NEWS
Spain and Greece block Brits’ return
Ben Ireland
Spain and Greece threatened to exclude UK arrivals from the first wave of border reopenings as destinations align to allow a return of tourism from July. Spain is due to allow
international arrivals from July 1, but this week said the UK’s virus infection rate must fall before Britons would be welcomed. The UK also did not make
ase from June 29’ The industry view is
that blanket quarantine should end on June 29. That would slot us in with the rest of Europe
the UK, said: “The ICAO guidelines will form the backbone.” He added: “The pressure from the
sector is clear, but we don’t expect any change between June 8 and June 29.” The industry source agreed:
“The quarantine will go ahead on June 8. There are arguments within government, but they’re not about to change position. The industry position is that blanket quarantine should end on June 29. That would slot us in with the rest of Europe.” However, industry leaders want
the restart confirmed ahead of that date. A source said: “Airlines need the government to flag it earlier. It needs
travelweekly.co.uk
to say ‘We’ll use the first review to loosen restrictions’ or there is a fear it will roll over for three weeks and airlines will prioritise other markets.” Opening travel corridors will be
linked to updated Foreign Office advice, removing blanket advice against travel. The source insisted: “Air bridges can’t happen without the Foreign Office being happy. The key is the medical provisions being confirmed, and that is close.” A list of 45 countries that UK
airlines would like prioritised, published this week, includes North Africa, North America and the Caribbean. However, travel’s restart will be confined to “neighbours” initially. A source suggested: “The US will have to wait.” Cruise is unlikely to come back
before late autumn, with P&O Cruises this week extending its cancelled sailings from the end of
July to mid-October. i Business, back page
4 JUNE 2020 5
Greece’s list of 29 countries allowed to visit from June 15, but that could change from July 1 with the destination due to review its list based on epidemiological profiles. Greek tourism minister Harry
Theoharis told The Telegraph it would be “a positive step” if the UK eased its quarantine rules. Italy said it would welcome
British visitors from June 3. Portugal is reportedly in
discussions with the UK over a transport corridor, and the Algarve released further details of its Clean & Safe hygiene protocols this week, including social distancing rules at beaches – due to reopen on June 6.
Italy is reopening its borders this week
France is opening to some
countries from June 15 but continues to impose reciprocal travel restrictions on the UK, meaning visitors must self-isolate on arrival for 14 days from June 8. This would be relaxed if the UK drops its quarantine rule. Cyprus is to reopen airports
to low-risk countries from June 9, with the UK excluded. It has also pledged to cover medical costs if tourists fall ill with Covid-19. Turkey hopes to allow
international travel by mid-June. EasyJet put one million summer
seats on sale on Tuesday, starting from July 1. Half of its 1,022 routes are to be reintroduced from July, rising to 75% in August. The airline has launched a
Europe with Confidence Pledge allowing passengers to rebook for free within 14 days of a flight while the FCO continues to advise against all but essential travel. Farther afield, the Maldives and
Thailand are to open to arrivals from July 1. Hotels in Egypt and Tunisia have begun operating with limited capacities. Tunisia is to
reopen its borders on June 27. i Villa holidays: Destinations, page 20
PICTURES: Shutterstock
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