Greece kicked off the formal start of the tourism season with Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis announcing a multimillion-euro promotional campaign aimed at saving its most important economic sector from a second summer lost to the coronavirus.
At an event with the impressive Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio in the background, Theoharis presented some of the main points of the government’s plan for Friday’s reopening to international tourism.
The Tourism MInister did not say much of new other than all travelers to Greece will have to fill in a passenger locator form (PLF) detailing where they will be staying and for how long and will also have to present a certificate of vaccination against Covid-19 or a recent negative PCR test or an official document certifying recent recovery from the virus.
Theoharis said that a system will be set up for Covid tests to be carried out at regular intervals at popular tourist destinations, while the government will also be leasing hotels to act as quarantine stations in the event of outbreaks.
He also said that new health safety protocols are being drafted and sent out to museums, tour bus operators, yacht chartering companies and other tourism-related businesses.
He added that quarantine hotels will be available in 35 areas throughout the country.
“The challenge this year is not about promoting the country’s natural attractions, but about safety,” Theoharis said.
Tourism Ministry banner: We set sail – Greek Tourism 2021 with safety”
A series of promotional videos telling foreigners in need of a break that “All you want is Greece” will be shown in key markets, vaunting the country’s beaches, historical sites and tavernas.
A series of promotional videos telling foreigners in need of a break that “All you want is Greece” will be shown in key markets, vaunting the country’s beaches, historical sites and tavernas.
The summer will be vital for Greece’s chances of bringing its economy out of the coronavirus crisis in manageable shape following an 8% fall in GDP last year as coronavirus restrictions stifled the vital tourist sector.
Theoharis refused to set a target for tourist revenues, saying only “It will be better than last year.”
The 2021 campaign is the most expensive in 10 years.
The government vows the entire population of all inhabited Greek islands will be vaccinated by end of June.
REALLY!! Too little too late & unclear. Greece is like most countries, it needs to open up & get back to normal.
idiot
This is an excellent promotional video by Greece! I sent it to a few friends and relatives not living here and all have been impressed! I heard “when can I come and visit you?” … 🙂 …
Don’t forget to take your masks, walking around Athens in 40C+ heat is really going to be fun🙄
I think the 10millon Euro would have been better spent on increasing the vaccination programme, Tourists will automatically return as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Originally we planned to come in August, but now we thing about actually coming in June…