Subsidized Holidays in Greece: Social Tourism Program Extended

Published on December 4, 2025

The Greek government has officially extended its Social Tourism program through June 2026, offering subsidised holidays, expanded stay durations, and increased funding to specific regions. This program aims to make holiday experiences more accessible to workers and the unemployed in Greece, enabling more citizens to enjoy vacations while boosting tourism in regional areas.

The extended program will provide new opportunities for Greeks to take advantage of subsidized travel and leisure, including greater flexibility in booking stays and more regions eligible for funding. By expanding this initiative, Greece is not only supporting its tourism sector but also fostering social inclusion and wellness by encouraging wider access to the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic sites.

Social Tourism: A Key Part of Greece’s Tourism Strategy

The Social Tourism program was first introduced to make vacations more affordable for workers and the unemployed, a response to economic challenges and the need for accessible leisure opportunities. This program has become an integral part of Greece’s tourism strategy, allowing more people to travel within their country and explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture Greece offers.

The initiative is designed to cater to those who may struggle to afford regular vacations, including low-income workers and individuals facing unemployment. By subsidizing a portion of their travel expenses, the government aims to boost domestic tourism, ensuring that a wider demographic can experience Greece’s iconic destinations, from Athens’ historical sites to the idyllic islands and mountainous regions.

What’s New in the 2025–2026 Social Tourism Extension?

For the 2025–2026 period, the Social Tourism program will see several updates that enhance its accessibility and reach:

Subsidized Holidays and Increased Funding – The program continues to offer financial support for accommodation, meals, and travel, with a higher subsidy for beneficiaries to make vacations more affordable. Additionally, funding for regional areas has been increased to encourage tourists to explore less-visited parts of Greece.

Longer Stay Durations – The program extends the allowable stay durations for beneficiaries, allowing more flexibility for those seeking to explore Greece over a longer period. This is particularly beneficial for families, retirees, and workers who have limited vacation time but want to experience more of Greece’s regions.

Expanded Coverage of Regions – The extension will add more eligible destinations to the program, encouraging travel to regions outside of the traditional tourist hubs like Athens and Santorini. This expansion is aimed at spreading the economic benefits of tourism to rural and less-visited areas, thus supporting local economies.

Updated Benefits for Workers and Unemployed Beneficiaries – Both workers and unemployed individuals will continue to benefit from the program’s offerings. In addition to subsidized travel, there are plans to streamline the application process for beneficiaries and introduce new benefits, making it easier for those in need to apply and receive assistance.

Boosting Domestic and Regional Tourism

One of the primary goals of the Social Tourism program is to reduce pressure on Greece’s most popular tourist areas by encouraging travel to more off-the-beaten-path destinations. By increasing the availability of subsidized travel options for underexplored regions, the government aims to promote sustainable tourism and alleviate overcrowding in areas such as Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes.

The program’s expansion into new regions will directly benefit areas that have traditionally seen less tourism. Rural villages, coastal towns, and mountainous areas will be able to offer accommodation, local experiences, and cultural tours, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses. This distribution of tourism revenue will also help preserve Greece’s cultural heritage and protect its natural landscapes from over-tourism.

For travelers, the social tourism scheme offers a more accessible way to experience Greece’s iconic sights and hidden gems, whether it’s enjoying the beaches of Corfu, hiking in Pelion, or exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi. With the program making it easier for individuals and families to plan vacations, it promotes deeper engagement with the rich heritage and diverse ecosystems of Greece.

Support for Local Businesses and Job Creation

The Social Tourism program has a direct economic impact, particularly on Greece’s local businesses and tourism service providers. Accommodation providers, such as hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, benefit from increased bookings from program beneficiaries, especially in regions where tourist numbers are typically lower. Restaurants, cafes, and tour operators in these regions also stand to gain from the influx of domestic travelers.

Additionally, the program creates job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors, supporting workers involved in travel and hospitality services, especially in regions outside of the major urban centers. Local economies are strengthened, contributing to the overall economic resilience of the country’s tourism industry.

Making Tourism More Inclusive

By offering subsidized vacations to those who may not have the means to travel otherwise, the Social Tourism program fosters inclusivity in the tourism experience. It ensures that travel is not reserved only for affluent tourists but is accessible to everyone, regardless of income. This approach also promotes the mental well-being of individuals, providing opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and cultural engagement that may otherwise be out of reach for many.

Furthermore, the program enhances social cohesion by encouraging individuals from various demographics to experience Greece together, helping to break down barriers and foster greater understanding through shared cultural experiences.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Social Tourism in Greece

As the 2025–2026 extension rolls out, the Greek government is expected to further develop the Social Tourism program with even more features, such as online booking platforms and interactive apps for easier access to benefits. Long-term plans aim to continually refine the program, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of Greece’s citizens and supports the tourism sector’s sustainable development.

By providing affordable travel opportunities, expanding regional tourism, and generating economic benefits, the Social Tourism program is a cornerstone of Greece’s tourism strategy. It reflects the government’s commitment to making tourism a driver of economic recovery and social inclusion, positioning Greece as a destination for all.