The much-anticipated High Street Voucher scheme will open for applications on September 27, with the first vouchers being issued on October 4.
The £145m scheme will offer pre-paid cards worth £100 to all over-18s in Northern Ireland with the aim of helping businesses in retail and hospitality which were hit hardest by the pandemic.
The £100 cards will have to be spent by November 30.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Now is the time to get ready to spend local.
“The objective of the scheme is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the pandemic.”
In great news for the travel and tourism industry, one of the hardest hit by the pandemic and restrictions on travel, the new High Street Voucher Scheme CAN be redeemed against booking a holiday at your local travel agent.
Damian Murphy, Chair of the Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents, exclusively revealed to NI Travel News that travel agency branches WOULD be included.
DUP MLA Gordon Lyons also confirmed that the voucher scheme, designed to help boost sales on the high street, can be redeemed via telephone with your local travel agent, not just in branch. This makes it much easier for anyone looking to pay a deposit for a holiday or pay off a remaining balance with their local high street travel agent.
Damian said: “We feel it is now time for the NI Executive to market our industry better, in fact we feel they should mention us in their marketing material.
“With regards to the voucher it should be able to be used to book a holiday, pay a deposit for a holiday or pay off a remaining balance of a holiday, however we feel that ideally people should be encouraged to use it to pay a deposit on a holiday for next year.”
Mr Lyons has urged people to be patient when registration opens as there will likely be high demand.
