Filenews 14 April 2021
The Commission announced today that it has approved a Cyprus programme amounting to EUR 8 million. In addition, the Commission has set up a programme to support travel agencies affected by the pandemic.
The Commission found that the Cyprus measure complies with the conditions laid down in the provisional framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per beneficiary and (ii) the aid will be granted no later than 31 December 2021.
The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in accordance with Article 107(3)(b) OF THE SLEA and conditions of the Provisional Framework.
The measure was adopted on the basis of the provisional framework for State aid. Public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to tour operators operating in the Republic of Cyprus and have contracts with air carriers travelling to Cyprus through Larnaca and Paphos airports.
According to the Commission, the programme aims to stimulate incoming tourism, indirectly benefiting many related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, the food industry, cultural and sporting events.
Phılenews/CYPE
