Greece is much dependent on tourism, looking to reopen for foreign visitors who have been vaccinated or who have had a recent negative Covid test. With coronavirus cases still going strong in many parts of Europe, the situation remains unsure.
Eugene Theodoridis and his team rent out catamarans and yachts for trips to the Greek islands, with clients from the UK, the United States, Germany and South Africa.
Eugene said, “All through the winter, we have been preparing the boats in order for the tourists to come. We will be ready when the borders open and we can welcome all guests throughout the world.”
Greece is hoping to reopen for visitors in mid-May, but Eugene says that it’s still not known as to how many other countries will be ready to allow travel.
While coronavirus cases appear to be on the decline in the UK, many parts of Europe are witnessing an increase in infections. There are still tough Covid restrictions in Greece. In downtown Athens, the restaurants and bars and tourist shops are all closed.
The locals are becoming more and more frustrated. The tourist industry accounts for about a fifth of Greece’s economy. By summer, Greece is planning to vaccinate all tourism workers and leading calls for vaccination certificates or passports to allow foreign visitors to travel.
The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, believes the vaccination certificates are very important to make “everybody will feel really safe”, so they can come and see Greece’s archaeological sites and museums.
Tags: Greece, tourism rebound
