The Ministry of Digital Governance is attempting to give a boost to the local economy and tourism of Kythera and Chios by issuing a call for the new support programme entitled «Chios - Kythira Pass 2026».
This action is designed as a targeted intervention to support tourism activity on the two islands affected by the catastrophic fires of 2025 and are called upon to cope with the socio-economic consequences.
How the aid will be granted
The total budget of the action amounts to 2.000.000 euros. According to the project design, the objective is to issue and provide 6.600 vouchers (tourism cheques) to beneficiary citizens, with the aim of stimulating domestic tourism.
As in previous similar programmes (e.g. Evia Pass), financial support will be given to beneficiaries in the form of intangible digital debit card. The geographical focus of the action is strictly limited to the Municipality of Kythera and the Municipality of Chios, covering all their municipalities.
Next steps and the platform
At present, the call issued concerns the technical/management part of the programme. The beneficiary for the «setup» of the system is the National Network of Infrastructures for Research and Technology - Hellas (EDYTE S.A.).
According to the Ministry's timetable:
- It will be created one (1) fully available online service (platform) through which citizens will be able to make their applications.
- The technical implementation proposals from the competent bodies are submitted to the NPA Information System from 30 March 2026 to 29 May 2026.
- After the evaluation and the closure of this phase, official announcements will follow on when the platform for citizens' applications will be opened.
The eligibility of expenditure of the operations is set until 31 December 2027, giving a wide timeframe for the full absorption of the funds that will boost local businesses on the two islands.
