Nine new schemes to promote special interest tourism

Applications have opened for nine new incentive schemes aimed at promoting special interest tourism while enhancing sustainability, the deputy ministry of tourism said on Monday.

The schemes, which comes as Cyprus’ beleaguered tourism sector continues to reel from the coronavirus pandemic, were drawn up by the deputy ministry as part of the national tourism strategy 2030 and recently approved by the Council of Ministers.

“Beyond the specialised objectives of each scheme, the deputy ministry aspires more generally through their implementation, to upgrade the tourist product and attract more visitors to Cyprus during the low season,” it said.

Reflecting a commitment to sustainable development, all schemes feature a sustainability index that promotes the involvement of the local community, the promotion of local products, the protections of the natural and built environment and the character of every region, the deputy ministry added.

The new and revised schemes are:

Incentives to organise conferences and meetings in Cyprus.

Scheme to subsidise events to promote wine, gastronomy and local products organised in Cyprus.

Financial support to organise international sport events in Cyprus.

Programme to provide hospitality to foreign sport teams, clubs and associations to train and prepare in Cyprus.

Financial support to certify recreational diving services in Cyprus 7.

Incentives to host cruise liners in Cyprus.

Incentives to organise familiarisation on special interest tourism.

Incentives to create or upgrade infrastructure and facilities for special interest tourism directed at hotels and tourism accommodation, catering establishments and legal persons.

Incentives to create or upgrade infrastructure and facilities for special interest tourism directed at municipalities and communities.

Further information is available on the deputy ministry’s web site on www.tourism.gov.cy or on http://www.tourism.gov.cy/tourism/tourism.nsf/subs_el/subs_el?Opendocument. All applications must be submitted online