Spending by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is expected to fall by almost €15 million in 2027 compared with its approved budget for 2026, according to figures submitted to Parliament.
The tourism budget provides for total expenditure of €59.4 million next year, compared with €74.2 million in the approved 2026 budget.
Spending is forecast at €60 million in both 2028 and 2029 under the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. Despite the reduction in 2027, the allocation remains above the €51.3 million provided for in the 2025 budget and €51.6 million in 2024.
EU Presidency and recovery fund costs fall
The reduction was largely expected, as the 2026 budget included significant spending related to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The 2026 budget provided up to €6.1 million for hosting costs linked to the EU Presidency. The corresponding allocation for 2027 falls to €630,200, compared with €6.77 million in 2026.
The tourism budget is also lower because several schemes funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan have been completed.
These included €4.255 million for grants to upgrade hotels and tourist accommodation in rural, mountainous and remote areas, and €5.126 million for a scheme supporting the revival of rural, mountainous and remote areas through the creation of authentic tourism experiences.
€26.9 million allocated for tourism promotion
Spending on information and advertising campaigns will remain broadly stable, although it will be slightly lower than in 2026.
The Deputy Ministry has allocated €26.919 million for such campaigns in 2027, compared with €27.725 million this year.
The funding will support cooperation with tourism partners abroad, including airlines, as well as advertising campaigns in priority markets and the main promotional campaign for Cyprus tourism.
The allocation will also cover:
- Advertising through online travel agencies, outdoor media, print and other platforms.
- Tourism promotion and public information activities in Cyprus and abroad.
- Promotion of special-interest tourism, including conferences, weddings, golf, religious, rural and diving tourism.
- Joint campaigns with tour operators and other tourism partners.
- Cooperation with a public relations agency and international media.
- Production of promotional and creative material for digital and other campaigns.
- Search engine optimisation to increase the visibility of the Deputy Ministry’s digital platforms.
- Promotion of the “Authentic Routes – Heartland of Legends” programme.
- The revision and promotion of the Aphrodite Cultural Route, including new archaeological sites, translations into four additional languages and audio guides.
- Information and awards related to employment in the tourism sector.
- Joint advertising campaigns with partners linked to Cyprus’ tourism product.
- Guided tours provided by licensed guides to public services, local authorities, schools, universities and tourism organisations.
- Promotion of the Christmas Villages, including video production.
Focus on priority tourism markets
The planned spending will also support targeted promotion in priority tourism markets through digital advertising, international media partnerships and promotional events.
The Deputy Ministry’s plans include strengthening Cyprus’ visibility abroad while promoting a wider range of tourism products beyond traditional holiday offerings.
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