Greece Wants Travelers to Feel Safe and Secure After Covid-19

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis

Making travelers to Greece feel safe and secure, after the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic subsides, is of vital importance, Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said on BBC Radio on Wednesday, speaking about the country’s strategy to open its doors to tourists.

Theoharis said that Greek government authorities together with experts and health officials were drawing up plans for the “next day of travel” which may include harsher measures but at the same time protect both holidaymakers and hosts.

The Greek minister reiterated however that Greece would like to see a common EU policy with regard to travel and tourism safety in the post-Covid-19 era which will cover both air travel and regulations on the ground to be applicable to all hotels and tourism-related activities.

Asked if Greece was ready to welcome visitors and whether there was fear of the virus being spread to local communities, Theoharis emphasized the fact that the country demonstrated a quick response to the coronavirus health crisis and dealt with the pandemic in a most effective and responsible manner and will continue to do so with regard to all tourism-related activity.

The minister said Greece would continue to welcome visitors from the UK and elsewhere as long as safety precautions which include social distancing and hygiene were taken before, during and after their trip as well as during their stay at hotels and on beaches.

In this direction, Theoharis said Greek authorities together with their EU counterparts were examining the possibility of health tests or some form of risk-free certificate, adding that it is possible that some safety conditions may be required before travel.

Athens, Greece. Photo Source: all-athens-hotels.com

Theoharis stressed that Greece has managed to flatten the curve more so than any other country in Europe and perhaps more than most countries in the world, adding that stringent measures and vigilance will continue while allowing economic activity to gradually begin.