At least three and possibly four holiday subsidy programs will open this year as well. The reason for the Social Tourism of the OAED (DYPA), Tourism for All of the Ministry. Tourism, OPECA’s Rural Housing Programs and of course the North Evia – Samos Pass which may be repeated again this year.
The weather is opening, the mood is improving and everyone is slowly planning their summer excursions to one of the beautiful islands of our country. There are many who are already planning some getaways and are asking for information about the holiday grant so they can do their calculations and planning.
Just like last year, this year three and maybe even four holiday subsidy programs will be opened. The reason for the Social Tourism of the OAED (DYPA), Tourism for All of the Ministry. Tourism, OPECA’s Rural Housing Programs and of course the North Evia – Samos Pass which may not take place this year or other areas of the country that have been tested may be selected.
The subsidy programs for free holidays:
Social Tourism 2023
Applications for the social tourism program of DYPA – OAED are expected to start earlier.
According to information from Dnews, the submission of applications for the social tourism program of DYPA 2023 this year will start in May and not June 15 that started last year.
In fact, the meetings have already started in order to make changes both at the technical level and in terms of the number of beneficiaries, with the possibility of increasing them.
In the meantime, a significant number of beneficiaries have not yet used the 2022 social tourism vouchers as they can be used until 31 July 2023.
The new program will be implemented from 01.08.2023 to 31.07.2024.
Beneficiaries can spend up to six (6) nights in the tourist accommodations of the Register of Providers.
Beneficiaries who choose for their vacation the tourist accommodations of the Register of Providers located on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kos or in the prefecture of Evros can spend up to ten (10) nights.
Beneficiaries who choose the Municipalities of Istiaia-Edipsos and Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna Evia will have 12 nights of accommodation.
Beneficiaries of the program are:
– insured persons who accumulated in the year 2021 50 days from their insurance in the eEFKA due to a dependent employment relationship under private law with contributions in favor of the contributing branches of DYPA and/or
the granting of special maternity protection provision of art. 142 of Law 3655/2008, as applicable, and/or
the granting of a regular unemployment benefit based on the common provisions on unemployment and/or
the granting of the long-term unemployed allowance of par. IA.1.III of Law 4093/2012
– unemployed persons registered in the Special Register of Unemployed Persons with Disabilities of DYPA on the deadline for submitting applications.
If two beneficiaries of the benefit are spouses, it is possible for both of them to receive a Social Tourism Check, even if only one is selected based on the scoring.
Tourism for All
The redemption of the vouchers drawn in January with 150,000 new vouchers worth 150 euros to beneficiaries is in progress.
The draw of the “Tourism for All” Program concerns the granting of 125,000 intangible digital cards in the form of vouchers for accommodation in tourist accommodation. The last vouchers will be valid until June 2023, however the Tourism for All program will run “enriched” in 2023 as well, for new places in summer destinations and in general the program, according to an amendment, will be repeated every year at least until 2025.
Anyone can apply for this program, with an individual income (as was the case last year) of up to €16,000 and a family income of up to €28,000, an amount that is increased for each child.
Rural HOSPITAL OPEKA
The Agricultural Center (LAE) of OPECA also provides tourism (social/medical) and opens around mid-May.
Beneficiaries here, among others, are:
a) the pensioners of the e-EFKA (OGA) and the pensioners of the Uninsured Over-age Account of article 1 of Law 1296/1982,
b) e-EFKA (OGA) insured persons who are insured on December 31 of the previous year (2021) of submitting the application for participation.
The members of the families of the above persons entitled to care deriving from a beneficiary of LAE/OPEKA benefits.
North Evia – Samos Pass
Significant support to the tourism product of North Evia and Samos, which were severely affected by recent natural disasters, was provided by the innovative measure North Evia-Samos Pass, which was implemented in four monthly phases between July and October.
It is recalled that each beneficiary who joined the action in question obtained an immaterial digital debit card, in order to use it for accommodation, catering and local transport costs, during their holidays in North Evia or Samos.
The amount of the immaterial debit card amounted to 150 euros for North Evia and 300 euros for Samos – except for August, when the corresponding amounts were 100 euros and 200 euros respectively.
This coupon may continue this year, however, other disaster-tested areas may be selected.
#Tourism #free #vacation #Early #applications
**Interview with Maria Papadopoulos, Expert on Holiday Subsidy Programs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. There’s been a buzz around the upcoming holiday subsidy programs. Can you give us a brief overview of what to expect this year?
**Maria Papadopoulos:** Absolutely! We’re looking at at least three, and possibly four holiday subsidy programs launching this year. These include the Social Tourism program by OAED, the “Tourism for All” initiative from the Ministry of Tourism, the Rural Housing Programs by OPECA, and potentially the North Evia – Samos Pass, which aims to support tourism in areas affected by recent challenges.
**Editor:** It seems like there’s a strong push to encourage tourism this summer. What are some key details about the Social Tourism program?
**Maria Papadopoulos:** The Social Tourism program is particularly noteworthy this year. Applications are expected to open in May, significantly earlier than last year. Beneficiaries of this program, which includes insured individuals and specific categories of unemployed persons, can use vouchers for accommodation ranging from six to twelve nights, depending on the location. This is great news for many families planning their summer vacations.
**Editor:** Speaking of families, how can individuals prepare to take advantage of these subsidies?
**Maria Papadopoulos:** It’s important for people to check their eligibility early. For instance, to qualify for the Social Tourism vouchers, individuals need to meet specific employment criteria. Additionally, those who still have vouchers from 2022 can utilize them until July 31, 2023. This means that there’s a window of opportunity to plan their travels and make budgets accordingly.
**Editor:** The “Tourism for All” program was hugely popular last year as well, correct? What’s new this year?
**Maria Papadopoulos:** Yes, the “Tourism for All” program will indeed be returning, enriched with additional locations and offerings. Beneficiaries can redeem their vouchers, which are valued at €150, for accommodation in various tourist facilities. This year, we expect a diverse range of destinations to attract even wider participation.
**Editor:** With all these programs being announced, is there anything that potential beneficiaries should be cautious about?
**Maria Papadopoulos:** Yes, it’s vital for applicants to stay updated on the dates and requirements for each program, as changes might occur. Also, ensuring that they use their vouchers within the valid period will be crucial. Early application is key, especially since these programs tend to generate a lot of interest quickly.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Maria. It sounds like there’s a lot of support for those looking to travel this summer. We appreciate your time!
**Maria Papadopoulos:** Thank you for having me! I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the beautiful destinations our country has to offer this summer.
