Deputy Minister of Tourism: Greece is opening its gates to tourists

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sofia Zacharaki, spoke about the forthcoming opening of tourism, but also the forecasts for this year’s tourist season, on MEGA channel.

“I am in Ithaca and I have come to the town hall to talk about the vaccination and the problems that have been left by [storm front] Ianos. On May 25, the residents here will have been given the second dose of the vaccine.

As for Ianos, both in Cephalonia where I was yesterday and here in Ithaca, I wanted to monitor the progress of  works. The government has disbursed the most money ever given to an area. “The Ionian Islands have done most of the work. What is left are some road construction projects. An effort is being made to prepare everything and for the citizens to come safely,” said Ms. Zacharaki.

“Tourism opens on May 15, but until then we have a partial relaxation in measures in certain areas. Residents of Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Russia, and Singapore have been added to the countries coming to Greece without need for quarantine, since yesterday. Passengers (permanent residents) of EU countries, the Schengen Agreement, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Israel are already entering Greek territory without quarantine. If they have been vaccinated 14 days before, or if they have done the PCR 72 hours before, they can come to Greece, with the possibility of undergoing a sample check at the country’s entrance gates”, explained Ms. Zacharaki regarding the forthcoming opening of tourism .

“Tourism is not in line with quarantine, unless of course we have a positive case. Upon sampling or if they have symptoms, someone will go straight to the quarantine hotel. These have already chosen. On the big islands there are quarantine hotels. Along with the vaccination, the many tests, the updated protocols, this year we have more tools in our hands. Last year, everyone implemented the protocols with absolute commitment”, she continued.

“Any restrictions that exist for Greek citizens, ie the ban on interregional travel, also apply to travelers. The rest of the rules are the same. The distances, the masks, even the sms as long as they continue, are valid for travelers as well “, clarified Ms. Zacharaki.