Greece says pandemic restrictions such as mask-wearing indoors and COVID certificates will be lifted throughout the summer tourism period and authorities will consider reinstating them in September.
Greece’s vital summer tourism season typically begins after the Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on April 24.
Greece is expecting high numbers of visitors this year, with officials predicting revenues reaching 80 per cent of 2019 levels, a record year before the pandemic brought travel to a halt.
Health Minister Thanos Plevris on Wednesday said the decision to ease restrictions was “based on the epidemiological data and suggestions from experts”.
From May 1 to August 31, the public will no longer need to present coronavirus vaccination or illness certificates to enter indoor or open spaces such as restaurants, and authorities are also considering lifting the requirement of presenting an EU digital COVID certificate to enter the country.
In addition, wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandatory as of June 1 and students will return to class after the Easter break without needing to regularly present negative self-tests.
Plevris said all measures will be re-evaluated in September.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) wants to remind travel advisors of the available resources on hand to help them keep up with, and navigate through, the EU’s ongoing restriction changes.
“With the ease of restrictions across many countries, we are no doubt eager and excited to once again welcome back our avid Australian travellers to explore and experience everything that is on offer across Europe,” said Sofia Hansson, Chair of ETC’s Australia Chapter.
Greece, one of the most popular summer tourism destinations in southern Europe, attracted more than 33 million visitors in 2019, most of them from Britain and Germany.
The industry accounts for about one-fifth of the economy and employs one in five people.
Source: AAP