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Greece requires passengers to fill in locator form as UK direct flights resume

Travellers to Greece will be required to fill in a passenger locator form 24 hours before arrival giving their contact details in the country.

The details were outlined by the Greek National Tourism Organisation as direct flights from the UK resumed today.

Targeted and random testing will take place to aid the epidemiological research, according to te GNTO.

Greece was exempted from Foreign Office advice against all non-essential travel from July 4.

A Greek government spokesman said: “In co-operation with the British government, and following advice of experts, the government announces the resumption of direct flights from the United Kingdom to all airports of the country from July 15.”

All travellers to Greece by land will have to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken 72-hours prior to arrival in a new rule that runs until July 29.

Tourism minister Haris Theoharis was quoted in local media as saying: “Our goal is a 12-month tourism model for Greece.”

He added: “The crucial decisions taken by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proved that our country moved immediately and quickly, as it should, having as a priority the safety of citizens and secondarily the economy.

“Initially the economic downturn in Greece was much lower than the European average, thanks to the support provided by the Greek government to businesses and employees.

“So far we have done very well in restarting Greek tourism. But under no circumstances should we be complacent. The battle may have been won, but not the raging war.

“We must strike a balance between hospitality and safety. Unfortunately, no country has built a model that we consider to work perfectly.”

Addressing the the next stages planned for the opening of Greek tourism this summer, Thoharis said that “from July 22 we will probably open for Sweden, while borders will also open for the other countries with the use of the 72-hour PCR tests.

“From the start of August, we will be able to open the cruise sector.

“The next steps of the ministry concern the promotion of Greece through advertising and joint advertising. We initially innovated with the world-class pioneering campaign ‘Greece From Home’, we are moving forward with ‘Endless Greek Summer’ and ‘Destination Greece Health First’ but also with advertising companies, tour operators, etc.

“Our goal is for these promotions not to stop after the period of high demand, but to continue even in winter. Our strategic goal, after all, is to extend the tourist season – if health conditions allow. Success will be to follow a 12-month tourism model.”

The GNTO said: “The government plan for the gradual lifting of imposed restrictions is assessed and updated, based on the daily epidemiological data.

“The Greek government asks that a safe distance be kept among shop owners and customers; that a limit be imposed on the number of customers per square footage when indoors; and that a face mask be used in all public transport means, in taxis, hospitals and when visiting government services buildings and certain shops.”

Chris Wright, managing director of GIC The Villa Collection, has just returned from a pre-opening trip to Greece and stayed in Corfu.

He said: “It was a joy to see those endless vistas across the sea, intense blue skies, olive groves in the sunshine and people enjoying themselves in the lovely warm July weather – and no crowds. Visitor numbers are currently much at April levels.

“In my view, visiting Greece in 2020 will be an unforgettably joyful experience, and one to remember and to talk about for many years to come.

“All the normal welcoming smiles are there, and all those I met were looking forward hugely to welcoming British visitors back.”

Malta is also lifting restrictions on all flight arrivals including the UK from today (July 15).

Air Malta, British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair aim to resume services from 18 UK airports.

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