Greece’s “Tourism for All 2026-2027” program is introducing one of its most significant reforms to date, fundamentally changing how beneficiaries will be selected.
The Ministry of Tourism is redesigning the selection process to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate implementation, and maximize the use of available funding.
The biggest change is the elimination of the traditional second lottery draw that existed in previous versions of the program.
The Program Will Operate in Two Separate Phases
The new structure divides the program into two implementation periods.
Phase A
- Launch period: Expected in the coming months.
- End date: June 30, 2027.
Phase B
- Launch period: Early 2027.
- End date: December 31, 2027.
This dual-phase approach provides greater flexibility and allows the program to support both the 2026 and 2027 tourism seasons.
The Biggest Change: No Second Lottery Draw
Under previous systems, every new cycle required a completely new selection process.
Starting in 2026, this will no longer be necessary.
Beneficiaries for Phase B will be selected directly from the reserve applicant list generated during Phase A, instead of conducting another lottery draw.
This means:
- No new application submission.
- No additional lottery draw.
- Reserve applicants receive a second opportunity.
- Faster and more efficient implementation.
What Does This Mean for Citizens?
For the first time, applicants who are not selected in the initial draw will not need to restart the entire process.
Their application will remain active and may be used during the second phase of the program.
Simply put:
Even if you are not selected in the first draw, you are not excluded from the program.
This significantly increases the chances for more citizens to benefit from the initiative.
Why Is the System Changing?
The Ministry of Tourism has three primary objectives.
1. Better Budget Utilization
Using reserve applicants helps avoid losing available funds and ensures that more vouchers are eventually used.
2. Reduced Bureaucracy
Citizens will no longer need to repeat the entire application process every time a new phase begins.
3. Continuous Program Operation
The program will operate with minimal interruptions between implementation periods.
Digital Draw Process with Full Transparency
Although the selection mechanism is changing, beneficiaries will still be chosen through an official electronic lottery process.
The system is designed to ensure:
- Transparency
- Equal opportunities
- Fairness
- Automated beneficiary selection
More Beneficiaries Than Ever Before
Alongside the draw process changes, income eligibility criteria are also expanding.
Examples include:
- Single applicants without children: from €19,000 to €21,000.
- Married couples without children: from €31,000 to €33,000.
- Families with multiple children: up to €58,000.
These new thresholds are expected to significantly increase participation.
Additional Support for Large Families
Another important addition is an extra financial incentive.
Beneficiaries will receive:
+€50 for every child from the fourth child onward.
This measure did not exist in previous editions of the program.
People with Disabilities: Participation Without Income Limits
For the first time, individuals with a disability rate exceeding 67%, as well as families with children with disabilities, will be able to participate regardless of income criteria.
This reinforces the social nature of the program and broadens accessibility.
When Will Applications Open?
Applications are expected to open during August 2026.
The process will be completed electronically through Greece’s official government platforms and applicants will need:
- Taxisnet credentials
- Personal information verification
- Banking details when required
Conclusion
Tourism for All 2026-2027 is not simply increasing subsidy amounts. It is completely redesigning how beneficiaries are selected.
By eliminating the second lottery and utilizing reserve applicants, Greece is creating a faster, more efficient, and fairer system that provides more opportunities to thousands of households.
The new philosophy aims to transform domestic tourism into a long-term pillar of economic development while simultaneously strengthening social inclusion and equal access to holidays.
