The campaign, launching in November, will work with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative to slash single-use plastics used by tourism businesses by up to 70% by 2022, focusing on tourist hotspots of Ayia Napa and Protaras on the island.

In the Mediterranean, plastics constitute the majority of beach litter with more than 85% of floating litter and 45%-95% of the rubbish found on the seabed, according to Tui.

Packaging such as plastic bags and food containers, as well as single-use plastics including straws, bottles and cotton buds are the most common items of litter found in the Mediterranean sea.

The campaign will support local hotels, bars and restaurants with training and guidance to find alternatives to purchasing plastic items, with an emphasis on cutting down the need for plastic straws, cups, cutlery, bottles, bags and takeaway food containers.

The project also hopes to raise awareness of the environmental issues of single-use plastics with tourists and residents – with beach cleans, competitions, school activities and other events planned.