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Holland America Line has announced that – while working in close coordination with the government of Greece – it will restart cruising from
Piraeus (Athens) in August with four departures aboard the Eurodam ship.
The company’s cruises from Greece will be available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination.
“Everyone at Holland America Line has been preparing for our return to service, and we are grateful to the government of Greece for allowing us to show that we can safely operate our cruises,” said
Harry Theoharis.
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Theoharis said the government’s goal is to create a “wall of immunity” and confidence in tourists when Greece officially opens its borders on May 14.
“Workers in the tourism sector will be vaccinated by priority after the vaccination program for vulnerable groups has been completed,” the minister said, adding that until the vaccination process begins, free self-tests will frequently be performed on all tourism workers.
Greece’s pilot tourism opening
“We are sending a clear message to everyone that the country is completely safe healthwise. On May 14 we are opening our borders. Tourism will open with the approval of the health committee. To set a specific date means that there is a complete plan,” he said brushing off opposition criticism with regard to the government’s pilot tourism opening on Monday.
In view of Greece’s upcoming opening for tourism this year, Greek Tourism Minister
Harry Theoharis will be in Moscow for the next few days to attend a series of meetings with Russian tourism sector representatives.
According to a Tourism Ministry announcement, the minister’s trip to the Russian capital is part of efforts being made to lay the groundwork for Greece to welcome back tourists from target markets for the 2021 season.
While in Moscow on Thursday, April 15, Minister Theoharis will attend scheduled meetings with the head of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency (Rostourism),
Zarina Doguzova, and Russia’s deputy minister of Transport,
Tourism Minister
Harry Theoharis on Monday clarified that any safety and health rules that apply to Greek citizens – such as mandatory mask wearing and social distancing – will also apply to tourists visiting Greece in the summer.
“What applies to Greek citizens, also applies to tourists. All this paraphrasing about only tourists having free movement is false… We will not discriminate,” Theoharis said in parliament addressing main opposition Syriza.
“Our country has specific rules – following the recommendation of experts – which apply to all tourists and all Greek citizens. This will continue in the summer,” he added.
The minister highlighted that there will be no discrimination between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals.
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