Greek Prime Minister announced in a speech to the nation on TV that only tourists from Israel and the Balkans will be allowed in
International flights to Greece will begin on June 15, and at this time only to tourists from Israel, the Balkans and Germany - Greek Prime Minister Kiryukis Mittsotakis announced Wednesday in a speech to the nation broadcast on Greek television. From June 15 to the end of the month, flights will only open to Athens International Airport, beginning July 1 for the rest of Greece's destinations. However, it is possible to fly to Athens and cruise to one of the islands as early as June.
Reporter: Shimon Yaish // Photographer: Shmuel Buchris
According to Mitsutakis, "Visitors from abroad will not be charged for isolation or corona testing, but we will reserve the right to conduct sample checks on the tourists who arrive. There is a special 'Corona Clinic' in each tourist complex and hotel with a specialist doctor who will look after conditions and signs of an outbreak - if any. Special closure areas will also be prepared in the event of an outbreak in the resort areas. "
Last year, 33 million visitors to the country left € 19 billion in Greece. This is about 20% of the country's GDP, which recently emerged from a severe economic crisis, after receiving a Union aid package Tens of billions of euros.
Addressing the crisis, Mitzotkis said: "We have to face reality bravely: we already missed April and May, which are considered the peak of tourism season. Everything we achieve this year will be a net profit."
Mizotakis also announced in a speech a drastic reduction in taxes on all modes of transport: buses, trains, boats and ships - from 24% to 13% for five months, which is expected to lower their prices. As well as taxes, coffee and soft drinks will also be cut, to bring tourists to the country.
Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis explained that "The recommendations on which countries their citizens can go to in Greece have been set by an expert on epidemiology, and by the end of the month we will look at other countries that meet the criteria. The big comeback in 2021 - that will be our flowering year. "