Greece to Resume Tourism from Next Month 15... Direct Flights Also Operate from July

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Greek government announced that it will reopen tourism by allowing foreign tourists to enter the country starting from the 15th of next month, requiring only sample testing without mandatory self-quarantine. Direct flights are also scheduled to resume from July. This move is seen as a measure to attract tourists during the summer vacation season amid worsening economic difficulties caused by a decline in tourism revenue.

According to foreign media including AP News, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in a national address on the 20th (local time) that "the official travel season will begin from the 15th of next month." Haris Theoharis, Greece's Minister of Tourism, said, "Countries in the Balkan Peninsula, the Baltic Sea region, Germany, Israel, and the Republic of Cyprus will be allowed entry starting from the 15th of next month." Direct flights with other countries are expected to resume from July 1st.

Greece plans to receive tourists arriving from the 15th of next month only at Athens International Airport and will conduct sample testing without mandatory quarantine or comprehensive testing for COVID-19. Greek health authorities stated that in preparation for a potential resurgence of COVID-19, designated doctors will be assigned at each hotel, and testing and isolation facilities will be established on each island.

Greece is one of Europe's major tourist countries where the tourism industry accounts for about 20% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Since the COVID-19 lockdown measures, the economy has suffered significant damage due to a decrease in tourism revenue.