Cyprus cabinet approves holiday subsidy scheme for low-income pensioners

On May 13, 2026, the Cyprus Cabinet approved a proposal by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Mousiouttas, to subsidize vacations for low-income retirees. The scheme provides a four-day stay, consisting of three nights with full board, in hotels located in mountain resorts and Pyrgos Tyllirias. The program will operate in two periods: from June 5 to July 31, 2026, and from September 1 to October 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. The stated goal is to support low-income pensioners and boost employment in rural mountainous areas. Detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures are expected to be announced in the coming days. The Cyprus Pensioners Association (EKYSY) has expressed concerns, calling for an increase in the total budget to accommodate more beneficiaries. The association also requested a structured application process to replace the current "first-come, first-served" system, which it claims creates unfair competition among retirees, and urged for a review of income criteria.