Cyprus is offering event organizers up to €35,000 under a new four-year scheme aimed at attracting conferences, corporate meetings and incentive travel beyond the summer season.
The Tourism Deputy Ministry launched the program for 2026 to 2029, with an annual budget of €150,000. It covers conferences and meetings, incentive trips, international competitions and sales workshops.
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Support Tied To Economic Impact
Corporate conferences can receive up to €35,000, while conferences organized by nonprofits, associations and universities can qualify for up to €25,000. Incentive trips can receive up to €20,000, while international competitions and sales workshops are eligible for up to €10,000.
For conferences and incentive trips, the final amount will partly depend on the economic benefit generated for Cyprus, including overnight stays. The timing, location and type of event will also be considered.
Incentives Target Off-Peak Tourism
At least 75% of participants must come from abroad, while international competitions and sales workshops must attract at least 50 overseas participants.
Organizers must also include an excursion, encouraging participants to spend time beyond the event venue. Additional support is available for events held in January and February and for those taking place from November through April in rural, mountainous, remote and border areas.
The scheme is designed to spread tourism activity across the year and direct spending toward areas outside the main tourist centers.
Extra Support For International Visibility
Additional incentives may be available for events expected to generate significant international exposure for Cyprus, including those featuring prominent participants or annual conferences awarded through international bidding.
Eligible applicants include Cypriot and foreign nonprofit organizations, associations, universities, academic institutions, professional associations, licensed tourism and travel agencies, and companies organizing eligible events in Cyprus.
State-funded bodies and meetings between partners held under EU-funded programs are excluded.
Scheme Runs Until 2029
The program operates under the EU’s de minimis state-aid framework, which allows up to €300,000 in support to a single undertaking over three years under Commission Regulation 2023/2831.
The scheme runs until Dec. 31, 2029, with applications accepted until each year’s €150,000 allocation is exhausted. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Tourism Deputy Ministry, with further information available from the Cyprus Convention Bureau.
