Last year, holiday stays purchased with holiday vouchers totaled approximately 10 million EUR, an amount nearly four times higher than in 2015 and six times higher than in 2014. For this year, ANAT estimates a 38-fold increase in the amount, if holiday vouchers worth 1,450 RON are granted to each public sector employee.
In 2016, most vouchers were used to purchase stays in spa resorts, seaside resorts, and the Danube Delta, which saw sales increases of 18%, 12%, and 20%, respectively.
Holiday vouchers were introduced to the Romanian market in 2009, but their issuance was stopped in the public sector after one year due to the economic crisis, and since then, it has been restricted annually through legislative acts. The law was promoted to protect the health of employees and provides reduced taxes for employers who offer these value vouchers to their staff. Another goal of the law is to increase domestic tourism; the latest version of the legislative act, approved in 2015, provides for the replacement of holiday bonuses—which could be used to buy foreign trips and were taxed similarly to salaries for the employer—with holiday vouchers.
Source: Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of stays purchased with vouchers in 2016?
In 2016, the total value of holiday stays purchased using vouchers reached approximately 10 million EUR, nearly four times more than in 2015.
Which destinations were most popular for voucher users?
Most vouchers were used for trips to spa resorts, seaside locations, and the Danube Delta, which saw significant sales growth.
What are the benefits for employers offering holiday vouchers?
Employers benefit from reduced taxes compared to traditional holiday bonuses, as the law encourages domestic tourism through these value vouchers.