The Erzsébet Programme is a holiday system that assists the whole of Hungarian society and which perfectly encompasses the principles of reason, usefulness and social justice, Minister of Public Administration and Justice Tibor Navracsics said in Budapest on Monday.

The Minister said that under the auspices of the Erzsébet Programme, this is the third year that families who would otherwise be unable to do so due to their financial situation have been able to go on vacation from revenues generated by the distribution of Erzsébet Vouchers.

He noted that on the basis of the applications received so far, this year it will be possible for about 125,000 people, including some 45,000 children, to receive discounted holiday options. The applicants include some 6,000 disabled people, 34,000 pensioners and about 43,000 people living in large families.

Spokesperson for the Erzsébet Programme Anna Nagy said that the call for applications ended a few weeks ago, during which large families, pensioners, disabled people and children were eligible to sign up for various holiday destinations. The Programme is expected to greet its 400,000th guest this year, she added.

During the past two years more than 250,000 people have enjoyed state-subsidised holidays within the framework of the Programme and the number of places available has doubled compared to the first year. In addition to the 125,000 people who will be able to enjoy holiday thanks to the Programme this year, tens of thousands more are expected to be provided with recreational opportunities – said Anna Nagy.

(Ministry of Public Administration and Justice)