Thousands of Greeks Used Discounted Vacation Vouchers in August

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Some 49,000 vouchers for subsidized vacations in Greece were used for hotel stays throughout the country in August alone, the Public Employment Service (DYPA) said on Thursday.

The vouchers were part of DYPA’s social tourism program for 2022-2023, which offers subsidized holidays for unemployed and lower income Greeks and their families. DYPA’s program is one of three social tourism schemes announced for 2022-2023 by the Greek government aimed at offering Greeks discounts on their vacations in the country and at the same time boosting domestic tourism.

According to DYPA, the number of vouchers used this August marked an increase of 4 percent compared to those used for the same month last year.

The most popular destination this August was Evia as 6,498 vouchers were used by Greeks for accommodation on the island, recording a 223 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Evia was followed by Halkidiki (5,191 vouchers), Pieria (3,803 vouchers), Preveza (3,774 vouchers) and Lefkada (2,360 vouchers).

DYPA’s 49,000 vouchers in August were used in a total of 25 Greek regional units.

“The program is particularly upgraded and more attractive this year for both the beneficiaries and the providers (hoteliers, ferry companies), as it secures either a very good discount or no private spending at all for beneficiaries for the cost of the overnight stay in a hotel and an increased subsidy for providers,” DYPA said.

Kos island. Photo source: @Aegean Islands

It is reminded that DYPA’s upgraded subsidized vacations scheme offers beneficiaries up to six nights in a hotel they choose from DYPA’s provider register.

For stays specifically on the islands of Leros, Lesvos, Chios, Kos and in the prefecture of Evros, beneficiaries can book up to 10 overnight stays free of charge. For stays on Samos and in the municipalities of Istiaia-Edipsos and Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Annas of North Evia, beneficiaries can book up to 12 nights completely free of charge.

For stays in hotels on DYPA’s provider register of other destinations, beneficiaries receive a very large discount.

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

DYPA’s social tourism program also includes discounts on ferry tickets. In August, more than 5,500 vouchers were used for ferry travel.

Beneficiaries can use vouchers in hotels on DYPA’s register until July 31, 2023.