A new hotel incentive for Andalucian residents |
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UP TO 50% OFF HOTEL STAYS IN ANDALUCIA – THE NEW BONO TURISTICO
When did you last stay in a hotel in Andalucia? Perhaps this summer, on the coast? Or maybe last year? Since March, everyone's holiday plans have been turned upside-down by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andalucia had the most hotel visitors and stays in Spain during July, for the first time ever, but that summer peak was a brief golden period, before countries such as the UK imposed quarantine restrictions on tourists returning home from Spain.
In general terms, as we all know, the tourism industry here in Spain has been very hard-hit by the pandemic. Tourism represents 11.7% of the country’s GDP; last year almost 84 million tourists visited the country, in an industry worth more than 150 billion euros.
In Andalucia, the tourism industry employs around 300,000 people at 55,000 establishments; although July's numbers were positive compared to other regions in Spain, hotel stays were down 64% in August, year on year, according to the INE (National Statistics Institute). Many of the hotels in this region are small, family-run businesses at risk of collapse. Some have not even opened their doors to guests this year.
The number of visitors from abroad, who under normal circumstances represent the majority of tourism spend in Spain, has dropped catastrophically.
A new hotel incentive for Andalucian residents
If you are someone who is lucky enough to live in this beautiful region, then you can enjoy a discount on hotel stays, thanks to the new bono turistico andaluz announced by the Junta de Andalucia last week.
This incentive is designed to encourage residents of Andalucia to take the opportunity of exploring the diverse destinations of our region, from historic cities to tree-covered rolling hills and, of course, the stunning coastline, from Huelva in the west to Almeria in the east. While the bono itself is for hotels, the idea is that restaurants and bars will also benefit from the increase in visitors staying at these establishments.
What is the bono turistico andaluz, and who is it for?
- The bono turistico andaluz entitles hotel guests to a discount of either 25 or 50% on hotel stays of more than three nights between 1 October 2020 and 31 May 2021.
- The 50% discount is for those with an annual income of less than 20,000 euros.
- The bono can only be used three times during this period.
- You have to book your hotel stay at a travel agent that has the “Andalucia Seguro” stamp. This stamp ensures that tourism establishments, agencies and other companies follow certain safety and hygiene requirements. For more information on Andalucia Segura, see here.
- To find one near you, use this link (be sure to cross the box “Declaración Responsable Andalucía Segura”).
- The maximum reduction allowed is 300 euros, in other words on a stay whose total value is 1200 euros.
- The hotel must also have the “Andalucia Segura” stamp. To find one near you, use this link (be sure to cross the box “Declaración Responsable Andalucía Segura”).
- The bono is for anyone who is empadronado (registered as a resident with their town hall, on its padrón, or register) in Andalucia. You do not need to have a specific level of income or benefit; the bono is open to all residents.
How do I use the bono to recover my 25 or 50%?
- When you have paid for your hotel, within a month you need to fill in a form to apply for the refund from the Junta de Andalucia.
- You then hand in this form, along with your hotel bill from the travel agency and empadronamiento certificate, at an official register (or apply online), and the refund will be deposited in your bank account.
At which hotels can you use the bono?
- You can only use the bono at hotels with the “Andalucia Segura” stamp. To find one near you, use this link (be sure to cross the box “Declaración Responsable Andalucía Segura”).
- For example in Seville you could stay at a grand, historic hotel such as the Alfonso XIII , the Inglaterra, or a smaller, boutique establishment like Corral del Rey.
- In Marbella, the Fuerte and the Amare Marbella Beach are among those included in the Andalucia Segura scheme.