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Cyprus hosted the MED9 summit on Friday, October 11, 2024, bringing together leaders from nine Mediterranean EU countries—Cyprus, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Slovenia, and Portugal—at the Minthis Resort in Paphos.
According to Anna Polyviou's article published in Kathimerini Cyprus in Greek, The summit, considered particularly significant due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, was also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who highlighted its importance.
Evangelia Iliadi, executive director of Pafilia, the company behind Minthis Resort, said, “Meetings of such magnitude undoubtedly promote the tourism industry of the region and the country as a whole.” The choice of Minthis Resort, known for its natural beauty, was seen as an opportunity to showcase Cyprus as a prime destination for high-level events. The venue’s serene surroundings, enhanced by favorable weather, offered a scenic backdrop to the summit's proceedings.
The summit drew more than 200 attendees from Cyprus, Jordan, and the participating EU countries, along with over 180 journalists and 20 translators.
Cyprus' Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, underscored the broader impact of hosting such events. “The benefits of organizing a summit of this level in our country are multidimensional, beyond just tourism,” he told the Cyprus Weekly. Koumis added that the international exposure from the summit, along with the participation of prominent leaders, significantly enhances Cyprus' reputation as a stable and safe destination.
“The presence of leaders from Mediterranean countries and beyond is an opportunity for international promotion, not just in the region but across Europe,” Koumis said, noting the positive image of Cyprus' hospitality and natural beauty conveyed to foreign delegations.
Koumis also emphasized Cyprus' capability to host further high-profile events, pointing to the country’s solid public and private infrastructure and the high level of expertise in the hospitality sector. “We have successfully hosted international conferences, such as the UEFA Executive Committee and the European MICE Forum,” he said.
Looking ahead, Koumis noted that Cyprus’ assumption of the EU Council presidency in 2026 presents another opportunity to showcase the island’s potential as a hub for international events.
In efforts to boost winter tourism, Koumis discussed plans to extend the tourist season, highlighting Paphos and the Minthis Resort as prime examples. With activities like golf and horse riding available year-round, the resort positions Cyprus as a favorable winter destination. “We aim to enrich Cyprus’ offerings beyond sun and sea, ensuring the country remains attractive to tourists throughout the year,” Koumis said.
Cyprus' winter tourism saw a 6.8% increase in 2023-2024 compared to the previous year, and efforts to promote niche forms of tourism, including social media campaigns, are expected to further enhance the country’s appeal.
