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Ministry Council Endorses Revised Economic Aid Tiers For Remote Communities

In a decisive policy shift, the Ministry Council recently approved a proposal to restructure the tiered economic assistance provided to residents in remote areas. This adjustment aims to streamline aid distribution and enhance support for communities facing geographical challenges.

Key Revisions To Economic Assistance

The revised plan eliminates the previous second tier—which granted €500 to residents in communities located between 60 and 79 kilometers away—in favor of a redefined system. Under the new framework, two tiers have been established: a first tier awarding €300 for residents in communities situated 40 to 59 kilometers away or those residing 30 to 39 kilometers away with an altitude of at least 700 meters, and a second tier granting €600 for residents in communities located 60 kilometers or more from urban centers.

Impact On Remote Communities

The revised structure affects several communities, including Agios Theodorou Tillyrias, Alevga, Gerakies, Kalopanagiotis, Kampos, Mansoura, Milikouri, Mosfili, Moutoulas, Oikos, Pachyammos, Pedoulas, Selladi Tou Appi, Tsakkistra, and Livadi Pafou. Communities previously classified under the abolished second tier are now automatically reassigned to the updated tier that most accurately reflects their geographic positioning.

Seamless Transition For Applicants

In addition to the tier adjustments, a targeted 50% increase in aid is reserved exclusively for communities within the Tillyria region. Applicants from these affected communities who submitted their requests by the designated 2025 deadline will automatically receive the enhanced support, ensuring a smooth transition without further administrative requirements.

Cyprus And Israel Forge Strategic Tourism Partnership For Winter Growth

Cyprus and Israel have solidified their tourism partnership amid high-level discussions held in Israel during the International Tourism Fair IMTM. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis met with Tourism Minister Haim Katz to explore avenues for expanding visitor arrivals and deepening bilateral cooperation in the travel sector.

Expanding Tourism Horizons

During the visit, Koumis presented plans to further support winter arrivals and promote niche tourism segments. Meetings with industry partners highlighted the continued importance of the Israeli market, which remains one of the key contributors to Cyprus’ tourism performance.

Impressive Growth Metrics

The figures reflect this momentum. In 2025, arrivals from Israel exceeded 588,000 visitors, making Israel the second-largest tourism market for Cyprus after the United Kingdom. This represents a 38.4% increase compared to 2024 and more than 112% growth over the past three years.

Average visitor spending also rose to €682 per trip, up 2.9% year-on-year and 13.4% over three years, highlighting the tangible economic contribution of Israeli tourism to Cyprus.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

Koumis noted that the Israeli market remains a priority due to its rapid development and strong potential for diversification. Talks focused not only on short-term opportunities but also on long-term cooperation, particularly in winter tourism and special interest travel. The aim is to maintain steady growth and reduce seasonality in arrivals.

High-Profile Engagements

The visit also included meetings with prominent figures, among them the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, as well as several media appearances. These engagements underscored both the diplomatic and cultural dimension of the trip, reinforcing broader ties beyond tourism alone.

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