Thanks to the government initiative, retired individuals in Spain now have the opportunity to access low-cost holidays.
In Spain, retired individuals are receiving a bonus that is beyond the reach of most people’s imagination.
Many elderly individuals, including Spanish citizens and immigrants residing in Spain, qualified to receive discounted travel opportunities. These trips range from €115 for brief getaways to €455 for extended vacations.
Since its launch in 2021 by the Spanish government, there has been a gradual increase in popularity due to the rise in travel after the COVID-19 outbreak.
All the information about the scheme can be found here.
A view of one of the bays in Majorca that beneficiaries of the scheme could potentially visit.
What does the IMSERSO subsidized holidays scheme offer in Spain?
IMSERSO, also known as the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services, is a government-run organization overseeing and organizing social services.
One of the main goals of this organization is to make it easier for senior citizens to have cost-effective vacations in Spain.
The concept proposes that providing affordable holiday options for pensioners will improve health and quality of life, benefiting social care budgets. Additionally, it is expected that their self-sufficiency will also increase.
The program also positively impacts the economy and the tourism sector. Most discounted trips will occur during the off-peak season, typically from October to June. This will result in increased employment opportunities in the industry for extended periods.
The Imserso tourism program supports the concept of active ageing and encourages an active lifestyle. It also promotes intergenerational solidarity, stimulates employment and economic growth, and fosters inter-regional unity through travel between regions.
Spokesperson of IMSERSO
Are expats included in the eligibility for Spain’s subsidized holidays?
The positive update for individuals belonging to Spain’s extensive expatriate population – among the largest in Europe – is that the opportunity to benefit from the trips is not limited to Spanish citizens only but also open to legal residents.
The scheme is open to all applicants, regardless of whether they are native Spanish or an expat living in Spain (as reported by Euronews in 2023).
• Receiving a public pension from Spain after retirement
• Individuals aged 55 and above currently receive a pension as a widow or widower.
• If a person is 60 or older and receiving unemployment benefits or subsidies.
• Individuals 60 or older are beneficiaries or holders of Spain’s Social Security System.
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Applying does not necessarily guarantee acceptance, as the government gives priority to specific groups such as older people, individuals with limited financial resources, persons with disabilities, and those coming from large families.
Applicants applying for the first time and those more open to travelling during the low season (October-June) are given preference.
In the event of approval, one can embark on a journey solo or accompanied by a spouse, joint law partner or disabled child, regardless of whether they satisfy the criteria.
People of advanced age living in Spain can now arrange previously unattainable excursions.
What types of vacations are available through the program?
Most of the journeys occur within Spain, while a small portion extends to Portugal across the border.
At an average cost of €115, tourists can expect to spend about four days in an inland province for a quick getaway, commonly called a ‘mini-break’.
The €455 vacation packages typically last for ten days and grant recipients the opportunity to explore coastal regions or Spanish islands such as the Canaries and Balearics, as featured in this article on Euronews about the island’s cobbled streets, local delicacies, and year-round warmth that is sure to please food enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Individuals with meagre incomes may enjoy even lower prices.
The standard package usually covers transportation, lodging, meals, a group insurance plan, and a program for cultural and social activities.
In the 2023/4 season, there were a total of 886,269 openings available, which is a significant increase of 70,000 compared to the previous year.
The program now encompasses more regions, with ten additional cultural routes, 19 new nature routes, and an increase in the availability of single-occupancy rooms from 2% to 10%.
Individuals embarking on trips to regions known for their rich cultural heritage can anticipate schedules filled with various activities centred around literature, music, theatre, and food.
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What is the process for applying to the IMERSO low-cost holiday scheme?
Travellers can reserve their travels to various locations using their identification card on the authorized website, www.turismosocial.com.
One option is to make a reservation through travel agencies authorized by the IMSERSO Tourism Programme, using only an identification card.
Despite no assurance of availability, the budget for the 2023/4 season has dramatically increased to €300 million, allowing for a more significant number of individuals to partake in these vacations.
Retirees can discover popular attractions such as the Arco de Triunfo in Barcelona, as seen in the image by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.
Is it possible for the scheme to be expanded to other countries in Europe?
The IMSERSO currently provides travel opportunities to countries outside Spain, including Portugal. Still, according to Spanish tourism authorities, there are plans to expand this program to cover all of Europe.
According to the Spanish tourism authorities, other European nations are recommended to adopt this proposal. Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Fernando Valdes, has previously stated that if other countries follow suit, countless European retirees would have the opportunity to take advantage of a comparable arrangement.
Valdes presented in 2022 during his visit to Dijon, France, discussing that senior citizens make up approximately 21% of the overall population of the European Union, as reported by Euronews.
According to him, their average expenditure on tourism is approximately 5.6% of their income. He proposed that this amount could be significantly raised if the government provided regional subsidies.
At present, the Spanish government is still implementing their plan. A new inclusion in this plan is the IMSERSO hydrotherapy program, which allows senior citizens to visit spas throughout the country. These spas are typically too costly for individuals with limited incomes, but the program offers affordable prices.
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