First Move’s Julia Chatterley spoke with Harry Theoharis, Greek Tourism Minister, on Tuesday.
Many countries struggle to deal with tourism. Greece is cheeky about this.
Theoharis: Well yes. To a certain extent. It is a complete system with five levels of protection for everyone. This isn’t just about the vaccination, it’s about testing before you go, in case you haven’t been vaccinated. It’s about targeted testing when you arrive and of course isolation if you or your family – if you’re positive. They are protocols, masks, other things that we are used to by now. You have to keep social distance, etc.
If you have been vaccinated with the Chinese vaccine and you have been vaccinated with the Russian vaccine, is that still eligible to participate?
Theoharis: Yes, it is eligible to participate. Basically, it means you can skip the pre-departure test that you would otherwise have to take. That’s the difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated.
While those vaccines are not approved or authorized in Europe, Greece says, “Look, it’s good enough for us?”
Theoharis: It’s good enough for the risk-based approach we’re taking. The risk-based approach is on an individual basis and not on a regional or national basis, so we weighed up with our doctors. Based on the advice of our health experts, the risk is minimal.
Greece is breaking new ground here. Many countries are struggling to decide how to rock-break. Help us understand the rules that apply to tourists.
Theoharis: The life of a tourist is just as important to us as that of a citizen. The same rules that apply [for Greek citizens] applies to everyone. We do not discriminate in any way. So it’s important that people understand this. We hope that things will be increasingly liberalized as vaccination programs around the world progress. Even if we have changes in the other direction, those changes will apply to everyone.
What will it be like as a tourist?
Theoharis: Well let me say, by May 14th where we would have the official opening of the tourism season, restaurants will be open especially outdoor areas of the restaurants. We already have the other sides open. People have to wear masks. This is not your normal summer. Those restrictions still apply. You can still enjoy outside. You can walk there. You can enjoy the beach where you don’t have to wear a mask. You can enjoy those things, but we still have to keep our distance. We still have to, you know, be careful how we move around.