The Council of Ministers has approved a package of tourism incentive schemes aimed at supporting special-interest tourism, reducing seasonality and boosting visitor numbers in rural and remote areas, Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis announced on Thursday.
Support for Kato Pyrgos Tillirias
A new grant scheme will support the upgrading of hotels, tourist accommodation and leisure centres in Kato Pyrgos Tillirias.
The programme will cover 85% of eligible expenditure and has a total budget of €1.5 million for the 2026-2028 period.
Koumis described the measure as targeted support for a region that continues to face development challenges despite its natural and cultural advantages.
Conference tourism incentives
The Cabinet also approved a renewed incentive scheme to attract conference tourism events between 2026 and 2029.
The scheme, which carries an annual budget of €150,000, has been extended to four years, allowing organisers to plan events in Cyprus further in advance.
Boost for sports tourism
Another four-year scheme aims to attract foreign sports teams for training camps and preparation activities in Cyprus.
The programme is open to sports clubs, federations, academies, tour operators and licensed travel agencies, with an annual budget of €400,000.
Funding for experiential workshops
The government also approved incentives for experiential workshops focusing on:
- Traditional crafts
- Agricultural and livestock products
- Wine and gastronomy
The initiative, which has an annual budget of €100,000, is intended to strengthen links between tourism, local production and Cyprus' cultural heritage.
Christmas Villages scheme renewed
A grant programme for Christmas Villages will continue in 2027, with funding of €640,000.
The scheme aims to strengthen winter tourism and support local communities through festive events and activities during the holiday season.
Part of wider tourism strategy
Koumis said the measures form part of a broader government strategy aimed at:
- Reducing tourism seasonality
- Expanding special-interest tourism
- Enhancing tourism services
- Spreading visitor flows to rural, mountainous and border areas
He stressed that the schemes should be viewed as part of a coordinated effort to diversify Cyprus' tourism product and generate benefits across the island.
Source: CNA
