Greek PM: Health Protocols for Tourism an Absolute Priority this Year

The Greek summer will be different this year from the previous ones, according to Greece’s prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Speaking during the presentation of Greece’s new tourism campaign on Thursday, the PM underlined that Greece will continue to offer its beauty to visitors but at the same time has its health protocols, which must be observed, as an absolute priority as they aim to protect the health of all, employees and visitors, in the post-Covid-19 period.

“Τhe basic health protocols must be strictly followed so, above all, we can all operate with safety. Protecting public health, the safety of visitors and tourism workers remain our first and non-negotiable priority,” he said.

Emphasizing on the message of the campaign – “Greek Summer is a state of mind” – Mitsotakis underlined that Greece is not only the sun and the sea, but a “perception” that goes beyond the summer months.

“During this year’s holidays, we will appreciate much more the concept of freedom, as our movement has been limited for weeks to protect our health and of others… This summer will be an opportunity to see things differently. What we want to communicate is that summer is not just a season, it is a perception, a way to look at things. So, this ‘look at things’ can accompany us all season long,” he said.

Moreover, Mitsotakis said the number of visitors to Greece this year is expected to be significantly reduced.

“This year the number of visitors who will come to our country will be significantly reduced compared to the 33 million that arrived last year. How much reduced, remains to be seen. No one can make any accurate forecast,” he said.

However, the PM highlighted the long-term focus of this year’s message for Greek tourism, noting that the goal is for the “special feeling” of the Greek summer to “reach” those who will not be able to visit the country this year.

“There will be people that would like to come to Greece and will not be able to do so… But this is a campaign that not only invests in 2020, but also looks beyond, towards 2021 and 2022,” he added.