The launch of an e-learning platform, aimed at training those involved in the Cypriot tourism industry in recognizing and reporting potential terrorist threats, as well as in crisis management, was announced on Wednesday by the British High Commission in Limassol.

The joint initiative between the United Kingdom and Cyprus is the first of its kind in Europe and is the result of close cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism and the enforcement of law and order, said British High Commissioner Michael Tatham, at the “Safeguarding Cyprus’s Tourism Industry” conference, co-organized with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

In his address, Tatham noted that according to 2024 data, 34% of tourists on the island were British citizens, who choose Cyprus for its sunshine, blue skies, and Mediterranean climate. He added that the United Kingdom and Cyprus have a common interest in protecting and securing the island’s tourism sector.

Recalling that tourism is a key pillar of the Cypriot economy, contributing €3.2 billion annually, Tathan stressed that security is a factor that influences tourists’ choices and that the reputation of a safe destination is “a priceless asset – but it is hard-earned and important to protect.”

As other countries’ experiences have demonstrated, he added, even a single security incident can lead to untold human tragedy and to damaged confidence that affects jobs, investment and long-term reputation.

Emphasizing that Cyprus is an important partner for the United Kingdom in the eastern Mediterranean, which faces “complex security challenges,” Tatham expressed his belief that the two countries “can form a security bridge between Europe and the Middle East.”

Referring to past cooperation on law enforcement and security issues, he said that extending cooperation to tourism security was a natural development and announced the launch of Europe’s first Counter-Terrorism Awareness e-learning platform for the tourist sector.

The training program, he explained, is specifically designed for establishments where there is a high concentration of people and tourists – hotels, airports, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, and will enable the tourism sector to become increasingly counter-terrorism aware, to invest in staff training, and to share and incorporate best practice.

“It is specifically designed for establishments where there is a high concentration of people and tourists – hotels, airports, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. It will enable the tourism sector to become increasingly CT aware; to invest in staff training; and to share and incorporate best practice. I believe it can be a game-changer for safety in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” concluded the British High Commissioner.

For his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Costas Constantinou, stressed that the Deputy Ministry is firmly committed to ensuring that Cyprus is a secure and resilient destination.

Constantinou noted that the objective is for every visitor to feel safe, every professional prepared, and every community protected, adding that safeguarding the tourism industry is a shared responsibility.

Expressing his appreciation to the United Kingdom for its support in developing the platform, he said that it provides modular training tailored to diverse roles, realistic scenarios and interactive content, and progress tracking and certification, while full bilingual access, in Greek and English, ensures inclusion of all tourism professionals.

He also called on all parties involved to participate in the training, share best practices, strengthen ties with the community, and regularly test contingency plans.

In a brief address on behalf of the Cyprus Police, Maria Charalambous expressed the force’s support for the program’s objectives, followed by details on the platform’s operation and a dialogue with stakeholders in the tourism industry.