Greece – Cyprus Team Up to Reignite Tourism

Tourism stakeholders in Greece and Cyprus agreed to introduce incentives for package trips to stimulate travel between the countries as well as actions to attract foreign visitors once the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic subsides.

The decision was reached following a teleconference between Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, Cypriot Alternate Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios, Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (fedHATTA) President Lyssandros Tsilidis and Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) President Vassilis Stamataris.

Besides offering Greeks and Cypriots the incentive to travel, tourism authorities are hoping to tap into both countries’ positive reputation for successfully containing the spread of the virus and recording very low infection and death rates compared to most of the world.

This said, Greece and Cyprus plan to open borders in the coming period and are hoping to be the first destinations tourists choose to visit once the Covid-19 crisis subsides.

Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

At the same time, Greek and Cypriot stakeholders are aiming to be able to open up to all markets once comprehensive health protocols are put in place.

Meanwhile, last week, Greece, Cyprus and Israel announced that they were examining the creation of a “safe tourism zone” offering those less willing to travel far in the coming months a safe option.