I’ve seen a few reports that the Italian Island of Sicily is planning on offering some huge incentives to boost tourism. Statistics that I’ve come across are forecasting over a billion dollars in lost revenue due to the coronavirus. In order to attempt to revive the economy, Sicily will be offering discounted flights, hotels, and attractions as an incentive to visit their island.
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How Much?
It is stated that Italy has set aside a budget of nearly $54 Million dollars which will be used to subsidize the cost of travel. The money set aside will be available for tourist to use in the form of travel vouchers. For hotels, the vouchers will cover 1 out of every 3 paid nights paid. Airfare for tourists will be reduced as much as 50%. Finally, all fees will be waived to visit the museums and historical sites around Sicily.
When?
Italy is planning on lifting quarantine measures at the beginning of May, however travelers looking to take advantage of these incentives will most likely begin late summer/early fall. I’m sure that the government would make those vouchers availiable sooner if the percentage of new cases of coronavirus significantly decreased around the world paired with perhaps a vaccine or better testing measures.
How to get the Vouchers
The Italian Government will be providing updates on when the vouchers will be made available and how to obtain them on the Official Sicily Tourism Website.
Basic Breakdown
I don’t know how I feel about this. On one hand, I certainly appreciate discounted travel and am always on the look out for a great deal. On the other hand, Italy was one of the hardest hit countries in the world and I’m apprehensive about traveling there right now. I’m sure that with more precautions and testing, I’d certainly be less reluctant to start traveling again, especially to places that were major hotspots. What do you think? Will these travel vouchers incentivize you to fly again? If not, what will? I’d live to hear your thoughts down below in the comments or over in the 4,000 + Members Basic Travel Facebook Group!
