Greece to reopen tourism season

The Greek tourist season will kick off in June. 

"The tourism period begins on 15 June, when seasonal hotels can reopen," Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address. The plan is to allow international charter flights to popular locations to resume in July. The Greek announcement came as EU tourism ministers agreed to do "whatever it takes for the quick and full recovery of European tourism".

What plan is in place?

As the restrictions aimed at minimising the spread of the virus are starting to be gradually eased across Europe, Mr Mitsotakis said that Greece had shown but its handling of the crisis that it was a "passport of safety, credibility and health".

"It's a great reputation," the prime minister said, adding that the country had provided a "hygienic shield in every location of hospitality... our passion that is always inspired by Xenios Zeus". The Greek god Zeus was god of xenia or hospitality, among many other things.

What about the UK?

Unfortunately for UK travellers, the United Kingdom has been included in a list of seven countries that are not being accepted to Greece. Along with the UK, Italy, Spain, Albania and Northern Macedonia do not yet have a return date. Travellers from Turkey are expected to be allowed to enter from 14th June. 

All travellers looking to visit Greece, no matter their mode of transport, are subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their arrival.

Greece praised for its handling of the pandemic.

Recording 166 coronavirus-related deaths and 2,850 confirmed cases, Mr Mitsotakis said: "We will win the economy war just as we won the health battle."

In a plan to encourage tourism, Greece is aiming to make travel cheaper by temporarily reducing added tax (VAT) on all transport - flights, bus journeys and rail travel.

The popular Mediterranean destination will also offer sample coronavirus tests to incoming tourists, although it is not clear if these will be made available to all.

You can read the full BBC article here.