Given the increased demand for the Social Tourism program, as the number of applications submitted exceeded 800,000, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Public Employment Service (PES) have increased the number of eligible beneficiaries, which now totals 333,000.
As noted in the relevant announcement, the program runs from June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
“We listen to society’s needs and meet them. Taking into account the increased demand for the Social Tourism program this year, we have increased the number of beneficiaries by 33,000, providing an additional 5.5 million euros from the DYPA budget. “We stand by our fellow citizens and are improving their daily lives in practice,” stated Minister of Labor and Social Security Niki Kerameos.
The Social Tourism program is intended for employees with a private-law employment relationship, those insured with e-EFKA who contribute to the DYPA unemployment fund, the unemployed, and their families. The subsidized stay can last up to 12 nights, under specific conditions.
Special provisions are made for people with disabilities and their families. Beneficiaries with disabilities or those who have a family member with a disability may participate in programs for consecutive periods and are exempt from the penalty for non-activation of vouchers. The same conditions that apply to the general population apply to the accommodation subsidy.
At the same time, individuals with a disability of at least 50% are eligible for a 100% subsidy on ferry tickets. Furthermore, any person with a disability rating of 67% or higher is entitled to a companion without additional conditions, provided this is deemed necessary.