Greece reopens to tourism on May 14: conditions for entry
Greece reopens to tourism on May 14. If until a few weeks ago the government assured that the vaccine [...]
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On May 14, the Greece reopens to tourism. If until a few weeks ago the government assured that the vaccine would not be necessary, the new announcement goes in a different direction. Or rather: the vaccine is one of the conditions for entry into the country, as an alternative to the (demonstrable) presence of antibodies and the negative test.
This was stated by Harry Theocharis, Greek Tourism Minister, in an interview with The Guardian.
Greece reopens to tourism on May 14: new rules
"We aim to reopen tourism by May 14 with specific rules and updated protocols. Until then, we will gradually remove the restrictions if conditions allow," these are the words of Theocharis.
Greece is currently in a race against time to restart a sector considered vital to the nation's economy, namely tourism. And it is among that group of countries clamoring for the introduction of a European certificate of vaccination to unblock travel ahead of the vacations. Despite initial reluctance, Brussels has slowly accepted the idea. In early March, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas said that supposedly the "health passport" will be ready by summer. However, President Ursula von der Leyen warned of the dangers, legally and technically, regarding the creation of the certificate.
With this in mind, Greece reopens to tourism on May 14. It does so after a long lockdown that began on Nov. 7, 2020, and is in effect until March 16, 2021 (at least), which has dealt a severe blow to the country's economy. Just think of the restrictions imposed on tourists who, upon arrival, until March 22, 2021 must comply with a 7-day fiduciary self-isolation. A measure that, in effect, nullifies the state's tourist attractiveness.
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In recent weeks, moreover, several alternative solutions had been discussed. One among them was the possibility of creating "Covid-free oases," fully vaccinated islands off the usual tourist routes to safely accommodate travelers.
Photo from Pixabay
The situation in Europe
The vaccine situation, in Europe, is not rosy. Only theEngland seems close to an end, with the May 17, 2021 as a possible reopening date for international travel. In Spain, the Canary Islands have become the subject of a "experiment" for Covid-free travel thanks to the initiative of Alpitour (which has earmarked some of its villages for Covid-tested travelers). And while in Italy, newly appointed Prime Minister Mario Draghi has promised the implementation of flight Covid-tested, after the "first" Italy-US flights, from Assoviaggi comes the idea of the "Green Pass".
"We are not talking about a vaccine passport but about common protocols between countries to ensure that there is mobility of travelers at least within Europe. If I, an Italian, go to Spain, I will have the same measures as the Spaniard coming to Italy, and the same with, for example, France, Greece and Germany," explained Gianni Rebecchi, national spokesman for the association.
Rejected the idea of a new Holiday Bonus. "We need to think about a bonus that allows for easy spending and through tax deductions. If I spend 2,000 euros on a trip to Italy, I can also employ these resources in travel agencies and tour operators," Rebecchi concluded.
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