The world is gearing up to survive through COVID-19 and countries where tourism is a strong pillar of the economy, are planning to rev up the tourism industry on priority. In a recent address to the nation, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced June 15 as the official date of tourist season. Greece has also decided to resume direct international flights to the country’s tourist destinations from July 1.
Holidaymakers from the UK and other countries would not be quarantined but would be tested for COVID-19. Although it is not clear if these will be made mandatory for all or only those tourists who show the symptoms
Mitsotakis announce to the nationals that he was certain that they would win the economic battle the same way as they won the health battle. Greece is among the few countries where the spread of the virus has been controlled, recording 166 coronavirus-related deaths, and 2,850 confirmed cases.
Not only this, to promote tourism Greece is making travel cheaper by temporarily slashing value-added tax (VAT) on all transport - flights, bus journeys, and rail travel - to 13% from 24%. Taxes on coffee, soft drinks and tickets for open-air cinemas, a mainstay of any Greek summer, will also be reduced. Greece is all set to welcome the tourists and the government will ensure that everyone adheres to the general health protocol without impeding the joy of holidays for them.
Clearly taking this step hasn’t been an easy task, Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis has described the decision as a very complicated exercise. In fact, the entire tourism industry is facing a huge setback and people have to be prepared for a new normal life while travelling. The industry has to ensure the obligatory wearing of face masks on flights and new ways of operating hotels while adhering to physical distancing rules. A lot has to be reworked down to the tiniest detail to avoid containment of the virus.
Last year Greece attracted a record 33 million tourists, around 4 million visitors flew in from the UK. Country is hoping to attract a third of last year's number. Anyway such news act as a ray of hope for speedy revival of the tourism as well as the world.