Greece’s Tourist Season Reboot: A Strong Signal from Santorini
On Saturday morning, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, arrived on the picturesque island of Santorini to initiate the official restart of this year’s tourist season. This visit marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to revitalize its crucial tourism industry, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ensuring Preparedness in Health Services
Accompanied by Health Minister Vasilis Kikilias, Mitsotakis toured the General Hospital of Thira to assess its preparedness against COVID-19 and to identify necessary improvements. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to safety, stating, “We have made the best possible preparations. It is extremely important to project an image of safety and organization to the visitors who will come to Greece this summer, just as we’ve done during the first wave of the pandemic.”
Later, he paid a visit to the archaeological site at Akrotiri alongside the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. Here, Mitsotakis reaffirmed that Greece is ready to warmly welcome tourists this year, especially from such an emblematic location renowned for its stunning sunsets and significant archaeological sites.
A Strong Focus on Safety and Health
During his time at the hospital, the Prime Minister underscored that the health of both tourists and citizens is a top priority for his government. “Protecting both tourists coming to our country and the workers in the tourism sector, as well as the residents, is crucial,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister Mendoni pointed out that the central message for Greece this year is “safety first.” The upcoming press conference later that evening would serve as a culmination of the government’s twin strategy for health and tourism, highlighting the interconnectedness of these sectors moving forward.
Emphasizing Greece’s Commitment to Health
The Prime Minister’s visit is an effort to showcase Greece’s effective response to the pandemic, aiming to attract the highest possible percentage of those planning to travel internationally in the coming months. Accompanying him were various prominent figures, including Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis, Labor Minister Yannis Vroutsis, and local MPs, among others, all there to demonstrate government unity in addressing the recovery of tourism.
Detailed Plans for Tourism Reopening
In a bid to make Greece both attractive and health-safe, the Health Ministry’s plan focuses on several key areas:
- Enhancing healthcare infrastructure with the hiring of 1,100 auxiliary staff and providing necessary protective equipment.
- Increasing testing capabilities across the islands with the addition of molecular analyzers.
- Developing new maritime and aerial medical transport systems for effective emergency responses.
24/7 Medical Readiness
Furthermore, in case of emergencies, contracted doctors from EOPYY will be available for home visits. Simultaneously, arrangements will be enacted to allow 600 doctors to work on a freelance basis, receiving tax-exempt compensation of €2,000.
The Mobile Health Teams from EODY will play a pivotal role in swiftly tracing potential COVID-19 cases. Their deployment will cover key tourist areas, ensuring a rapid health response.
A Nationwide Health Strategy
These measures extend beyond Santorini, as regions such as Thasos, Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion will see increased healthcare presence to deal with potential demands. Additionally, mobile health units will ensure testing capabilities reach islands like Milos, Kythnos, and others, further enhancing public health infrastructure.
The Health Ministry has prioritized early detection of COVID-19 through extensive testing. Additional molecular analyzers will be stationed in Syros and Rhodes, bolstering the on-site testing capabilities.
Building Bridges to Normality
In a clear demonstration of organized recovery efforts, Minister Theocharis praised the cooperation between different ministries, expressing gratitude towards EODY and all medical professionals who contributed to this planning. His strategy includes key dates for reopening tourism on June 15 and July 1, with careful consideration of land, air, and sea arrivals.
Key Milestones for Tourism Recovery
The first milestone period from June 15 to July 1 will see adjustments to air travel protocols:
- Lifted bans on flights from Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- Travel from Albania and North Macedonia permitted for essential reasons only.
- The ongoing ban on flights from the UK and Turkey remains in effect.
For the Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, all flights will be allowed except for those from the previously mentioned restricted countries.
Adjusting Maritime and Land Travel Regulations
In terms of maritime travel, incoming vessels from abroad to Greek ports will be prohibited, although pleasure crafts with crew will be permitted. For land borders, entry remains restricted from Turkey, Albania, and North Macedonia, while access from Bulgaria continues unhindered.
On July 1, Greece will open its doors even wider to tourism with:
- Allowing arrivals at all airports.
- Collaborating with EU recommendations regarding third-country restrictions.
- Lifting travel bans from Albania and North Macedonia.
Adapting to the New Normal
As the country prepares to reestablish its presence in the global tourism arena, a series of health guidelines and protective measures will be in place. This includes:
- Implementing random testing.
- Advising self-isolation at accommodation until test results are received.
- Mandating 14 days of quarantine for positive cases.
New Procedures for Travellers
Starting July 1, all inbound passengers will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form upon arrival, detailing their contact information in Greece. This measure is crucial for maintaining public health and safety across the nation.
Conclusion: Ready for a Bright Future
As Greece embarks on the ambitious journey to revive its tourism sector, the collective efforts of the government, local authorities, and health professionals are apparent. With a robust plan in place that emphasizes health safety and operational efficiency, Greece is set to welcome travelers back with open arms. The upcoming tourist season represents not merely a return to business but a testament to resilience and readiness for a bright future in a post-pandemic world.
