Hoteliers Express "Concern and Anger" Over the Start of Imserso Seat Sales

On September 23, more than 886,000 seats will go on sale for the next edition of the Imserso social vacation program, launched by the Ministry of Social Rights. Of these, over half, 443,887, will be allocated to coastal destinations such as those on the Costa Blanca.

The seat sales will commence in two blocks encompassing different autonomous communities. Specifically, for the Valencian Community, the key dates are September 23 and 24. The region will share these dates with Andalusia, Aragon, Cantabria, Castile and León, Extremadura, Madrid, Melilla, and Murcia.

As has been customary for several seasons now, the announcement of the start of the Imserso social vacation program's commercialization has not pleased the hotel sector. Hoteliers have long been warning about its unviability due to conditions imposed by the Ministry that force establishments to operate at a loss.

Therefore, it was unsurprising to hear harsh criticism from Mayte García Córcoles, Secretary General of the Hosbec hotel association. In response to questions from TodoAlicante, she verbalized the "concern and anger" of hoteliers, "especially in destinations like Benidorm," regarding this year's extension of the Imserso program.

García Córcoles emphasized that this extension "has not introduced any improvements in contracting conditions," making participation economically unviable. She further explained that alternatives include "closing establishments or working with other markets or groups that could maintain hotel activity throughout the winter and thereby keep all staff employed."

Benidorm's mayor and President of Alicante's Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, has aligned himself with hoteliers' criticisms. He was not surprised by García Córcoles' comments.

For Pérez, what has happened is "something foreseen. There is no understanding, and it is a pity because Benidorm is closely linked to the Imserso program." He aligned himself with hotels as they have "been operating at a loss for years but continue because we understand its social value." He added that "the Ministry's clients are also our clients; they are friends of Benidorm."

Pérez lamented that "the Ministry has consistently ignored the sector," reminding that "for over five years, they have not listened to those investing their resources to care for and bring joy to our seniors."

The President of Alicante's Provincial Council highlighted that "it had already been announced there would be a drop in hotel registrations and available beds for the program, and unfortunately, this has been confirmed."

In Pérez's opinion, this should lead to a "deep reflection by the Ministry regarding a program that is emblematic of Brand Spain." In conclusion, he stated that "a public program cannot be placed on the shoulders and at the risk of establishments doing their job while facing increasing costs semester after semester without any sign of improvement from those launching the program."