A leading pensioners’ group in Cyprus has urged the government to immediately renew and strengthen its holiday subsidy scheme, warning that more support is needed to help vulnerable retirees.

In a letter to Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, the Cyprus union of pensioners (Ekysy) called for better access to the scheme, as well as a substantial increase in its funding. The aim, the union said, is to allow more pensioners to benefit from a much-needed break.

Ekysy also requested a meeting with the minister to discuss several issues that arose during last year’s implementation of the programme.

The scheme, launched in 2009 and briefly paused during the financial crisis, offers subsidised holidays for pensioners at selected hotels in mountain resorts and the village of Pyrgos Tyllirias. It was reintroduced again in 2024.

Last year’s programme ran from June 4 to July 29 and from September 3 to October 28. It covered full board accommodation for three nights and four days, either from Friday to Monday or Tuesday to Friday.

According to Ekysy general secretary Kostas Skarparis, timely planning is essential for the 2025 rollout. In the letter, he stressed that the ministry must act as soon as possible to announce this year’s scheme and ensure the necessary application forms are made available without delay.

The union insists that better planning and higher investment will ensure more elderly citizens can enjoy a safe and restful break.