Subsidized Holidays Program Recipients Reduced

The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers recently questioned a government decision that sees a 26 percent reduction of beneficiaries for the Workers’ Welfare Foundation’s social tourism program (subsidized holidays).

According to the federation, in 2009 the social tourism program provided low cost holidays to 750,000 people while for the 2010 tourism season the number of beneficiaries was cut by 200,000 people.

The federation said that the decision to economize on the Workers’ Welfare Foundation’s budget (some three million euros) has created complex social issues, such as unemployment and also a reduction in state revenue.

According to the federation, during 2009, the hotel industry lost 16 percent in turnover or some one billion euros, while 2010 so far indicates that it will develop into an equally difficult year with a highly uncertain outcome.