Cyprus launches €35,000 incentive scheme for conferences and corporate events

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will offer organisers up to €35,000 to bring conferences and corporate events to the island under a four-year incentive scheme aimed at attracting higher-value visitors and extending tourism beyond the peak summer season.

Four-year programme

The Tourism Deputy Ministry has unveiled the scheme for 2026-2029, with an annual budget of €150,000.

It covers conferences and meetings, incentive trips, international competitions and sales workshops.

Unlike the previous programme, which ran until 2025, the new scheme will provide organisers with an indication of available financial support before an event takes place. This will allow them to include the incentive in their budgets when choosing where to hold events.

The ministry said the four-year duration reflects the conference market, where major international events are often awarded through competitive bidding several years in advance. It said the programme offers organisers greater certainty for events planned up to 2029 without requiring annual redesigns.

Available support

Corporate conferences can receive support of up to €35,000.

Conferences and meetings organised by non-profit organisations, associations, universities and other higher education or academic institutions may receive up to €25,000.

Incentive trips are eligible for up to €20,000, while international competitions and sales workshops may receive up to €10,000.

For conferences and incentive trips, funding will partly depend on the economic benefit generated for Cyprus, including the number of overnight stays. The timing, location and nature of each event will also be considered.

Participation requirements

At least 75 per cent of participants in eligible events must come from abroad.

International competitions and sales workshops must also attract at least 50 overseas participants.