Greece aiming to reopen for UK holidaymakers in May

Tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country hopes to welcome foreign tourists from May 14, depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a virtual appearance at travel trade show ITB Berlin, Mr Theoharis commented: “We are approaching the exit from this dark tunnel thanks to the power of the human spirit and the progress of science.

“Please allow me to emphasise that no image could better portray the return to the normality of tourism than the Greek smile, the Greek landscape, the Greek hospitality.

“Regarding 2021, in Greece we are more than optimistic.

“We are ready, we are ready to share the experience of liberation from the unpleasant memories of the pandemic with each and every one of our guests.”

Visitors will be required to have been vaccinated, had a recent negative Covid-19 test or have coronavirus antibodies, he explained.

A “pilot” reopening of borders is likely to take place early next month, he added.

People living in England could be permitted to take foreign holidays from May 17 under Boris Johnson’s road map for easing coronavirus restrictions.

The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce will provide a report to the Prime Minister on April 12 setting out recommendations for how and when overseas leisure trips could resume.

Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations for UK holidaymakers.

British nationals usually make more than three million visits to the country each year, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

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