The Council of Ministers, following a proposal by the Ministry of Tourism, approved a grant plan to encourage quality and aesthetic upgrade projects of beaches. The plan falls within the framework of the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy 2030, but also the long-term goals of the Ministry of Tourism for upgrading the tourism product.
The aim and philosophy of the Plan is to provide financial support to Municipalities and Communities, for the implementation of projects and the purchase of equipment in the direction of the aesthetic upgrade of the beaches of our place.
Among other things, the Plan will support costs for the installation of umbrellas and beach chairs, which are of good quality, uniform, made of natural material (eg wood), with natural shades that are in line with the surrounding area, which in color to be contrary to that of the sea, costs for cleaning / recycling bins, costs for construction and / or renovation of a complex of public toilets, which will be located outside the protection zone of the beach, as well as costs for infrastructure friendly for the disabled.
The implementation period of the plan extends until November 2022, based on the currently approved budget of the Ministry of Tourism.
See the Plan here:
SUBSIDY PLAN OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM TO ENCOURAGE PROJECTS FOR THE QUALITY AND AESTHETIC UPGRADE OF THE BEACHES (2020 - 2022)
Purpose and Objectives of the Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to encourage projects for the quality and aesthetic upgrade of the beaches. The plan is the basis for targeted public support to local authorities to enhance safety, better beach organization and quality and aesthetic upgrades of the services they offer. Within the framework of the Plan, it is sought to provide aid for the implementation of projects and the purchase of equipment to enhance the quality of the infrastructure offered on the beaches.
Responsible Authority of the Project:
Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus.
Potential Beneficiaries
Local Authorities (Municipalities and Community Councils).
Application Period
November 2020 - November 2022.
Stages of Implementation of the Plan
Public Call for proposals, submission of applications by interested parties, evaluation of applications, informing applicants of the outcome of the evaluation, implementation of a project by the Beneficiary, amendment / cancellation of the agreement, payment of sponsorship.
Granted Aid
The aid of this Plan is granted based on the approved budget of the Ministry of Tourism for the years 2020, 2021, 2022. For the year 2020: The intensity of the grant is set up to 75% of the net estimated cost (excluding VAT) for each eligible object / infrastructure project and with a maximum amount of € 100.000 per Local Authority.
For the years 2021 and 2022: The intensity of the grant is determined up to 75% of the net estimated cost (excluding VAT) for each eligible object / infrastructure project and with a maximum amount of € 20.000 per Local Authority.
Eligible Project and Expenditure Categories
- Design, construction and placement of signs, preferably from natural materials, that are compatible with the environment, including Qr Code with useful information about the beach, in five languages (EN, GR, RU, FR, DE).
- Construction and / or renovation of a complex of common sanitary areas, which will be located outside the protection zone of the beach. The new public toilets that will be built will be accessible to the disabled and will include at least the following:
- Men's toilets (toilets with an equal number of sinks).
- Women's toilets (toilets with an equal number of sinks).
- Sanitary area suitably arranged, for use by people with disabilities and / or reduced mobility.
- Men's locker room.
- Women's locker room.
- Baby changing facilities.
- Small storage of cleaners and consumables.
- Facilities for the proper operation of infrastructure (plumbing and electrical installation, sewers).
- Taps / Outdoor showers.
- All infrastructure should be lightly constructed, with materials suitable and resistant to the conditions of the marine environment and friendly to it. The facilities must meet all the safety and health requirements provided by the current Legislation and have obtained all the required permits from the competent authorities.
- Cleaning / recycling bins, minimum capacity 80 liters.
- Beach umbrellas. Umbrellas must be of good quality, sun block, made of natural material (mat or reed) or of monochrome weave fabric, uniform, with natural shades that go with the environment, but which are opposite to the color of the sea.
- Beach chairs. Beach loungers should be uniform, and of good quality materials, preferably made of natural materials eg wood, resistant to sun exposure and the marine environment, but in color contrast with that of the sea.
- Beach tables with ashtrays and / or case for personal items.
- Infrastructure for the disabled
- Ramps for which specifications must be submitted which are subject to the approval of the Ministry of Tourism.
- Plastic or wooden corridor for which specifications must be submitted which must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Amphibious wheelchair.
- Autonomous maritime access systems.
- Wheelchairs.
- Handrails on access to the beach.
- Signs for the visually impaired (in Braille).
- Additions to existing sanitary facilities to serve people with disabilities.
Budget
Given the limited financial resources that may be available for the implementation of the Plan, the management and distribution of funding for the activities will be governed by the rule of availability of financial resources.
Implementation schedule
- For 2020 sponsorships, equipment and projects must be completed by December 16, 2020.
- For the 2021 sponsorships, the equipment and projects must be completed by November 30, 2021.
- For the 2022 sponsorships, the equipment and projects must be completed by November 30, 2022.
Prohibition of Multiple Sponsorships
They apply articles 27 (1) and 27 (2) of the Law on Accounting and Financial Management and Financial Control Law 38 (I) / 2014 according to which the Beneficiaries can receive a sponsorship up to the amount of covering the expenses of the specific activity for which approval was given by the Responsible Authority based on the relevant application.
In case multiple funding is found for a specific activity, the amount becomes recoverable from the Responsible Authority.
Application Period and Procedure
Applications can be submitted from the day of publication of the Plan until December 4, 2020 for projects related to 2020. The application period for 2021 and 2022 will be announced at a later stage. Different application forms should be used for each year. By completing and signing the application form, the applicant accepts the terms of the grant of this project.
Applications must be sent by post to: Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, PO Box 24535, 1390 Nicosia and also to the e-mail address: vakisloizides@visitcyprus.com ή anthiecharalambous@visitcyprus.com
They will be registered with a submission date and a receipt will be sent to the applicant by email. Application Document Package
For applications related to the financing of projects by the Project, it is necessary to use the Application Form accompanied by all the necessary Supporting Documents.
The Application Form is available at: www.tourism.gov.cy.
All documents must be completed in Greek and the applications must be duly completed and signed by the Mayor / President of the Community Council.
Evaluation of Applications
Competent Bodies and Time of Examination of Applications
1. The applications submitted in the framework of the implementation of the Plan are examined and evaluated by a three-member in-service committee, which is appointed by the General Director of the Ministry of Tourism.
2. The committee has the responsibility to examine and evaluate the applications and to submit reasoned suggestions, regarding their approval or rejection, to the Director-General for approval or rejection, with the predetermined grant amount.
Evaluation criterias
The applications will be examined with the protocol number and will be examined with the method of direct evaluation, ie based on the chronological order of their submission and receipt by the State Department (FIFO).
Supplements Clarifications of Applications
The Responsible Authority may request, in compliance with the principle of equal treatment, the completion of deficiencies in the documents submitted, the submission of documents not submitted with the application, as well as clarifications. Applicants must respond within the deadline set by the Responsible Authority.
Application Examination Time, Results - Informing Applicants
The examination and evaluation by the Ministry of Tourism of the applications submitted by the Local Authorities, will be completed no later than one month after the submission of the application. Upon completion of the examination and evaluation process of the application submitted, applicants will be notified by written letter, which will be sent electronically, regarding the decision to approve or reject it. For rejected applications, along with the information, a relevant justification of the decision will be sent to the applicants. The decisions taken in the context of the examination and evaluation of applications are final and are based on the database submitted by the applicants themselves. Therefore, no objections will be considered to request a review of a decision, whether it concerns a partially approved application or a rejected application. In case the applicant is unable to proceed with the execution of the projects for which he received relevant approval, he must within one month from the date of receipt, inform the Ministry of Tourism in writing, in order to release the relevant amount.
Modification of Schedule and Activities
Requests requesting ex post changes to activity data will not be accepted for consideration (eg budget fluctuation, change of projects applied for, etc.)
Obligations of Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries have an obligation to maintain the equipment and infrastructure and keep it in good condition. The State Department does not subsidize repair / maintenance costs. It is noted that in case it is found that the equipment or infrastructure that will receive a grant is not sufficiently maintained, the State Department may exclude the beneficiary from respective future grant plans.
Payment of Sponsorship
The disbursement of the approved funding amount will be as follows:
1. After the verification of the supporting documents to be submitted by the applicant for the purchase of the equipment and the implementation of the infrastructure projects which will be certified after an on-site visit.
2. After the receipt of payment receipts, issued in the name of the applicant (accompanied by the relevant invoices) for the expenses (only the eligible ones) that have been incurred (see next paragraph - Special Terms and Conditions). The relevant documents for the payment of the approved amount must be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism no later than December 16 for 2020 and until November 30 for the years 2021 and 2022, in order for the payment to be possible. It is noted that in case all the necessary supporting documents are not submitted within the timetables, the Ministry of Tourism reserves the right not to proceed with the payment of the approved amounts.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND RULES APPLICABLE TO FINANCING
I. Detailed financial report of expenditure, final amount of funding, adjustment, proportional reduction: The final amount of the total amount of funding to be provided by the Ministry of Tourism, will be calculated based on the data resulting from the certified detailed financial report to be submitted by the Local Government Authority. It is clarified that a proportional reduction of the approved funding may occur in cases where the eligible and certified / documented final expenditure incurred is lower than the recognized eligible budget expenditure, on the basis of which the funding was determined.
II. Preparation of a certified detailed financial report of expenses and income, legal documents, certificate of sponsorships:
1. Applicants are required to submit to the Ministry of Tourism the detailed financial report of expenditures or the legal documents of each individual expenditure after the completion of the projects and no later than November 30 of each year in which the Plan will be in force.
2. The detailed financial report of expenses is submitted by the Local Government Authority as follows:
a. A detailed table of expenditures is drawn up (only those that are eligible).
b. The table should list the legal documents attached under each separate category of eligible expenditure approved by the Ministry of Tourism (assignment of expenditures with invoices / receipts).
c. The table and the invoices / receipts are accompanied by a statement (certification) signed either by the Mayor or the President of the Community Council, which confirms the correctness of the financial report.
3. The documents are legal and are accepted as long as they are tax invoices and tax receipts, which state:
a. The invoice / receipt number.
b. The date of issue of the invoice / receipt.
c. The name of the invoice / receipt issuer (service provider, supplier of goods), address and VAT registration number (if any).
d. The Tax ID number or the Political ID number of the invoice / receipt issuer.
e. The name of the recipient of the service / goods.
f. The description of service / goods.
g. The value of services / goods.
4. Where sponsorships and funding from other sources are secured, the certified detailed financial report must be accompanied by the relevant certificates of the other sponsors for the amount and purpose of the sponsorship.
5. In case the applicants wish not to submit the original legal documents, then they can submit to the Ministry of Tourism certified copies. The certification will take place at the District Inspectors' Offices of the Ministry of Tourism or the Central Offices of the Ministry of Tourism in Nicosia.
III. Suspension of the process of disbursement of funding, withdrawal of funding:
1. In cases where it is found that any applicant owes any other amounts to other government agencies, the process of disbursing the approved funding (at any stage) will be suspended and he will be informed accordingly.
2. A condition for lifting the suspension of the disbursement process of the approved funding is the repayment by the applicant of all the amounts due by him to the government services, within a period of 3 months.
MODIFICATIONS / CHANGES TO THE DESIGN
During the period of validity of the Plan and based on the possible intermediate conclusions and findings that may arise in relation to its implementation, the Ministry of Tourism will reserve the right to make changes and changes, both in relation to the framework and the terms as and in relation to the amounts provided for its implementation.
Contact telephones:
Vakis Loizidis - Tel .: 22691131
Anthi Charalambous - Tel .: 22691293
SUB MINISTRY OF TOURISM
November 2020