Covid-19 Health Protocols for Greek Tourism in the Pipeline

Greece’s Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki said this week that a set of finalized Covid-19 health protocols to be implemented in the tourism sector would be announced in the coming period.

Speaking on Alpha 98.9 radio this week, Zacharaki revealed that protocols for businesses and employees in tourism have already been sent to the Covid-19 committee for further assessment.

“It is important to learn from last year’s lessons. All the protocols that existed last year have already been implemented. This is a key part of the plan. They have been updated and will be announced in the coming days with the approval of the committee,” she said.

Referring to the digital vaccination certificate – the so-called green certificate – Zacharaki said it was being pushed high on the agenda by EU officials.

Earlier this week, EU lawmakers decided to accelerate the approval of the Digital Green Certificate, voting on a fast-track procedure that would allow the document’s adoption by June.

Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki

Zacharaki said the certificate was not a passport but instead a document verifying that a traveler has either been vaccinated, recovered, or holds a negative test result allowing “the possibility of free movement”, she said, adding however that in any case “travelers may be subject to sample testing at entrance gates” in Greece.

With regard to younger vacationers who are still not eligible for vaccination, Zacharaki said last year’s protocols and rules would apply.

Lastly, with regard to bookings for Greece, the minister said there was “interest but it has not yet been converted into reservations”. She added however that the ministry was expecting a better dynamic in the coming period.