Harry Theoharis displays his confidence. The Greek Minister of Tourism is traveling to several European countries to promote the country for the summer holidays, but insisting on health security, with processes already operational and which are intended to be clear. The European health pass, of which the country is one of the zealots, will be implemented from June 1 in Greece, which makes it an essential part of its system. Le
Figaro
interviewed him last week, when he came to France. The Minister, while emphasizing the volatility of demand and the “last minute” effect, is counting on a greater number of French visitors than last summer, but still far from the figures for 2019.
Harry Theoharis, the Greek Minister of Tourism, is betting on the deployment of the health pass and the use of rapid tests to streamline and make health procedures more reliable.
All documents written in French are recognized in the country.
Press photo
The tourist season was launched on May 15 in Greece. How does it start?
Good! We finally see visitors. Our border arrival system gives us satisfaction. Travelers follow the procedure, by presenting the PLF questionnaire, the vaccination or immunity certificate, or a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours. We are very happy because summer is approaching and we are able to accept our friends from abroad and especially from France. It is a relief because we have done a tremendous amount of work to make this system work well and allow the restrictions to be lifted. We had already implemented such a system last summer and with success, since we have preserved our visitors as well as our fellow citizens. We are sure that will be the case again this year. We will have more tourists, our doctors have moreexperience now, and the vaccination program is accelerating. We are also implementing the digital green passport for access to the islands. This means that before going there, travelers over 5 years old who are not vaccinated will have to undergo a so-called "rapid" antigen test. It is an important tool to protect our populations.
Read also: Travel to Greece: vaccines, PCR tests ... what awaits tourists this summer
You met your French counterpart Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne on Friday in Paris. What was the objective of this meeting and, ultimately, of your coming?
The interview with my counterpart was very constructive.
We exchanged views on the green passport and tried to find common ground.
We agree that we need a common approach.
Personally, I campaign for it to be realistic.
We must not build barriers in Europe, but we must not forget the health priority either.
We agree on this point: we must protect the safety of our citizens and our visitors.
We therefore also talked about the approach to be taken on third countries in the process of reopening European borders for tourism.
Read also: Health and travel pass: everything you need to know
Concretely, what should a French person who goes to Greece know?
Everyone must submit a PLF form up to 24 hours before departure. People vaccinated must provide a certificate proving both doses, such as those who are cured of Covid-19. For others, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours is required. I would like to point out that we recognize all the certificates issued in France and written in French, whether paper or digital. Especially since, on June 1, the green passport will be launched in Greece and will facilitate travel. We will be ready. Getting back to the procedure, all arrivals may be subjected to random testing at the airport. If the result is positive, then the person is isolated with his family at the expense of the Greek State. If the test is negative, they will be able to move around freely. Here,the terraces of bars and restaurants are open, as are archaeological sites, museums, etc. Wearing a mask is not compulsory on the beach but it is in the streets. Barrier measures must be respected. Visitors know this and it doesn't stop them from coming, especially as hotels are offering very good prices right now. As for flights, prices will drop as demand returns.prices will drop as demand returns.prices will drop as demand returns.
Read the file: Travel to Greece: ideas, accommodation, good addresses ... our guide
French tourists returning from abroad must present a negative PCR test. Do you have the infrastructure on site to perform these tests?
We will put a full list of laboratories online on our site.
There will be everywhere.
Their price is around 50-60 euros, as in the rest of Europe.
But we believe that the vaccinated should be exempted.
It doesn't make sense to test them.
Again, the green passport will make the process easier.
Read also: Summer vacation: rush in sight on PCR tests?
How is
the vaccination campaign going in Greece?
We vaccinate more than 1% of our population every day and have prioritized the islands, by number of inhabitants.
Not only because of tourism, but also because these are small communities, which can easily transmit the virus.
For the moment, the overwhelming majority of the country is in the green.
But we are closely monitoring developments.
We will not hesitate to reinstate local containments if the situation escalates.