Cyprus Mail 12 March 2025 - by Souzana Psara
Cyprus’ tourism ministry this week launched the application process for a grant scheme aiming to enhance the qualitative and aesthetic appeal of Cyprus’ beaches.
This initiative, according to the ministry, seeks to position Cyprus as a “destination accessible to every visitor.”
In the statement, the ministry clarified the scheme’s objective to promote projects aimed at substantially enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the beaches.
Moreover, the plan serves as a foundation for targeted public support, enabling local authorities to boost safety, better organise beach areas, and enhance the services provided.
Additionally, it supports the implementation of projects and the acquisition of equipment to improve the quality of beach infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, emphasised the importance of this initiative, saying that “Beaches are undoubtedly one of the comparative advantages of our country, and the frequent awards some of them receive annually underscore this fact.”
He further mentioned that supporting local authorities through such incentive plans is crucial for the substantial upgrading of the country’s beaches.
The plan’s budget, which has been increased by 100 per cent compared to 2024, amounts to half a million euros.
The management and distribution of these funds, it was mentioned, will adhere to the availability of financial resources.
A significant aspect of this plan, Koumis added, includes making beach infrastructures accessible to disabled individuals.
This inclusion emphasises the country’s commitment to promoting Cyprus not only as a destination offering high-quality services across all sectors but also as one accessible to every visitor.
Local authorities, namely municipalities and community councils, are the primary beneficiaries of this plan.
The grant covers 75 per cent of the expenditure (excluding VAT) for each eligible project, with funding caps set at €80,000 per municipality and €30,000 per community council.
These maximum amounts are, however, subject to adjustments based on the available funds and the volume of applications.
Eligible interventions under this plan, as outlined in the Beach Usage Plan (BUP), approved by the Central Beach Committee, include a variety of projects.
These range from the design and installation of environmentally harmonious signs featuring QR codes providing beach information in five languages to the construction and renovation of public toilet facilities outside the beach protection zones.
Additionally, these facilities will be accessible to people with disabilities and meet all legal health and safety standards.
Further eligible projects encompass water coolers for beaches participating in the Plastic Free Beaches programme, cleaning and recycling bins, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, beach tables, and sand cleaning machines.
For infrastructure specifically designed for people with disabilities, eligible interventions include ramps, plastic or wooden walkways, amphibious wheelchairs, self-contained marine access systems, wheelchair shelters, handrails at beach access points, and Braille signs for the visually impaired.
The deadline for applications is set for April 30, 2025, and submissions can be made online here. https://www.gov.cy/tourism/schedio-epichorigisis-yfypoyrgeioy-toyrismoy-gia-entharrynsi-ergon-gia-tin-poiotiki-kai-aisthitiki-anavathmisi-ton-paralion-2025/
