Open to all permanent residents, the scheme was approved recently by cabinet as part of measures to offset to impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the tourism sector, and the economy more generally.

Russia is traditionally Cyprus’ second biggest tourism market, and before the war, Cyprus was expecting some 800,000 visitors from the two countries. The hope is that encouraging local tourism, combined with the opening of new markets abroad, will help cover some of the shortfall.

The scheme will be in force from May 1 to July 31 this year. It is directed at permanent residents of Cyprus and aims primarily to encourage domestic tourism by partly subsiding the cost of tourist accommodation offered at accessible prices.

Taking part are hotels, holiday apartments, tourist villages and agro-tourist units who offer, throughout the period, a double room with breakfast at a maximum of €100 a night.

The list features 88 businesses in the free Famagusta area, 13 in the Larnaca district, 21 in Nicosia, the mountains and Tylliria area, 29 in the Limassol district and 46 in the Paphos district.

For the period of May 1 to June 9, the minimum stay is two nights and for the period June 10 to July 31, three nights. Maximum stay is seven nights.

Under the programme, each room will be subsidised by €20 a day.

Those interested should contact the tourist enterprise of their choice direct or through a travel agency to make a reservation.

The deputy ministry said it is not involved with deposits for reservations. Beneficiaries will be obliged on arrival at their accommodation to show a document proving a permanent residence and complete a relevant declaration.

To check out participating businesses per district visit: https://www.visitcyprus.com/index.php/el/domestic-tourism-2022

Source: Cyprus Mail