Applications can be submitted until June 23 – It concerns 300,000 beneficiaries
It opens tomorrow, Wednesday 15 Juneat 13:00, the platform for submitting applications for the social tourism program of the Public Employment Service (DYPA), which concerns 300,000 beneficiaries and will “run” during the period 1st August 2022-31 July 2023.
Its budget is high EUR 35 millionan amount increased by 5 million euros compared to the program for the period 2021-2022.
Applications can be submitted until June 23, at 14:00pressing here.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, this is a particularly enhanced and attractive program this year for both beneficiaries and providers, as it is characterized by reduced to zero private participation for beneficiaries in the cost of overnight stays in tourist accommodation and increased subsidy prices to providers.
This year’s increased subsidy prices apply to all categories of accommodation (5-12% in hotels and 3-8% in rented rooms), in order to cover the increased costs and to ensure a large participation.
In addition, for the peak month of August is provided increase of the subsidy by 20%, as last year, in order to have a greater participation of tourism companies in this period. The increase will be valid all year round for the accommodation of North Evia and Samos.
Beneficiaries and beneficiaries can spend up to six nights in a tourist accommodation of their choice from the “Register of Providers” of DYPA, after direct consultation with the provider.
Especially, for accommodations in Leros, Lesvos, Chios, Kos and in the prefecture of Evros, up to 10 nights can be spent with zero private participation, while in the accommodations of the Municipalities of Istiaia-Edipsos and Mantoudiou-Limni-Ag. Annas of North Evia and Samos can be up to 12 nights completely free.
In addition to accommodation in tourist accommodation, ferry tickets are also subsidized.
The participation of the general category of beneficiaries amounts to 25%, of those with many children to 20%. For the disabled, ferry tickets are available free of charge.
It is reminded that the beneficiaries of last year’s program who have not yet activated the checks can take a vacation, until July 31, 2022.
Finally, it is provided that those beneficiaries who receive a check and do not activate it, will not have the right to participate in the next two programs, so as not to deprive other beneficiaries of participation in the program.
The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis, stated: “300,000 employed and unemployed people can benefit this year from the social tourism program of DYPA for the period 2022-2023. At the same time, those who have coupons last year, can redeem them until July 31. It is a very important initiative for the social groups that need it the most. Our goal is for our most vulnerable fellow citizens to take vacations and at the same time to support domestic tourism, with special care for the areas that have been affected by natural disasters, such as Northern Evia. The social tourism program has a strong social sign and will be implemented in even better terms compared to last year “.
For his part, the commander of DYPA, Spyros Protopsaltis, underlined: “We continue to strengthen and improve the popular social tourism program, which allows for free or low-cost holidays to beneficiaries and their families, while supporting local businesses and markets. This year, we are reducing private participation, increasing the subsidy and expanding the areas with free accommodation. In addition, we are creating a special support framework for North Evia and Samos, which were affected by natural disasters, with 12 free nights and increased subsidy for tourism businesses throughout the year. “
Who are the beneficiaries?
According to the announcement, beneficiaries are employees and unemployed who in 2021 completed 50 days:
work in e-EFKA insurance (formerly IKA-ETAM) or
special maternity protection benefit, or
unemployment subsidy or long – term unemployment, or
– combination of the above.
Beneficiaries are also those registered in the Special Register of Unemployed Persons with Disabilities of DYPA at the closing date for submission of applications.
In addition, to be a beneficiary, one must not have received a social tourism check last year (program 2021-2022) and not receive a related benefit from another body this year (eg “Tourism for All” of the Ministry of Tourism).
Only beneficiaries with disabilities or beneficiaries who have declared a beneficiary or non-disabled member in their application can receive a social tourism check in continuous programs.
See here the map of subsidies for ferry tickets and tourist accommodation for the period 2022-2023
