LAUSR

PurposeThis concluding paper aims to summarise the main points and outcomes related to the theme issue question what are the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus?Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the findings of the theme issue articles summarising key points on how sustainability can be achieved in different tourism and hospitality industry areas in Cyprus.FindingsThe overall findings highlight the challenges the tourism and hospitality industry face in Cyprus to implement sustainable tourism measures while significantly depending on the income industry generates. Articles in this thematic issue also explore the opportunities that stakeholders, support measures, education, advanced technology and rural thematic tourism activities can provide.Originality/valueThe articles in this issue address sustainability challenges and opportunities for a small island state Cyprus that heavily depends on sun and sea tourism activity. The articles in this theme issue provide academic and practical insight through thematic literature reviews, field visits, case studies, interactions and interviews with practitioners, residents and policymakers.