Ministry considers restructuring voucher card system

In Hungary

móni lázár

The National Economy Ministry is weighing modifications to SZÉP national voucher cards that are used by the tourism industry, Ádám Ruszinkó deputy state secretary for tourism  told daily Napi Gazdaság today.

(Photo: Moni Lazar)

The SZÉP card (pictured above) is a tax-free benefit that employers can give to their workers. The employer puts a cash value on the card each month, and cardholders can use the card to make purchases at businesses in the tourism industry. One purpose of the card is to support and encourage local tourism among Hungarians.

Industry sources told the paper that Hungarian hotels are lobbying for restrictions on the types of catering establishments where the card may be used. They have requested that food restaurants not be eligible for use of the card. Spending on catering establishments accounts for about half of SZÉP card purchases at present, the paper added.

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