Greece’s Step-by-step Tourism Opening Plan Aims to Recover Lost Ground
Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis.
Balance, safety, and respect of travelers’ needs are the focus of the Greek Tourism Ministry’s progressive plan to open to tourists on May 14 in the aftermath of Covid-19, said Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis speaking in parliament this week.
Theoharis called for a united stance and invited all political rivals and parties to support efforts being made to meet the May 14 deadline.
Plans, drawn up in collaboration with epidemiologists and health experts, are based on last year’s experience, updated health protocols, and assessment of current data, he said. Theoharis also referred to bilateral actions with other countries aimed at ensuring safety during travel.
“We are the first country to announce a clear goal for the re-opening of tourism on May 14,” said Theoharis, reiterating that like last year, tourism will not in any way affect the development of the pandemic.
The tourism ministry is aiming this year to increase tourism revenue by implementing a plan in phases which includes the gradual opening of land borders in the run-up to May 14; the introduction of self-testing; easing quarantine restrictions for key source markets announced this week; the implementation of the green certificate (vaccination) idea; prioritizing the vaccination of tourism professionals and islanders; and providing ongoing support to hard-hit tourism enterprises so that they can return to operations.
Key to re-opening safely on May 14 is “building trust” said Theoharis, with solutions and agreements.
“The fact that we have set a specific date demonstrates that there is an far-reaching plan being implemented in solid steps,” he said referring to the government’s five-pronged defense plan which includes targeted controls and protocols.
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