Corfu: British Holidaymakers landed on the Greek Island of Corfu on Monday, spurring hope for recovery of tourism thanks to one of the most important markets.
The British government has dubbed July 19 “Freedom Day”, ending more than a year of limiting Coronavirus locking for citizens who are fully vaccinated.
British tourists no longer have to quarantine after returning from Greece.
“Today is the day of freedom for England, it is also the day of freedom in the sense for us here, in Corfu, when we start welcoming English tourists without a guise,” said George Lilang, a tourism consultant who works with local businesses.
“That’s what we are waiting for since the beginning of the season …
what will encourage the flow of Corfu tourism until the end of October at least,” he said.
Passengers on Monday flights are happy.
“(I’ve been waiting for a long time,” said a visitor who gave him his name annette.
“Can’t wait for a vacation, sit on the beach, swim in the sea.
The weather is hot, brilliant,” he said.
Fellow passengers, Steve Payne, said: “It’s still a little at risk, but we have been in locking so long now I think many of us need to rest.” England is the largest Greek tourism market with Germany and British citizens is 40 percent of the Corfu market.
However, the association of travel agents on the island said bookings from England remained low for the time and flight that came for the last few days was only 30% full.
When a pandemic brought a global trip to traffic jams in 2020, Greece suffered the worst year in the record and now pinned the hope of recovery in a strong summer.
This sector accounts for one fifth of the economy and one fifth of work.
Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said this year season was far better than the last.
“This is very, very positive and this is because we continue to send a message of alertness, to ensure that we take the steps needed,” he said.