, who participated in the informal meeting of the EU Ministers of Tourism concluded Tuesday in the Belgian city of La Hulpe.

He also proposed the set up for a European electronic platform for finding human resources in the tourism sector.

An announcement by the Deputy Ministry says that the Belgian Presidency has chosen as the central topic of discussion the twofold transition of European tourism, namely the green transition and digital transition. He also briefed his counterparts on the circular economy plan promoted by the Deputy Ministry and various incentive plans for the tourism industry.

Koumis expressed the opinion that the EU should take into account the special characteristics of its member states, especially island tourist destinations, aiming at the adoption of special support measures.

He placed particular emphasis on the need for further training of tourism sector personnel which could be strengthened through cooperative actions between member states.

Koumis debated on the need to set up an electronic platform throughout the EU for finding personnel, which would be beneficial both for businesses in the sector and for industry professionals, job seekers and especially industry applicants.

On the sidelines of the Council, Koumis gave an interview where he emphasised the importance of EU member countries working collectively to strengthen tourism sector. He also held separate meetings with his counterparts from Bulgaria and Malta Zorica Dinkova and Clayton Bartolo.