Cyprus cabinet approves new tourism incentive schemes

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Cypriot cabinet approved five new incentive schemes aimed at diversifying the tourism sector, enriching visitor services, and increasing tourist flow to less popular regions. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis announced the measures, which include initiatives for conference tourism, professional sports team training, experiential workshops, and the establishment of Christmas villages for the coming year.

A central focus of this policy is the €1.5 million grant scheme specifically for the Kato Pyrgos Tyllirias area. This project, active from 2026 to 2028, provides support covering 85% of eligible expenditure for the upgrade of hotels, tourist accommodations, and leisure centers. Minister Koumis emphasized that this initiative represents a targeted intervention to address development challenges in the border region and reflects the government's commitment to supporting remote communities.

While the grant for Kato Pyrgos is scheduled to run for three years, the incentive schemes for conference tourism and foreign sports team training are set for the 2026–2029 period. These measures are part of a broader national strategy to boost the island's tourism industry throughout the year, moving beyond traditional seasonal peaks.