So several governments, including Italy’s, are trying a radical new method of reviving their tourism industries: paying subsidies directly to holidaymakers. In June Italy unveiled a “holiday bonus” scheme costing €2.4bn, under which Italian families on low incomes receive up to €500 towards domestic holidays. Tackling wary travellers’ fears head-on, Cyprus has promised to meet the quarantine, health-care and holiday costs of any visitor who contracts the virus. Why are tourist subsidies suddenly so popular? In South Korea the government is paying extra “vacation bonuses” to employees of small firms who take time off.

Source: Stuff July 28, 2020 00:45 UTC