Introduction: In a much-awaited move to support the travel industry hit hard by the pandemic, the Italian Ministry of Tourism has released the notice on July 31st (protocol number 14406) outlining the guidelines for accessing the €39 million relief fund. These funds, allocated under the “Sostegni Ter” decree, are set to offer much-needed financial aid to travel agencies and tour operators that have incurred substantial losses during the COVID-19 crisis. With the application platform opening soon, eligible businesses will have the opportunity to seek restitution for the hardships they faced.
No Click Day, Online Applications Open: Contrary to initial speculation, the Ministry has decided not to implement a click day for applications. Instead, businesses seeking the contribution must exclusively use the dedicated online platform, accessible via Spid (Public System of Digital Identity) or electronic identity card, from 12:00 PM on August 8th, 2023, until 12:00 PM on September 22nd, 2023.
Eligibility Criteria for Fund Access: To access the relief fund, companies must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be registered in the Companies Register under Ateco codes 79.1, 79.11, and 79.12, actively operating without any ongoing insolvency proceedings, and have their legal headquarters in Italy. Moreover, companies must be in compliance with protection obligations in case of insolvency or bankruptcy and hold an insurance policy for third-party liability (Rc) for all the years from 2019 to 2023.
Additional Requirements for Consideration: Apart from the above conditions, applicants must not be recipients of interdiction sanctions and should be up to date with their Durc (Single Certification of Compliance). Compliance with pension, tax, and insurance obligations is mandatory. To qualify for the fund, businesses need to demonstrate a minimum 30% decrease in turnover and corresponding payments in the year 2021 compared to 2019. Alternatively, they must have been established or authorized since January 1st, 2020.
Supporting the Travel Industry’s Recovery: The pandemic severely impacted the travel and tourism industry, leading to widespread losses for travel agencies and tour operators. The allocated relief fund seeks to bolster the sector’s recovery by providing essential financial support. Eligible businesses can now prepare to submit their applications through the online platform and demonstrate how they have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
Conclusion: As the Italian government takes a crucial step towards rejuvenating the travel industry, the €39 million relief fund presents a beacon of hope for struggling travel agencies and tour operators. The transparent and online application process allows eligible businesses to seek financial restitution for their pandemic-related losses. With the fund application opening soon, travel companies must act promptly to access the support they need to rebuild their businesses and contribute to the revival of the Italian tourism sector.
