In conjunction with The Government, the Family Holiday Association would like to launch a voucher scheme to enable poorer families to take holidays that they wouldn’t normally be able to afford. It is hoped that the scheme will work along similar lines to childcare vouchers, with families able to buy holiday vouchers out of their pre-tax income.

Director John McDonald says that he was hoping that an All Party Parliamentary group set up to look at the benefits of social tourism would recommend a pilot scheme to help approx. 2.5m families who never get a break away.

Many believe that this sort of scheme will put a drain on the ailing public purse but others believe that social and economic benefits can be reaped from helping poorer families go on holiday. Other countries in Europe such as France and Spain are already reaping the rewards of social tourism and it is thought by many that the UK should follow suit. In France, the scheme enabled 7 million families to take a break last year, adding €3bn to the local economy. The Spanish were able to get back €1.5 for every €1 they spent on holiday vouchers.

If this voucher scheme was a success after the pilot finished then many poorer families could look forward to escaping their usual routine with UK coach holidays to explore the delights of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. If you’d like a little inspiration, then give Door2Tour.com a quick call and we’ll be more than happy to help!