This month the Italian government has implemented a stimulus package costing €53 million, which offers a thermal spa treatment worth up to €200 to Italian residents. The plan aims to support the sector, which has been hit hard by coronavirus shutdowns.
A parliamentary hearing in April saw the association representing the spa sector state that demand for thermal services fell by more than 70% during the pandemic, and ask for more government support. The new state-funded “spa bonus”, yet to become available to the public, is of course welcome news for the sector, however not everyone agrees with the plan.
1. Controversy over the “spa bonus”
According to Politico, Carlo Cottarelli, economist and former International Monetary Fund director who currently leads a think tank on public spending, criticises the government’s new plan. “It is hard to find a rationale, other than doing a favour to spa owners at state expense,” he said, arguing that it is a waste of money and they they would be better off helping specific spa resorts facing financial difficulties. He compared the scheme to another initiative from the government which offered a €100 bonus towards a new TV, available from the end of August. “The spa [owners’] lobby is strong, just like the TV makers’ lobby”, he said. The plan is also accused of mostly benefitting wealthy citizens, who aren’t in need of state money to fund their spa trips.
Reactions from Italy’s residents themselves are somewhat different, as it seems many are already keen to know how they can take advantage of the offer. Once made available, the “spa bonus” will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis, and participants will require a Covid pass to enter the spa facility.
2. Confirmation of availability is still needed
The “spa bonus” was first thought up last summer by the previous executive led by Giuseppe Conte, however Rome did not lay out the conditions of access so it was never brought into force. In spring, Italian lawmakers chose to increase the funding by €5 million, and the plans were then implemented by the new government under the leadership of former European central banker Mario Draghi. It now remains for the government to produce a list of accredited thermal resorts which will be allowed to provide the offer.
