Applications for the new line of direct aid for the hospitality sector in Cieza are now open.

The Department of Commerce and Hospitality of the Cieza City Council, led by María Jesús López, announced this new package of measures several weeks ago, which includes a line of direct aid and a discount on the occupancy rate for tables and chairs during 2021.

"The grants, which are a further example of the local government's commitment to the hospitality sector, will be available to more than 60 businesses in the municipality once they are awarded to those who have applied for them with a budget of €70,000. The application period began last Friday and ends on October 26," municipal sources said.

Mayor Pascual Lucas and the responsible councilor, María Jesús López, held a meeting with representatives of the Cieza Hospitality Association to discuss needs and the new measures, in addition to those adopted a few months ago, aimed at supporting the sector during these difficult times.

The hospitality sector continues to be one of the hardest hit since the start of the pandemic due to the restrictive measures implemented regarding capacity, hours, the ban on the use of bars in establishments, and restrictions on social gatherings. Yesterday, the CARM (Carm) implemented new restrictions due to the number of cases in Cieza and several municipalities in the region that are also experiencing the same situation.

In addition to this line of aid, there is a bonus on the occupancy rate for tables and chairs for 2021, which will be approved by the plenary session soon, and a new edition of the "We Are 10" campaign to encourage consumption in shops and hospitality, which is already underway for a value of €100,000.

For his part, López said that "at the City Council, we continue working to address this health crisis, which is severely affecting the economy, as effectively as possible. Our goal is to implement measures that will help Cieza's commerce and hospitality industry during very difficult times when the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 is preventing them from making effective business decisions."

Source: Cieza City Council.