On Wednesday 11 May, the European Commission authorised a €698 million Italian scheme to support companies active in the tourism sector affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The scheme has been authorised under the State aid Temporary Framework and is included in the national Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The aid will take the form of direct grants and tax credits for tourism companies, and credits for travel agencies and tour operators.
For tourism companies, the measure is aimed at covering part of the costs for the improvement of structures and facilities and for energy efficiency. Eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive an aid amount covering up to 50% of the eligible costs, within a maximum ceiling of €100,000 per company.
For travel agencies and tour operators, the measure is aimed at covering part of the costs related to renovations and digital development activities. The eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive aid in the form of a tax credit covering up to 50% of the eligible costs, within a maximum ceiling of €25,000 per beneficiary. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)