INATEL 55+ is a programme designed to create a access for SILVER associates to hotels belonging to the INATEL Network and 50 other associated hotels.
Since the early XX century, in Europe, a need for structures that would provide affordable holydays facilities or the working class was generalized. With time the same need was felt for retired people.
INATEL, a Portuguese organization that works in all areas of leisure, namely Culture, Sports and Tourism, founded in the 13th June 1935, within the frame of the Portuguese Nationalist regime, with the name National Foundation for the Joy at Work (FNAT), appeared to answer the first need, but soon was trying to address the second. It has now 16 hotels, 2 campsites, 23 units throughout the country. It holds a Theatre in the center of Lisbon and several sports parks all over the country. The main objective of the Foundation is to work for active and retired workers, guaranteeing that they can enjoy in their free time, quality activities at affordable or free prices, supporting poor retired people, if possible with their families Recently (2018) they launched 55+ project.
INATEL 55+ programme is designed to create an access for the SILVER Segment to hotels belonging to the INATEL Network and 50 other associated hotels, particularly the ones situated in the country interior. It was designed to also help the interior economy devasted by the enormous forest fires in 2018.
Senior citizens, only have to become INATEL associate members and apply for the programme. Main stakeholders are the INATEL Foundation, the Portuguese State and ESF.
Resources needed
Since it is transversal to the whole complex of hostelry in the whole country the cost is the global budget of 9 m € ,and 2000 employees, between public and private hostelry, and travel resources.
Evidence of success
In 2019, the 55+ Project allowed 21 000 SILVER Tourists, with limited resources, to have access to vacations in hotel units. Situated in the country’s hinterland.,
Difficulties encountered
ESF funding has temporal limits. Therefore, the program must become financially sustainable.
Places are few for so many associates and candidates. Waiting list sometimes is of three years.
Potential for learning or transfer
Both the private involvement and the strategic option for a focus in the country’s interior are something that can be transferred. Networking is essential for success, since not always demand and offer are even, and in the same region, networking can optimize the use of resources.
Tags: Ageing, Social, Tourism
