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With all eyes on Greece’s upcoming official opening to tourists, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is optimistic that the sector will see a much better year than it did in 2020.
“We will do much better than last year,” GNTO Secretary General
Dimitris Fragakis said on Tuesday, adding that his forecast comes from the available data so far.
“Our data at the moment is quite encouraging and we expect bookings and arrivals to gradually increase as the economy opens in the country. Because in the end, what we want is for this recorded demand to translate into bookings and – of course – into new arrivals for the season,” the secretary general said.
passports show whether someone has been vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19. A COVID passport would allow people to freely travel, attend concerts, or attend sporting events without getting tested. The term Passport may be misleading according to some professionals. A Health Verification Travel [or Participation] (HVT or HVP) card is another approach for nomenclature. Advertisements
While there has been much debate about vaccine passports recently, the concept of requiring proof of immunization to occupy certain spaces dates back to 1796, when the smallpox vaccine was developed. This smallpox vaccine is the first known vaccine and confirmation of having taken it was a prerequisite for travelers, mostly pilgrims, entering British India or going to Mecca for the Hajj.
French lawmakers on Wednesday approved the creation of a COVID-19 health pass to enable international travel and large gatherings.
The bill was backed by MPs in the early hours after the government was forced to rewrite the first article over the timing of the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.
The Senate will vote on the bill on May 18.
It was adopted after Emmanuel Macron s ruling La Republique en Marche (LREM) party was dealt a blow by its allies, the centrist MoDem party, over the length of France s state of emergency.
The government had wanted the state of emergency - during which it can impose restrictions without consulting parliament - to last from June 2 until October 31, a move that was refused by lawmakers.
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Middle East travellers visiting Europe this summer will be welcomed enthusiastically but should “not expect to see what they usually see” as the continent puts safeguards in place to prevent another wave of infection.
Eduardo Santander, head of the European Travel Commission, told
The National that the industry was optimistic about an increase in visitors but a campaign was under way to inform travellers that “summer in 2021 won’t be normal”.
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He said countries across Europe had learned from mistakes made last year, when a patchwork of Covid-19 regulations meant tourists could visit some nations without stringent entry requirements, such as presenting a negative test result on arrival which is now in place across the EU.
Outcome General Affairs Council on the 11 May 2021 - Hoofdinhoud
Main results
EU coordination on COVID-19
The Council discussed the state of play on the COVID-19 EU coordination with a focus on the vaccination campaign, the ongoing work on digital green certificates, and the epidemiological situation and travel restrictions.
On 3 May, the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission held a first trilogue on the digital green certificate, meant to facilitate free movement, with a view to conclusion in June. A second trilogue will take place on 11 May.
The ongoing technical work on COVID-19 interoperable digital certificates is part of the preparations for a common approach to the future gradual lifting of restrictions. Work is also ongoing on the revision of the Council Recommendation on travel from third countries.