Cyprus offers staycation stimulus to locals

35 percent of the accommodation cost will be paid by the government

The Cypriot government will cover 35 percent of the cost of a hotel overnight stay as an incentive for permanent residents to staycation on the island. The new scheme comes into effect today, 1 June and will run until 30 November, excluding the active summer tourist months of July and August, reports Cyprus Mail.

171 accommodation establishments, including 4- and 5-star hotels, rental apartments, tourist villages and rural tourism places have joined the special programme in support of domestic tourism launched by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. The list includes 59 establishments in the Famagusta district, 19 in the Larnaca district, 26 in the Limassol district, 20 in the Nicosia district and Pyrgos Tyllirias and 47 in the Paphos district.

EUR 39 for a 5-star hotel night

For the designated period, participating establishments agree to charge no more than EUR 60 per night for a double room including breakfast. 35 percent of this amount, including charges for children, is a subsidy from the state, so the holidaymaker pays a maximum of EUR 39 even for a 5-star accommodation.

A minimum of two nights stay is required for the discounted price to apply. To make a reservation, permanent residents  may contact directly the tourist accommodation of their choice or tourist agencies.

Votes cast, restrictions relaxed

This is the third extension of the hotel discount scheme which the tourism authority finds to be especially beneficial for the pandemic-battered sector and the economy as a whole. The Cyprus Hotel Association has welcomed the initiative as an opportunity for a "breath of fresh air" for the industry.

It comes against the backdrop of more coronavirus restrictions coming down across Cyprus and parliamentary elections on 30 May which saw the ruling conservatives retaining power without getting absolute majority and nationalists making significant gains.