ARCHIVED - Cheap local getaways available for Andalusian residents with bono turistico until December 2021
The Tourism Department of Andalucía has announced improvements to a scheme launched last year to encourage residents to travel within their own region
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been devastating for many sectors across Spain, and particularly so for the tourism sector, which in Andalusia saw visitor numbers fall from 32.5 million in 2019 to just 13.3 million last year. 2020 was a disastrous year for the sector, with travel agents and hotels reporting drops in turnover of between 80 and 85 per cent.
With this in mind, the region’s tourism authorities came up with a scheme last year to offer discounts on regional holidays in Andalusia for residents of the region, booked through travel agencies that are members of the ‘Andalucía Segura’ (Safe Andalusia) initiative, the idea being that those already living in Andalucía could explore their own, vast region and contribute to its economic recovery.
Now, regional Tourism leader Juan Marín has announced that the initial scheme, known as the “bono turístico” has been improved upon, with 25 per cent discounts (or a maximum of 200€) now available for people who book for two nights or longer, and 50 per cent discounts (up to 500€) for people aged over 65 or under 25 who book for at least four nights. The scheme is due to run until 9 December.
Further information is available here
Image: One of the many places on offer, the Villa Turística de Priego de Córdoba