The new Social Tourism program by DYPA for the period 2026-2027 comes into effect from May 1st, 2026, offering vacation vouchers to employees, unemployed individuals and their families. Applications will begin next Tuesday, based on the last digit of the tax identification number, as announced by DYPA’s governor, Yianna Chormova.
The program will run for 13 months, until May 31st, 2027, and it’s estimated that approximately 300,000 beneficiaries and eligible family members will benefit, taking vacations with significant financial subsidies.
What is the Social Tourism voucher
The social tourism voucher is a form of financial assistance that covers part of the accommodation costs at tourist facilities, while also including subsidies for ferry transportation where required.
Who are the beneficiaries
Three main categories can participate in the program:
- employees with dependent employment relationships in the private sector
- insured individuals with e-EFKA who have paid unemployment contributions to DYPA in the last 12 months
- unemployed individuals registered in DYPA’s digital registry with at least three months of continuous unemployment
For all categories, income criteria apply, as the family income for tax year 2024 must not exceed the limits for the heating allowance.
Who are considered beneficiaries
Besides the primary beneficiary, family members also participate:
- children aged 5 to 18 years
- children over 18 years old who are protected or have disabilities above 67%
- spouses who are indirectly insured
- companions of disabled individuals
Who is excluded from the program
Those who were selected in the 2025-2026 program are excluded, regardless of whether they used the voucher.
Exceptions apply for:
- individuals with disabilities
- families with disabled members
- families with many children
Also excluded are those receiving similar benefits from other organizations for the same period.
Duration and overnight stays
The program runs for 13 months and allows vacations from 1 to 6 overnight stays throughout the country.
Special areas provide for more days:
- up to 10 overnight stays in Leros, Lesvos, Chios, Kos, Samos and Rhodes
- up to 12 overnight stays in North Evia, Thessaly and Evros
This arrangement aims to strengthen local economies.
What the subsidy covers
The voucher includes:
- accommodation subsidy
- ferry ticket subsidy
The subsidy value depends on the accommodation, area, period and overnight stays. During peak periods (August, Christmas, Easter) it increases by 20%.
For ferry services:
- 50% subsidy for the general population
- 100% for individuals with disabilities
Private participation
In most areas there is minimal private participation. However, in areas like North Evia and parts of Thessaly and Evros, accommodation is provided free of charge.
The scoring system
Selection is based on social and economic criteria:
- disabled individuals (50%+): 50 points
- single-parent family: 10 points
- minor children: 15 points per child
Income criteria:
- up to €10,000.99: 30 points
- €10,001–20,000.99: 20 points
- €20,001–30,000: 10 points
- Additional: new beneficiaries or those not selected in previous years: +20 points
Families with many children are automatically included, provided they meet the requirements.
Application process
Applications are submitted exclusively electronically through DYPA’s platform.
Interested parties declare their details and eligible family members. This is followed by:
- announcement of preliminary results
- submission of objections
- publication of final lists
Beneficiaries select accommodation from the provider registry and activate their voucher for their stay.
