The 24 organizations covering the entire spectrum of the hospitality industry, united under the name Alianța pentru Turism (APT), as well as other trade union and employer organizations representing all areas of the national economy support the major importance of reintroducing holiday vouchers from 2022. It is essential that this decision to be legislated by the end of this year. APT, together with the other trade union and employers' organizations, welcomes the public announcement regarding the reintroduction of VACATION VOUCHERS for all categories of employees starting in 2022 and propose to the government an improved formula.
In just 11 years, more precisely in the period from 2010 to 2021, they caused a 326% increase in the number of classified tourism units as well as a doubling of accommodation places
In the conditions of the current severe personnel crisis, holiday vouchers represent a strong motivation factor for employees in the public and private sector. Although the false perception has been created that private sector employees cannot benefit from holiday vouchers, the numbers prove otherwise, indicating the growing interest of private employers in this form of incentive. For example, from the beginning of the year to September 30, 2021, the private sector allocated holiday vouchers worth more than 52 million euros to employees, which represents 17% of the total value of vouchers issued in the previous year. Increasing the motivation and efficiency of employees, restoring their physical and intellectual energy is part of the benefits brought to the workforce. Also, the holiday vouchers have contributed essentially to the improvement of the taxation of the tourism sector, through the accelerated increase in the number of classified tourist structures, guaranteeing the collection of fees and taxes to the public budget. In just 11 years, more precisely between 2010 and 2021, they caused a 326% increase in the number of classified tourism units as well as a doubling of accommodation places. More precisely, in October 2010, according to the relevant ministry, there were 5458 accommodation units totaling 255.623 places, and in November 2021, the figure reached 17.800 accommodation units, respectively 523.177 places. The investments stimulated by the vacation voucher project meant both the construction of new accommodation units and the modernization of some that remained in an inadequate condition for decades, the appearance of 4- and 5-star health centers in spa resorts, but also the construction of swimming pools, spa centers, modern restaurants and other facilities oriented towards sustainable tourism and digitized management.
Other European countries such as France, Hungary, Lithuania and the Czech Republic have such incentives
Another important benefit of holiday vouchers is that they can essentially support local communities. The result will determine the development of sustainable tourism in particular and the local economy in general, as a result of generating increased activity in related sectors. Holiday vouchers can only be used for tourism services in Romania , stimulating the development of domestic tourism and supporting Romania's balance of payments. Naturally, their granting involves tax facilities for employers. Vouchers are included in an electronic system, and payments are simple, fast and secure, at POS or online.
And other European countries, such as France, Hungary, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, have such incentives. Another mention is Poland, with a system that offers incentives for children up to 18 years old.
It is good to know that the vouchers issued in the period 2019-2020, for which the validity period was extended until the end of this year, have already been consumed. A new issue of vouchers is needed, and their reintroduction to be legislated by December 31, 2021. Thus, tourists as well as the tourism industry will benefit from the much-needed predictability that has been lacking in recent years. Issuing them starting from December 2021, for the following year, would facilitate early vacation planning and stimulate sales.
We all know that the hospitality industry has been the most affected economic branch due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a decrease of 74% in 2020 worldwide. On the other hand, the employees went through two difficult years and faced a very high level of stress. This is precisely why holiday vouchers represent a way of post-Covid recovery for employees, as well as an essential breath of oxygen for the tourism industry, which will thus be able to withstand, develop and improve its services.
According to a study by the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), the share of holiday vouchers was low at the peak of the season on the Romanian coast , representing higher shares at the end of the season or for other forms of tourism, such as balneoclimatic tourism, rural tourism, mountain tourism , etc. About 90% of the amounts collected in July and August were not paid with holiday vouchers. For example, in 2018, the share of receipts from holiday vouchers was only 4% in July, and 5% in August, respectively. Most receipts with holiday vouchers were generated in May and November (16%). Likewise, this year, in July, the share was only 11%, and in August 12%. The rest of the amounts collected were paid by card, by bank or in cash. In addition, every 1450 lei paid with holiday vouchers was supplemented with another 50% amount up to the value of the purchased services. We can say that the vouchers contributed significantly to balancing the tourist demand, both from a temporal point of view, the demand being constant throughout the year, and by covering all the tourist regions of Romania. Some of the employees opted for tourist packages in areas close to their home town.
