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ARCHIVED - 27.2 million euros in aid approved for Andalusian tourism businesses
The regional government of the Spanish region of Andalusia has also officially approved an extension to the ‘Bono Turistico’, meaning cheap local getaways will be available until 9 December
Tourism-related businesses in Andalusia may be able to apply for 3,000 euro subsidies following the approval by the regional government of three new lines of aid for the sector amounting to a total of 27.2 million euros.
The first line, with a budget of 3.7 million euros, is aimed at active tourism companies, the second, with 9.9 million euros, at rural accommodation (casas rurales) and the third, with 13.65 million euros, at tourist guides.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for one of these subsidies is advised to contact their asesor or gestoría as quickly as possible as the aid is likely to be snapped up fast and will have to be applied for through the correct channels.
The regional government meeting also served to officially approve changes to the Bono Turístico de Andalucía holiday discount system created last year, which provides cheaper getaways within the region for residents who book through travel agencies within the scheme.
The scheme will now be running until 9 December, and although movement between provinces within Andalusia is currently not allowed, there are hopes that as vaccinations continue it will be possible to at least travel from one province to another for a break and a change of scenery before long.
The minimum number of overnight stays to qualify for a 25 per cent discount has been reduced from three to two, with a maximum of 200 euros, so it will work for a sneaky weekend away as well as a longer stay. Meanwhile, travellers aged over 65 or under 25 will also be eligible for 50 per cent discounts on their accommodation (up to a maximum of 500 euros) if they stay for at least four nights. The price of breakfast has also now been included in the amounts discounts apply to when it is included in the cost of accommodation.
Tourism is one of the sectors that has suffered the most due to the coronavirus pandemic and these initiatives both hope to help businesses make ends meet and start to recover. With most having already written Easter off due to restrictions on movement, as regional and provincial border closures remain firmly in place, hoteliers and restauranteurs are now putting all their hopes on the summer season.
Image: Junta de Andalucía