Published on
October 23, 2025
Cyprus plans to step up its efforts to draw tourists by utilising both conventional and contemporary tactics, such as Fam trips, a strong emphasis on digital marketing, and a sizeable budget set aside for tourism development. In order to improve Cyprus’s tourism offering and global recognition, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is preparing for the coming year by putting a fresh, multipronged strategy into action. The strategic plan intends to increase the island’s tourism appeal for the 2026 travel season by making large investments in both infrastructure and promotion.
A New Approach to Tourist Promotion: Fam Trips and Influencers
Fam Trips, or Familiarization Trips, have emerged as one of the key tools used by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to promote Cyprus abroad. These trips are designed to engage travel agents, journalists, bloggers, and influencers by offering them the opportunity to visit Cyprus and experience its hotels, attractions, and events firsthand. The idea is simple but powerful: once these influencers experience Cyprus personally, they can pass on their genuine impressions to their audiences. The resulting social media posts, blog entries, and media articles are expected to create a buzz, potentially influencing future tourists to visit the island.
The Fam Trip approach offers an immersive, authentic experience for participants, ensuring they highlight Cyprus’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse attractions in their content. Through this strategy, the island is positioned not only as a destination but as an experience that is personal and memorable, making it more likely that the participants will recommend Cyprus to their clients, followers, and readers.
Budget Allocation for 2026 Tourism Promotion
The 2026 tourism budget allocated by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is an impressive €31.99 million, reflecting Cyprus’s commitment to enhancing its tourism industry. However, a portion of this budget, specifically €6.10 million, will be earmarked for the organisation of the EU Presidency events scheduled for the first half of 2026. Despite this deduction, the remaining budget will be used for various tourism development activities, including promotional campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and grant schemes aimed at expanding and improving Cyprus’s tourism offerings.
The breakdown of the budget includes €6.76 million allocated to hospitality initiatives, €27.7 million dedicated to information and marketing campaigns, and €3.6 million set aside for Cyprus’s participation in international tourism exhibitions and other events. These efforts will enable the island to maintain its position in the competitive global tourism market while also investing in the quality of services provided to both locals and tourists alike.
Emphasis on Digital Marketing and Traditional Methods
The shift towards digital marketing has been a primary focus of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in recent years. Cyprus aims to capitalise on the growing global trend of online travel booking, virtual tours, and digital content consumption. By enhancing the island’s online presence, the ministry hopes to tap into the wider digital audience, which increasingly turns to platforms like social media, travel blogs, and online reviews for destination inspiration and travel decisions.
That being said, traditional promotional methods such as attending international tourism fairs and organising fam trips are still valued and incorporated into Cyprus’s tourism strategy. This balanced approach ensures that both online and offline marketing channels are utilised, giving Cyprus a diverse and adaptable promotional reach. The combination of these strategies is intended to build a robust tourism identity for Cyprus, one that appeals to a wide range of travellers from around the world.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Grant Schemes to Enhance Visitor Experience
Another significant element of Cyprus’s 2026 tourism plan is the continued development and upgrading of infrastructure and tourism services across the island. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has introduced grant schemes aimed at various regions, tourism businesses, and local authorities, with a particular emphasis on special forms of tourism. These grants are designed to support initiatives that enhance the overall visitor experience, with funding directed toward areas such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism.
Moreover, the 2026 budget allocation includes €13.22 million for these initiatives, with €9.38 million coming from the Recovery Plan and €3.84 million from national resources. The ongoing improvements in infrastructure will ensure that Cyprus can cater to the evolving needs of tourists, providing them with world-class facilities and services that are in line with international standards. By investing in these upgrades, Cyprus aims to solidify its reputation as a top-tier destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Targeting Specific Tourism Segments for Sustainable Growth
The strategic tourism development plan for 2026 also places considerable emphasis on targeting specific segments of the tourism market, with a strong focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. Cyprus’s tourism board is keen to promote the island as a destination for eco-conscious travellers, emphasizing sustainability in tourism practices and the protection of natural resources. Efforts to promote special forms of tourism, such as adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and cultural heritage tourism, are expected to contribute significantly to attracting a new wave of visitors who value authentic and eco-friendly travel experiences.
In addition to these specialized tourism segments, the ongoing development of local tourism initiatives is also supported by targeted grant schemes aimed at specific geographical areas. This ensures that even the less explored regions of Cyprus benefit from tourism investment and development, promoting balanced growth across the island.
The Path Ahead for Cyprus Tourism
As Cyprus looks ahead to 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is set to continue its work in promoting the island as a top-tier global destination. The combination of innovative tools like Fam Trips, increased digital marketing efforts, and substantial investments in infrastructure upgrades and specialized tourism segments positions Cyprus to build a stronger, more diverse tourism industry in the years to come. The island’s distinctive culture, rich history, and natural beauty remain at the heart of its tourism promotion efforts, with a clear focus on providing an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
Conclusion
Cyprus is in a strong position to improve its tourism image and draw more tourists in 2026 thanks to a changing strategy and a healthy budget. By combining contemporary digital marketing techniques with conventional promotional tools, emphasizing sustainable and responsible travel, and making significant infrastructure investments, Cyprus is enhancing its reputation as a travel destination and fostering a friendly atmosphere for visitors.
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