Greece Allocates €30m to Offer ‘Tourism for All’ Greeks

Photo © GTP

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis on Sunday officially announced the renewed “Tourism for All” social tourism program, which will give 250,000 Greeks the chance to take subsidized holidays throughout the year.

The social tourism program has been renewed in regards to the increase in the subsidy and the fact that it is addressed to more beneficiaries.

“We are pleased to announce that, for the first time, 30 million euros will be allocated from the state budget in order to give the opportunity to 250,000 Greeks to enjoy almost a week of vacations on beautiful destinations, across the country,” Minister Theoharis said during a press conference on Santorini.

As underlined by the minister, the “Tourism for All” program has a dual purpose, as in addition to offering holidays at a low price to 250,000 beneficiaries, it aims to boost domestic tourism, after the impact of Covid-19, for the benefit of businesses in the industry.

“Through the subsidized accommodation for such a large number of guests, the income of hotels will be strengthened, with additional multiplier benefits for the local economies,” he said.

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis. Photo © GTP

The “Tourism for All” program is addressed to low-income Greeks. Eligible parties are those with 16,000 euros of annual individual income and 28,000 for family income.

The duration of the program is six months, from July 15 to December 31, with the possibility of an extension.

“The important aspect is that through ‘Tourism for All’ we will achieve the smooth restart of tourist flows and also achieve one of our focused goals: the extension of the season,” the minister said.

The program subsidizes half of a 4-night stay in a hotel that is enrolled in the program.

According to Theoharis, the “Tourism for All” program is expected to provide some 1 million overnight stays.

Eligible parties can sign up through the Finance Ministry’s online Taxisnet system and following an online draw, 250,000 social tourism coupons will be distributed to Greek citizens.