Imserso Celebrates 40 Years of Travel for Pensioners with New Features
In a significant step towards promoting active aging and making travel more accessible for senior citizens, Imserso, the Institute of Elderly and Social Services, is set to offer nearly 7,500 travel packages this year for pensioners with the lowest incomes, allowing them to explore various destinations for a flat fee of just 50 euros. For the first time since the program's inception 40 years ago, participants can also bring their pets along for the adventure.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, targets individuals whose benefits are equal to or below the non-contributory pension, ensuring that those with fewer economic resources can benefit significantly from this travel opportunity. In total, 7,447 places have been reserved for low-income pensioners, with the remaining costs covered by Imserso, marking a notable effort to expand access to travel among senior citizens.
Among the other changes in this year’s program is a monetary adjustment during peak travel seasons. Participants opting to travel during high season will face an additional charge of 100 euros compared to the same journey in low season. This measure aims to combat seasonality in tourism, ensuring that trips are spread out more evenly across the entire year. It is projected that 36% of the available places in each travel batch will be allocated proportionally throughout the campaign.
To ensure the enhanced quality of services and sustainability within the tourism sector, the budget allocated for the winning companies will be increased. A strengthened penalty system for non-compliance with quality standards established by Imserso will also be put in place. This proactive approach reflects the organization's commitment to providing a high-quality experience for all participants.
With its 40th anniversary approaching, Imserso has seen remarkable growth since its inception in 1985, when it offered just 16,000 travel places. Over the years, the program has expanded significantly, with more than 879,213 places planned for the upcoming campaign. Currently, over 4.6 million people are accredited to participate in these travel opportunities.
This year, all hotels included in the program must have a minimum of three stars and provide leisure and free-time activities. Additionally, successful candidates for the travel contract will be required to create informational materials focusing on active aging and the prevention of elder abuse, thus ensuring both safety and engagement for participants.
The program covers a variety of destinations, including the peninsular coasts, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands, as well as cultural and nature tourism circuits that embrace the rich heritage found in provincial capitals and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Trip durations will vary from four to ten days depending on the specific destination chosen.
As Imserso prepares to roll out the details of this year’s program, it underlines a commitment to not only encourage travel among the elderly but also to ensure that inclusivity and welfare are at the forefront. The anticipated publication of the contracting process on the public sector contracting platform is expected to take place in the coming weeks, further paving the way for a successful and enriching travel season for senior citizens.
Related Sources: