Greece officially reopens to Tourists as Travel Industry Restarts

While a few days ago, the EU officially agreed to open its borders “not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine”, Greece has already fully reopened for tourism.

Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis said tourists from 53 different countries, which include the EU, the UK and the US, were all welcome to visit Greece, as long as they can show they have been vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test.

“We’re all vaccinated, the tables are outside and spread out, with hand sanitizers on each one. We’re ready. Now we wait”, declared Kyriaki Kapri, who owns a beachside restaurant on the island Naxos.

This has been made possible thanks to the country’s strategy to vaccinate tourism sector workers, as well as vulnerable people and islands’ residents. For the country, it is essential to welcome back visitors since tourism represents a fifth of its economy, so one quarter of the population is now fully vaccinated.

At the moment, masks are still mandatory and there is a curfew from 12:30 am to 5 am in Greece, but travelling between islands is permitted, and restaurants, museums and retail places are all reopening.

Greece is a favourite for tourists from all over the world thanks to its ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and islands, as well as incredible food and culture. Places like Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Santorini and Mykonos are therefore bound to attract travellers from all over the world.

“We are giving our islands priority… by opening up vaccination of their entire adult population earlier than the rest of Greece,” said prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. “My message is clear. We are open again.

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