Portugal’s national tourism body Turismo de Portugal recently launched a new travel insurance for foreign tourists travelling to the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as a part of the ‘new normal.’ The insurance has been introduced with the aim of showcasing that the country is safe for travellers and covers a range of different expenses including medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and hospital charges associated with coronavirus.
It also covers additional expenses that that may occur from cancellation, interruption, or the extension of trips. According to reports, the insurance is valid for mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Madeira and Azores. It is also designed to work hand-in-hand with the Portugal Health Passport, which has made4 COVID-19 testing available to everyone visiting the country. Turismo de Portugal said in a latest press statement that the objective of the insurance is to guarantee that everyone who visits Portugal that they can travel around the country safely and with confidence.
In a time when the Portuguese government is planning to ease the mandatory requirement of 14 days self-isolation for British citizens returning from vacationing in Portugal and considering the opening of a the long-awaited air-bridge with U.K., the travel insurance may prove to be beneficial in boosting traveller confidence. It may also successfully revive consumer confidence in Portugal’s tourism brand that has been harshly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and necessary lockdown.
Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism, Portugal said in a recent press statement that authorities have been in contact with the U.K., providing all of the information requested by the British government but are uncertain about when the decision will be revised. She informed that Portuguese authorities do not that quarantine is the real solution and looks forward to more testing options. She shared that the times when testing becomes impossible, travellers have to comply with the rules when they visit Portugal.
She further added that the country believes that August and September will be strong months in terms of tourism and will also monitor how October and December goes. She also mentioned that the situation is under control at present. The Portugal Tourism Board mentioned that through initiatives and projects like the insurance, Portugal aims to consolidate its position as a safe destination that guarantees all the essential sanitary conditions for the enjoyment of the unique tourist experiences that it offers.
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Portugal, Portugal tourism, Turismo De Portugal
