Invitation

INFORMAL MEETING OF EU TOURISM MINISTERS LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA ), CYPRUS 16 – 17 April 2026 LIST OF CONTENTS 1 KEY DEADLINES ............................................................................................................................................................. 3 LOCATION AND VENUES ............................................................................................................................................. 4 DELEGATIONS, REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION ....................................................................................... 6 Delegation format..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Registration & Accreditation .................................................................................................................................. 6 Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO).............................................................................................................. 7 Pins and badges......................................................................................................................................................... 7 SECURITY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Weapon permits ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Radio and communication frequencies ............................................................................................................... 9 PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME ................................................................................................................................... 10 BILATERAL MEETING ROOMS .................................................................................................................................. 11 INTERPRETATION........................................................................................................................................................ 11 TRANSPORT.................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Legal points of entry............................................................................................................................................... 11 Arrivals and departures ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Transportation ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................................................................................... 14 HEALTHCARE ARRANGEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 14 SUSTAINABILITY.......................................................................................................................................................... 15 MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15 THE PRESIDENCY ONLINE ......................................................................................................................................... 16 OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 16 CONTACT DETAILS...................................................................................................................................................... 17 2 GENERAL INFORMATION The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 has the pleasure of welcoming you to Lefkosia (Nicosia) for the Informal Meeting of EU Tourism Ministers, which will take place on 16-17 April 2026 at the Filoxenia Conference Centre. This Practical Information Note (PIN) is intended to provide all necessary logistical and programme-related information to facilitate the preparation of your visit. Please note that the information contained herein may be subject to change. The Cyprus Presidency will share any updated information related to the meeting through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform. KEY DEADLINES When What Where/Who 20.03.2026 Appoint a Delegation Accreditation [email protected] Officer (DAO) 20.03.2026 Accreditation platform opens Platform link: Accreditation delegations For info: [email protected] 02.04.2026 Deadline for claiming pre-booked Delegations to indicate booked rooms hotel reservations through the Accreditation Platform 04.04.2026 Accreditation platform closes https://delegation.cy2026.eu/ 16.04.2026 Social dinner Venue to be announced 17.04.2026 Informal Meeting of EU Tourism Filoxenia Conference Centre Ministers 3 LOCATION AND VENUES Lefkosia (Nicosia) Photo from: Visit Cyprus Lefkosia (Nicosia) – the last divided capital of Europe, as part of it remains under illegal military occupation by Turkey – is a city where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan present. As the island’s administrative and business centre, it combines the energy of a modern European capital with the timeless charm of an ancient walled city. At its heart lies the old town, encircled by impressive Venetian walls and heart-shaped bastions, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Narrow streets, traditional shops, and historic monuments sit alongside contemporary galleries, museums and cultural venues, reflecting Lefkosia’s dynamic character. The modern city beyond the walls is fast-paced and forward-looking, home to major commercial and financial institutions. Its retail landscape spans from bustling shopping districts and malls to artisan quarters filled with local crafts. A diverse culinary scene and a vibrant nightlife, where cafés and bars coexist with centuries-old buildings, contribute to the city’s unique blend of old and new. Beyond the urban centre, the wider Lefkosia region reveals a more peaceful side. Picturesque countryside and mountain villages offer opportunities for hiking, cycling and exploring traditional life in scenic surroundings. Stone-built homes, quiet trails and welcoming village squares invite visitors to experience the region’s rural charm. With its many layers of history, culture and modern life, Lefkosia stands as the beating heart of Cyprus – a capital that bridges the past and the future. Discover more about Lefkosia – Visit Lefkosia 4 Venue Filoxenia Conference Centre 17 Thrakis Street, Aglantzia 2112, Nicosia, Cyprus Built in 1990, Filoxenia Conference Centre is the main conference venue of Lefkosia and a landmark for international events in Cyprus. During the first Cyprus Presidency of the European Union in 2012, the Filoxenia Conference Centre served as the primary conference venue and will be the main venue for most high-level and working-level meetings during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. The venue has been renovated to align with sustainable development standards and environmental best practices, offering a modern and eco-friendly setting for participants. It features state-of-the-art electronic infrastructure with high-speed Wi- Fi, interpretation booths, lounge and restaurant areas for delegations, bilateral meeting rooms and other essential facilities. Access to the Filoxenia Conference Centre is carefully managed, with a main entrance for delegates and a separate entrance to the Media Centre, while only police-escorted vehicles are permitted to enter the premises. Security will be of the highest standard, including x-ray screening, CCTV monitoring, controlled access points, safety barriers, 24-hour surveillance, cybersecurity safeguards and a continuous police presence on site. 5 DELEGATIONS, REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION Delegation format Participation in the Informal Meeting of EU Tourism Ministers will follow the 1 + 2 format, referring to one (1) Head of Delegation and 2 accompanying delegates, for the Member States, Ukraine and UN Tourism delegations. Head of Delegation plus four delegates (HoD+4) is applicable to the European Commission, and plus three delegates (HoD+3) to the General Secretariat of the Council. The European Parliament can register one (1) Head of Delegation plus one accompanying delegate – participation only for Social Dinner (HoD+1). Registration & Accreditation To ensure secure and efficient access to the meeting venue, delegation members must be registered and accredited in advance through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated online Accreditation Platform. For security reasons, access to the venue and other official parts of the programme will be granted exclusively to accredited members of the delegation. Registration and accreditation will be managed centrally by the designated Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated online Accreditation Platform. The DAO will complete the required procedures on behalf of all delegation members within the established deadlines. All personal data provided for accreditation will be processed in full compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Cyprus Presidency’s personal data privacy notice can be accessed through the Accreditation Platform. For any questions related to registration and accreditation, please do not hesitate to contact the Accreditation Team (contact details are provided in the last section). 6 Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) The designated DAO will serve as the exclusive point of contact with the Cyprus Presidency on all matters regarding registration and accreditation. If the DAO has not already been appointed, please submit their full name, telephone number and email address to [email protected] no later than 20.03.2026. The appointed DAOs will receive login credentials and detailed guidance for using the Accreditation Platform. The Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform will be used to manage all relevant delegation information, including personal details, accreditation, transportation arrangements as well as accommodation and dietary requirements. It is the DAO’s responsibility to ensure that all members of the delegation are duly registered and that all required information is submitted accurately by 04.04.2026. This includes indicating in the Accreditation Platform which registered delegate will serve as the +1 accompanying the Head of Delegation. By centralising this process, the Cyprus Presidency aims to guarantee smooth coordination and to facilitate the full and secure participation of each delegation in the meeting. Following registration, the platform will remain accessible until three days prior to the commencement of the event, allowing delegations to enter their flight numbers and hotel accommodation details. Please note that once the registration period has closed, only the sections pertaining to flight details and hotel accommodation will remain available for editing. Pins and badges Upon arrival at Larnaka or Pafos International Airports, the Head of Delegation (HoD) will receive their pin and delegation members will receive their badges. The distribution of the pin for the HoD and the badge for one (1) accompanying delegate will take place through each delegation’s designated Liaison Officer. The distribution of badges for the remaining accredited delegates will take place at the Cyprus Presidency’s Information Points at Larnaka and Pafos International Airports. Delegates arriving two days before the meeting or earlier are requested to collect their badge at the Accreditation Centre, which will operate outside the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Lefkosia between 08:00 – 16:00. 7 All pins and badges are strictly personal and non-transferable and must be visible at all times within the official venue, designated means of transport and security areas and, generally, throughout all parts of the official programme. Lost pins or badges should be reported immediately to the Accreditation Team via the contact details provided in the last section. LIAISON OFFICERS Each delegation will be assigned Liaison Officers (LOs) by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Under the guidance of coordinators, the LOs will serve as the main contact persons, delivering logistical support and assistance throughout the programme. Key responsibilities include: • Distributing pins and badges • Providing assistance at the venues and support throughout the programme • Escorting the delegation to the airport for departure Moreover, additional Liaison Officers will be present at the two Cyprus Presidency’s Information Points at Larnaka and Pafos International Airports, at the meeting venue and the designated hotel as well as in the official transportation vehicles. Contact details of the assigned LOs will be provided to each delegation through their Diplomatic Mission in Cyprus well ahead of the meeting. SECURITY Security during the meeting will be ensured by the Cyprus Police, in close cooperation with all relevant national authorities. Each delegation can accredit up to one (1) security officer via the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform, upon request. Designated security zones and transportation vehicles will be accessible only to duly accredited members of the delegation wearing visibly valid badges at all times. All delegates entering the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be subject to mandatory security screening at each entry, including walk-through metal detector checks and X- ray screening of personal belongings and electronic devices. 8 Weapon permits Diplomatic Missions are required to follow the standard application procedure to obtain the necessary permits. In addition to this procedure, if a security officer of a Head of Delegation carries a weapon, this must also be disclosed through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform. Obtained weapon clearance (original document) must be presented upon arrival. Request shall be filed 10 days prior to planned visit to the Republic of Cyprus at the latest. In the note verbale, it is necessary to provide the following information for each individual security officer: • Security officer’s name and rank • Arrival/departure date and time • Means of transportation to/from Cyprus • Date and place of birth • Passport number and expiry date • Weapons (serial number, type, calibre, number of ammunitions) Radio and communication frequencies Use of radios/walkie-talkies is permitted only through the standard procedure, in order to prevent interference with Cyprus Police communication frequencies. An official request must be submitted to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to grant permission for radio frequencies for the purpose of communication between security officers of a foreign delegation. Request shall be filed 10 days prior to planned visit to Cyprus at the latest. Note verbale should include: • Information about radio equipment • Indicated radio frequency needed for communication 9  PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME Please note that this programme is subject to change. The final detailed programme and accompanying steering notes will be shared with participants in advance of the meeting. Thursday, 16 April 2026 19:00 Transfer of delegations from the hotels to the dinner venue 19:15 Transfer of Heads of Delegation from the hotel to the dinner venue 19:30 – 22:00 Dinner hosted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Kostas Koumi 22:00 – 22:15 Transfer of delegations to the hotels Friday, 17 April 2026 07:30 Departure of Official Delegates for the Filoxenia Conference Centre 08:00 – 08:15 Arrival of Official Delegates at the Filoxenia Conference Centre 08:10 – 08:30 Departure of Heads of Delegation for the Filoxenia Conference Centre 08:25 – 08:55 Arrival of Heads of Delegation at the Filoxenia Conference Center Handshake photo and Doorstep Interviews 09:00 – 10:30 Session I - The forthcoming European Sustainable Tourism Strategy 10:30 – 11:15 Family photo (Heads of Delegation) & Coffee Break 10:45 – 11:10 Opportunity for Bilateral Meetings 11:00 – 11:10 Arrival of Ukraine and UN Tourism delegations & welcoming by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Kostas Koumi 11:15 – 13:00 Session II - Strengthening SMEs, the backbone of European Tourism: building resilience, digitalization and green transition (With partial participation of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine and the Secretary-General of UN Tourism) 13:00 – 14:45 Buffet lunch (“Pentadaktylos” in Filoxenia Conference Centre) 14:00 – 14:30 Press conference Opportunity for Closing Doorstep Remarks by Heads of Delegation 14:00 – 14:50 Opportunity for Bilateral Meetings 15.00 Departure for excursion or transfer to the hotels (for delegates not participating in the excursion) 15:00 – 22:30 Visit to the east coast of Cyprus: Agia Napa Monastery, Environmental Centre of Cavo Greco, Fig Tree Bay Protaras, dinner at local restaurant, return to hotels in Lefkosia 10 BILATERAL MEETING ROOMS Bilateral meeting rooms at the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be available upon request by the delegation. These can be reserved in advance or on the day of the meeting by contacting the assigned Liaison Officer or by sending an email to [email protected]. Meeting rooms are reserved in 30 minutes slots. Interpretation will not be provided for bilateral meetings. The following information shall be indicated when booking bilateral meeting rooms: • Name of the meeting • The counterpart • The preferred date and time • Number of participants INTERPRETATION Simultaneous interpretation for the meeting at the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be provided by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Interpretation (DG SCIC) in a 6/6 language regime (EL, EN, FR, DE, ES, IT / EL, EN, FR, DE, ES, IT). During the press conference, interpretation will be provided in a 2/2 language regime (EL, EN / EL, EN). If additional interpretation is required beyond the official provision, delegations may bring their own interpreter. In this case, the interpreter must be accredited in advance via the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform and will count as one (1) of the 2 allocated delegation members. TRANSPORT Legal points of entry Note: The legal points of entry by air into the Republic of Cyprus are the International Airports of Larnaka and Pafos. There are no legal points of entry in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control due to the Turkish occupation. Entering through any airport or port in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus is illegal. 11 For further information on the legal points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus, please consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: https://www.gov.cy/mfa/en/documents/important-information-concerning-travel-to-the- turkish-occupied-area-of-cyprus/ Arrivals and departures The Head of Delegation (HoD), together with one (1) accompanying delegate (and 1 security officer, if applicable) will be received at the “Heads of State Terminal” at Larnaka International Airport and transportation will be provided to the designated hotels. The remaining delegates, upon arrival at Larnaka or Pafos International Airport, should proceed to the Cyprus Presidency Information Point(s), close to customs clearance in the arrivals area. Delegates can collect both their accreditation badges and receive assistance regarding transfers to the designated hotels. Transportation will be provided by vehicle, bus or shuttle service between airports and designated hotels. All delegates wishing to make use of the transportation arranged by the Cyprus Presidency are requested to indicate this through the Accreditation Platform (only a YES selection will be taken into account). Delegates must provide complete and accurate travel details (e.g. flight number, arrival and departure times, and accommodation) at least three (3) days prior to the start of the meeting/conference. Any modifications submitted after this period will not be taken into account and delegates will have to make their own arrangements. To facilitate efficient planning, airport transportation will be arranged once the required travel details are submitted through the Accreditation Platform and within the designated timeslots. Please note that a waiting time at the airport of up to two hours may be required. Alternative means of transportation, such as taxi services, shuttle services and public transportation, are available at the airport premises, but not provided by the Cyprus Presidency, and must be arranged individually. Transportation for small numbers of delegates arriving or departing will be provided by the Cyprus Presidency through shuttle services. Please note that these transfers may include brief stopovers, which could require delegates to disembark and board connecting shuttle services. The Cyprus Presidency will not offer exclusive transportation arrangements. 12 Delegates wishing to proceed directly to the airport from the meeting venue at the end of the programme are requested to indicate this via the Accreditation Platform. Kindly be advised that any delegates who do not arrive in time to join the social programme at the beginning of the event will be responsible for making their own transportation arrangements in case they wish to join the social programme. Delegates departing on commercial flights are strongly encouraged to make use of online check-in in advance. Should the original travel details provided for transportation purposes change due to delays, missed flights, or other unforeseen circumstances, delegates may be required to make their own transportation arrangements. Please note that transfers to and from the airport will be available from the day before the meeting until the day after the meeting. In the event of an earlier arrival or a later departure, delegates will be required to make and cover their own transportation arrangements. Transportation The Cyprus Presidency will provide transport for members of the official delegation. Transfers will operate between designated hotels and meeting venues throughout the official programme, in coordination with the Cyprus Police. Please note that official transfers to and from hotels will be provided exclusively for the hotels designated within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency. These will be displayed as available options on the Accreditation Platform at the time of registration. Transportation for accredited delegates will be arranged by buses between the designated hotels and the meeting venue and by car for the HoD + 1 (+1 security officer, if applicable), as outlined above. Delegates are kindly requested to be ready for departure at the transfer times indicated in the official programme, as buses will depart punctually. Transportation to the excursion or/and dinner venue will be provided mostly by buses for all participants. 13 Delegates staying outside the designated hotels who require transportation to the meeting venue will be picked up from a single collection point, details of which will be communicated at a later stage. Please note that transportation to events or meetings which are not included in the aforementioned official programme, will not be provided by the Cyprus Presidency. ACCOMMODATION Hotel rooms for this meeting have been pre-booked by the Cyprus Presidency for all delegates at Hilton Hotel Nicosia. For the Head of Delegation and the one (1) additional delegate, the accommodation is covered by the Cyprus Presidency for one night, 16th April 2025 (on a bed and breakfast basis). The reservation will be made by the Cyprus Presidency upon registration. After the completion of registration, a message will be sent with the reservation details. Other delegates who intend to make use of the pre-booked rooms are requested to complete the booking process via the link or the contact email provided on the Accreditation Platform (the Accreditation Platform itself does not function as a booking platform and indicating interest only there will not be considered a reservation). Please note that delegates are responsible for making their own reservations and for covering accommodation costs. Delegates staying at another hotel, other than the one pre-booked by the Cyprus Presidency, are kindly requested to specify the hotel name on the Accreditation Platform under the section “Other”. HEALTHCARE ARRANGEMENTS The venue will have a fully equipped healthcare point with medical assistance. The hospital in Cyprus that will be on hospital alert during the meeting is the Lefkosia General Hospital. 14 At the time of accreditation, the platform will ask for relevant information on allergies, dietary restrictions and preferences of the delegation and voluntarily: blood group, mobility issues, medicinal allergies and pharmaceutical treatments. It is important that all this information is provided so that they may be addressed properly. Please note that this information will be kept strictly confidential. Safeguarding the health of participants is a priority. SUSTAINABILITY The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 is organised in line with the principles of sustainable development and digital transformation. Sustainability measures cover waste prevention and management, environmentally responsible cleaning practices, the use of eco-labelled products, energy and water saving and decoration based on native plants and flowers. Further actions include sustainable catering with no single-use plastics, promotion of local products, food donation to reduce waste and digital monitoring of indoor environmental quality. MEDIA The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) has been designated as the Host Broadcaster of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and will provide audiovisual coverage of the meeting: • Arrival and doorstep • Handshake • Family photo • Press conference The Press and Information Office (PIO) will serve as the Host Photographer of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026. A Media Guide, prepared by the Communication Team of the Cyprus Presidency, will be uploaded to the Cyprus Presidency’s website. 15 THE PRESIDENCY ONLINE The website and Social Media channels of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 are the Presidency’s main communication channels, where news, events and other official material are published. • Website: Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 • Social Media Channels: • Instagram: @cy2026eu • Facebook: facebook.com/CY2026EU • LinkedIn: Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cy2026eu • X: @cy2026eu • BlueSky: @cy2026eu.bsky.social • Flickr: Cy2026.EU OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION Emergency number: 112 (fire brigade, ambulance, police) Electricity: The voltage in Cyprus is 230V. Cyprus uses Type G plugs (UK-style with three rectangular pins), so bringing a suitable plug adapter, if needed, is advisable Local time zone: Eastern European Time (EET) (GMT +2) Country code: Cyprus +357 Currency: The official currency of Cyprus is Euro (€) Weather: Weather in Cyprus Smoking: Smoking is only allowed outdoors in the designated areas of the official meeting venues 16 CONTACT DETAILS For information on the preliminary programme: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22691255 For information on registration and accreditation: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22801761 / + 357 22801762 / +357 22801763 For information on accommodation: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22308325 For information on transportation: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22801835 For information on Liaison Officers: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22801845 For information on bilateral meetings: - Email: [email protected] - Phone number: +357 22801784 / +357 22801774 17