Global tourism stakeholders are disappointed with the UK’s “green list” of countries that excludes popular holiday destinations such as Greece and Spain.
The EU expects most member states to be ‘technically ready’ to implement the Covid-19 travel certificate system by the first week of June with the official launch expected at the end of that month.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) expects international arrivals to Europe this year to remain 46% below 2019 levels, predicting that full travel recovery should not be expected before 2024.
The EU Covid-19 Certificate, a document enabling EU-wide restriction-free travel, has inched closer to materialization after the European Parliament agreed to the basic terms.
The Greek Health Ministry has an action plan that includes emergency transport from remote islands and a high number of medical professionals stationed at health facilities at popular tourist destinations.
Greek hoteliers are citing the financial burden of PCR testing for children over five (from the previous 12) under the currently announced Covid-19 rules for travelers entering Greece.
Greeks are eagerly waiting for authorities to ease Covid-19 measures after Easter and allow non-essential movement into or out of municipalities and domestic travel.
The EU is set to re-open this summer to American tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Domestic travel in Greece during Easter and until May 10 is allowed only with documentation proving that movement is necessary for work, funeral, medical purposes, or child visitation rights.
EU countries have agreed on guidelines describing the main technical specifications for the implementation of the system for Digital Green Certificates.
The Digital Green Certificate, aimed at enabling travel across the EU, is expected to enter into force in June or early July, according to EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
