Cyprus will introduce an Easter Villages scheme in 2027 aimed at attracting more visitors to its rural and mountainous areas during the Easter period. The initiative, recently approved by the cabinet, will select ten locations along the Heartland of Legends route to organize Easter-themed activities, including traditional food preparation, craft workshops, and cultural events such as Cypriot dance lessons and Byzantine music performances. This effort seeks to promote local communities and preserve Cyprus' cultural heritage.

Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis highlighted that the scheme is designed to support local economies and enhance authentic cultural experiences for visitors. The program will run from Holy Thursday to the Sunday after Easter and will also include guided tours and opportunities for communities to sell local products.

The tourism sector in Cyprus has faced recent challenges due to regional instability, with tourism receipts down nearly 24% in early 2026 compared to the previous year. Despite this, the industry remains vital to the economy, contributing around 13-14% of GDP, and recent data shows signs of recovery with tourist arrivals improving in May and June compared to 2024.