**9,500 People to Benefit from Government-Subsidised Holidays in Cyprus**
The Cypriot government is set to support approximately 9,500 individuals in organizing summer holidays this year through its subsidy programmes, which are managed by the Ministry of Labour. The initiative aims to assist both low-income pensioners and workers in enjoying affordable vacations.
Labour ministry officer Michalis Loizou reported that over 7,500 applications have been submitted by low-income pensioners seeking holiday subsidies. This surge in applications has exceeded the budget initially allocated for the programme, which stands at €1.165 million for the current year. As a result, approximately 6,400 pensioners will receive subsidies to facilitate their summer getaways.
Loizou expressed that beneficiaries of the programme are "fully satisfied" as they have the opportunity to escape their daily routines. The government has partnered with 18 hotels participating in the subsidy programme, offering a nightly subsidy of €57.50 per person. This amount is intended to cover accommodation and full board for stays of up to three nights during the months of June, July, and September.
The participating hotels are primarily located in the Troodos mountains and the Tillyria region in the northwest of Cyprus. Loizou noted that these establishments often rely heavily on government support. In light of rising operational costs, hotel representatives have requested an increase in the subsidy amount. Consequently, the nightly subsidy was raised from €55 to €57.50 this year. However, this increase did not coincide with an overall budget enhancement, resulting in fewer low-income pensioners receiving subsidies for their summer holidays.
In addition to the pensioner programme, the Ministry of Labour has also introduced a subsidy initiative for workers. Labour ministry officer Andreas Sophocleous explained that the budget for this programme has been increased from €918,000 last year to €936,000 this year. So far, 2,111 applications have been submitted, but as the application period remains open, it is unclear how many will ultimately be approved.
Last year, the workers' programme received 2,133 applications, with 1,658 being approved. Of those, 532 individuals opted not to utilize the subsidy, resulting in 1,126 funded applications and a total of 3,092 participants benefiting from subsidized holidays.
The workers' programme also features 17 participating hotels located in the same regions as those for pensioners, which are known for facing sustainability challenges. Sophocleous reported that most beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction with the accommodation and food provided during their stays. He emphasized the programme's long-standing history, noting that it has been operational since 1972, with the exception of the years 1974, 1975, and 1976. The initiative plays a crucial role in promoting the utilization of workers' holidays and supporting the viability of mountain resorts and the Pyrgos Tillyria area.
The subsidy for workers is set at €55 per person per night for stays of up to five nights. In cases where hotel rates exceed this amount, workers are responsible for covering the difference.
Overall, the government-subsidised holiday programmes aim to provide financial relief to low-income individuals and workers, enabling them to enjoy a much-needed break while also supporting local tourism and hospitality sectors in Cyprus.