The Bono Viaje program, which aims to boost tourism across Spain, has concluded its 2024 edition with impressive numbers, reflecting a significant uptick in engagement and overnight stays. According to the latest reports from EFE, the initiative generated 39,864 reservations, leading to 125,917 overnight stays—a remarkable 59% increase compared to the previous year.
Highlighting the success of the program, Marián Cano, Spain’s Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, remarked, "Cerca de 120.000 personas han disfrutado del programa durante este año," indicating the wide range of tourists benefiting from this initiative. This surge is particularly noteworthy for regions like Alicante, which accounted for six of the ten most sought-after destinations, including popular spots such as Benidorm, Calp, and Altea.
The 2024 Bono Viaje program provided financial aid of 50% on the cost of contracted tourism services, incentivizing travelers to explore local destinations. The structure required participants to stay for at least three consecutive nights at the same accommodation, with up to 350 euros available as financial support for each reservation made. According to Cano, "los primeros resultados de balance de este programa nos indican que hemos incrementado considerablemente el número de pernoctaciones con respecto a 2023."
Additional figures from the program show the average reservation cost sits at 582.44 euros, contributing to over 23 million euros pumped back to the local economy, with Turisme Comunitat Valenciana contributing more than 11.1 million euros. This substantial investment marks the program’s third year and showcases its effectiveness amid post-pandemic recovery efforts.
The initiative also involved 992 registered businesses, of which about 36.4% are travel agencies, around 30.8% hotels, and 15% rural accommodations. Notably, Alicante has emerged as the province with the highest number of companies involved, making up 42.7% of the total. These participating businesses range from well-known hotels to charming rural lodgings, significantly enhancing the travel experience for voucher users.
Reflecting on the initiative's current impact, Cano expressed optimism about the future of the Bono Viaje program. With its significant contributions to boosting local economies and promoting tourism, it has become more than just a financial aid scheme; it serves as a revitalizing force for Spain's travel sector.
The program's two main operational periods this year spanned from January 15 to June 16, excluding the busy Holy Week, and resumed from September 16 until December 22, showcasing flexible timing to accommodate travelers. With nearly 125,917 overnight stays registered at various accommodations, there's no denying the impact this program has had on regions eager to attract tourists.
Conclusively, the results from the Bono Viaje indicate not only heightened interest among tourists but also encourage locals to explore their own country more thoroughly—bolstering community engagement and support for local businesses. This tourism initiative stands as clear evidence of Spain's commitment to recover and innovate its travel industry following the challenges posed by the pandemic.