Greece looks to invite tourists from July, to boost sagging economy

Greece is looking to reopen the country to tourists from July onwards, as it looks to kick-start its economy again after being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tourism accounts for up to 12% of Greece’s GDP, with revenues of $20 billion in 2019. Greece went under lockdown on March 23 and is looking to lift restrictions from Monday, while hotels will be allowed to reopen on June 1.

Greece is regarded as one of the most preferred travel destinations in the world.

“We do want people to come to Greece,” Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said in an interview with BBC Radio. “Of course we will take precautions in terms of the requirements before traveling but also in terms of the way that we travel, the way that we stay, on the beaches etc.. social distancing rules will apply but we have welcomed tourists for more than 50 years, we want to continue showing the kind of hospitality that we are very much known for.”

But holidaymakers will have to pass some requirements before they are allowed to jet away to Greece. The Greek Tourism Minister confirmed that ideas such as ‘health tests’ are being discussed with Greek epidemiology experts. “Of course, this will be done so that everyone has peace of mind when they travel and when they are staying abroad that they will not come in contact, as much as is humanly possible, with other people infected with the virus,” he said.