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NHS workers to get free Ibiza holiday as thank you for work in coronavirus pandemic

The swimming pool at O Beach Ibiza: O Beach Ibiza/Facebook
The swimming pool at O Beach Ibiza: O Beach Ibiza/Facebook

NHS workers are set to land a free holiday to the Spanish party island of Ibiza next year, as a thank you for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The local government of Ibiza have said they are backing the "Together for Health Heroes" scheme, which applies to healthcare staff across Europe.

The initiative aims to show gratitude to healthcare workers for their "professionalism and strength" during the coronavirus crisis, which has seen hospitals filled with patients, with workers' own health often at risk.

A website for the scheme says that its aim is “to find at least 1,000 best in class accommodation providers in Europe” to provide free lodging for healthcare staff in 2021.

A statement adds: "It all started with a simple idea early in March. How can we say thank you to those fighting for the lives of our families, friends and communities?

"How can we say thank you to those putting their own lives at risk for us? Together we are driving change by celebrating and rewarding those who put our community, family and friends first during the COVID-19 outbreak.

San Antonio is well know as a party destination in Ibiza (Getty Images)
San Antonio is well know as a party destination in Ibiza (Getty Images)

"Unprecedented times highlight exceptional people. We thank those who we have trusted with our lives, by gifting them our homes and hotels in Ibiza and across Europe."

Around 60 private properties have already been offered, as well as rooms in the Atzaro, OD Hoteles, Concept Hotel Group and Aguas de Ibiza hotel chains, local paper Diario de Ibiza has reported.

Juan Miguel Costa, tourism councillor for Ibiza, told the paper that the scheme aims to “compensate those who have looked after us, risking their lives in many cases, and who deserve that we all do our share to make sure they have holidays that meet high expectations”.

The free accommodation should be available outside of peak season, in April, May and October, the scheme said on its website.

The Ibizan offer comes after Turkish Airlines said it would provide a large discount on flight tickets for NHS workers.

NHS staff who register with the airline can get a 40 per cent discount on their flights, alongside three others they choose to travel with. The offer lasts until July 18 and can be used to buy tickets for flights up to May 2021.

Announcing the offer, a spokeswoman said: "Turkish Airlines started a new campaign for the healthcare workers who are working selflessly to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

"With this campaign, all healthcare workers working around the world will be able to fly at 40 per cent discount with their tickets purchased from Turkish Airlines webpage or mobile application.

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