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Spain is among the most visited countries in the world. It boasts a high standard of living and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Spanish is the fifth most widely spoken language globally (534 million speakers, 2022). Spain is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU.
Spain has pioneered a travel support policy for the elderly and retirees, becoming the first European country to do so. The support program covers travel, meals, and hotel accommodations. It is organized and managed by the Spanish Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (IMSERSO). This not only provides opportunities for the elderly to experience and explore the world comfortably but also boosts Spain's tourism industry and economy.
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Spain's travel subsidy program for senior citizens and retirees sets clear and attractive goals. The program aims to encourage senior citizens and retirees to participate in travel activities, explore the country, and create opportunities for community interaction. In this way, they can enjoy new experiences, broaden their horizons, and create memorable moments.
More importantly, the program also contributes to boosting the Spanish tourism industry, especially during the off-season. By creating attractive subsidy packages for senior citizens, the program helps boost tourism supply and demand during low-demand periods, sustaining businesses and generating revenue for the tourism sector throughout the year. This makes the program a win-win opportunity for both senior citizens and the Spanish tourism industry.
Eligible participants in the program are legal residents of Spain. For retired foreigners, the most common way to obtain residency status is to apply for a non-work residency visa through the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to invest in real estate worth at least €500,000, qualifying them for a "golden visa".
