The Institute for Elderly Care and Social Services (Imserso) is set to begin its excursions and events later this year than previously anticipated. On Friday, August 25, the group led by Seniorplan 2.0, a consortium that did not win the competition for the package of offerings, announced plans to challenge the government’s allocation to Avians (Cluster Barcelona). This move signals a likely multi‑month delay compared with similar programs in recent years.
Historically, when a process runs into trouble, bookings and trips tend to shift from early autumn to late fall or winter. In this case, many hotels are considering scaling back operations for the low season, anticipating more disruption than usual.
The dispute traces back to the awarding phase. The department responsible for Imserso had released the decision to grant the contracts. Critics had already questioned the late tender and the length of the evaluation process, especially since the winning bid came from a single contractor that shaped the program, which raised alarms in an industry accustomed to delays when public resources are involved.
Avians, owned by Barcelo Group, appeared to prevail across most lots, leaving Mundiplan, Senior Plan 2.0, Vera Coaches, and others facing setbacks. Mundiplan quickly filed an appeal, which was denied, and reports indicated that at least two competitors have pursued appeals with the Court of Appeal. Some outlets noted that Mundiplan remains weighing its options, while Seniorplan 2.0 has begun fulfilling orders that have already been placed.
Several industry insiders suggested the timing of the bid submission was deliberate, aimed at finding space to question the tender while avoiding the natural delay that often accompanies appeals. The process is complex, with legal review potentially stretching for months. Even after a ruling, the winning firm cannot launch the program until contracts are formally signed, and only then can travel agents begin selling trips.
Imserso’s contribution to the public coffers
A spokesperson described a gap among hotels unsure how to respond to the Imserso program. They noted that while hotels can still compete for Imserso agreements, the program helps keep properties open and preserves jobs, while also bringing in tax revenue and traveler spending that benefits the public treasury. The spokesperson emphasized that delaying the program harms multiple stakeholders, including workers and local economies, since subsidies translate into broader economic activity that supports unemployment benefits and tax receipts.
Officials from the Association of Specialized Travel Agencies highlighted two clear goals of the Imserso program: enabling seniors to travel at accessible prices and keeping hotels operating during the off-peak season. Their perspective is that selling later in the year would leave fall and winter periods underutilized, a missed opportunity for hoteliers to fill rooms and maintain employment.
Industry reports show that hotels in key destinations relied heavily on Imserso traffic last year, underscoring the significance of the program for regional tourism. Delays in contracting and execution have led some hoteliers to consider closing for portions of the season, even as demand remains robust among seniors who rely on subsidized travel options.
Guaranteed delay
According to industry insiders, the program has been in place since mid‑autumn, and the absence of a prompt resolution means many operators could have closed without support. A representative from a provincial hotel federation noted that Catalonia hosted a large share of these travelers in the previous year, accounting for a substantial seasonal volume. The ongoing uncertainty compounds the challenge of planning for peak travel times and maintaining a stable workforce.
Experts emphasize that the Imserso program serves a vital role in promoting affordable travel for seniors while sustaining hospitality capacity during slower periods. The repeated postponement of decisions not only affects individual businesses but also the broader economic ecosystem that relies on steady visitor spending and employment opportunities throughout the year.