People in Flanders who have difficulties going on holiday, for instance due to financial precarity or serious illness, will face fewer obstacles in the near future. Tourism Minister Zuhal Demir wants to lower these barriers from 2023 with the renewed decree ‘Everyone Deserves A Holiday’.
Last year, 28% of Brussels residents indicated that they could not go on holiday away from home for a week. In Flanders, that was 13%. According to Demir, the figures show that social tourism must remain an important pillar of Tourism Flanders.
With the new decree, Demir aims to remove "holiday barriers". To do so, social mediation offices can now be subsidised to assign holidays. These offices are established by local organisations that have a welfare or social function.
“We see that these offices play a crucial role in making holidays accessible,” said Demir. “The 120 Rap op Stap (low-threshold travel agency) offices carry out 30% of all bookings for the ‘Everyone Deserves A Holiday’ initiative."
Through that network, people in financial or other difficulties can enjoy a holiday at a reduced rate. The updated decree aims to strengthen organisations that organise holidays for socially vulnerable groups. These so-called "social-tourist" organisations will now also be able to apply for subsidies.
The decree will come into effect on January 1, 2023.
