Social Tourism Program 2025: Key Details and Application Guidelines
Introduction to the Social Tourism Initiative
The Social Tourism Program for 2025 has officially launched, with applications opening on May 7, 2025. This initiative aims to provide financial support to eligible beneficiaries, allowing them to enjoy subsidized vacations. Initially, only individuals whose tax identification numbers (AFM) end in 0 can apply, with additional groups following over the course of the next few days.
Application Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applications are structured according to the last digit of the applicants’ AFM numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
- Last digit 0: Applications open on Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 and 8.
- Last digit 1: Applications open on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10.
- Last digits 2-9: Applications for these AFM numbers will be accepted on Sunday and Monday, May 11 and 12.
This structured approach ensures a smooth application process for all beneficiaries.
Program Start Date and Budget Allocation
The Social Tourism Program is set to commence on June 1, 2025, marking an early start this year. The program is backed by a robust budget of €50 million, aiming to issue 300,000 vouchers to eligible participants.
Unique Voucher System for Beneficiaries
Each voucher issued will be assigned a unique number for every beneficiary, allowing them to book up to six nights at accommodations chosen from the Provider Registry of the Employment Agency (DYPA). Beneficiaries are encouraged to coordinate directly with their chosen providers, with minimal personal contribution required.
Special Provisions for Select Islands
For participants traveling to specific island destinations such as Leros, Lesbos, Chios, Kos, Samos, and Rhodes, the program offers an attractive option of up to ten free nights with no private contribution. In the regions of Northern Evia, Evros, and Thessaly (excluding the Sporades), beneficiaries can enjoy up to twelve complimentary nights.
Incentives During Peak Seasons
The subsidy amounts will increase by 20% during peak travel periods, including August and the holiday seasons of Christmas (December 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026) and Easter (April 3, 2026, to April 19, 2026). Furthermore, this enhanced subsidy will be available throughout the year for accommodations in Northern Evia, Evros, and Thessaly.
Subsidization of Ferry Tickets
In addition to accommodation, the program also includes subsidies for ferry tickets, with a contribution requirement set at 25%. Notably, individuals with disabilities (PWD) can access these tickets for free, ensuring inclusivity in travel.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups
The Social Tourism Program has been designed with special considerations for single parents and individuals with disabilities. These groups will receive additional points in the application process, enhancing their chances of securing funding.
Extended Participation for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities can participate in the program every year, enjoying the benefits of a companion allowance and a zero personal contribution for ferry tickets. Importantly, there are no penalties if they choose not to utilize their vouchers.
Increased Points for Families
For families, there is an incentive structure that awards additional points for each minor child. Those who have previously not received vouchers or missed out due to point allocation in the last two programs will also be prioritized.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria for the program include:
- Employees with a dependent employment relationship in the private sector or insured with the eEΦΚΑ, contributing to the unemployment fund at any time from January 1, 2024, or the unemployed with a continuous unemployment period of at least three months by the application deadline.
- The household income must not exceed €30,000. Different income criteria apply for long-term unemployed individuals (12 months or more).
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the official government website, gov.gr, specifically at the following link: Social Tourism Program Application.
The application process can be navigated as follows:
- Home → Work and Insurance → Compensations and Benefits → Social Tourism Programs (DYPA).
Selection Process: Transparency is Key
The selection of beneficiaries will rely on a point-based system that objectively assesses criteria such as disability status, single parent status, number of children, income level, and first-time participation in the program. This transparent method will be executed through the Integrated Information System (OΠΣ) of DYPA.
Exclusions from Participation
Certain individuals will not be eligible to participate in the program, including those who are currently receiving support from another social tourism program during the same period or those (excluding PWD) who received a voucher in the 2024-2025 program.
Supporting Documentation
The necessary documentation for participation eligibility and point allocation will be retrieved automatically. In cases where automatic retrieval is not possible, applicants are required to attach relevant documents to their applications.
Providers of the Program
The providers for this initiative will include tourist accommodations and ferry companies. Applications from providers will be accepted from May 7, 2025, to May 18, 2025 via the same government portal.
Automatic Inclusion for Previous Providers
Providers from the previous year will be automatically included in the registry, provided they update their participation documents as needed.
Conclusion: A Promising Opportunity for Travelers
The Social Tourism Program 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for eligible individuals and families to enjoy subsidized travel experiences. With a well-structured application process, increased benefits during peak seasons, and an inclusive approach for vulnerable groups, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact. As the opening date approaches, potential beneficiaries are encouraged to prepare their applications and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity for travel and leisure.
