Filenews 19 April 2021 - by Theano Theiopoulou
The expected economic recovery in Cyprus' main tourist markets raises hopes for the course of tourism as it is not only how to deal with the pandemic from a health point of view and the course of the vaccination programme but also from the paths of economies and disposable income. Data recently published by the International Monetary Fund show that recovery is expected in all key markets in Cyprus, which generates cautious optimism.
● In Cyprus' main tourism market, which is the United Kingdom, growth is expected to be 5.3% in 2021 and 5.1% in 2022 after the Great Recession of 9.9% in 2020. At the same time, the UK's vaccination programme is proceeding normally. The first dose of the vaccine has made more than 61% of the adult population and the second dose more than 15%.
● Russia is a country that supports Tourism Cyprus expects growth for this year at 3.8% and for next year from the 3.1% contraction that passed in 2020. The vaccination programme in Russia is in full swing and according to Health Minister Mikhail Urasko, the country plans to vaccinate more than 30 million people by mid-June.
● Growth of 5% is expected this year in Israel and 4.3% in 2022 after a contraction of 2.4% in 2020. Israel has vaccinated over 60% of the population and has one of the most successful vaccination programs launched on December 20, 2020.
● In France, growth is expected to reach 5.8% this year and 4.2% in 2022. Financial assistance measures to tackle coronavirus will remain until the end of the pandemic. After a slow start, the availability of vaccines in France finds its way. Over 16% of the population has received the first dose and over 5.5% are fully vaccinated.
● In Greece, growth is estimated to reach 3.8% this year and 5% in 2022 after shrinking 8.2% in 2020. According to the data, more than 2.5 million people have been affected by the project. vaccinations of which more than 1,7 million have made the first dose and about 770 mm. the second dose.
Which countries receive vaccinated or non-vaccinated
While the EU announced plans for a digital vaccine passport before the summer, some EU states (such as Portugal and Greece) have recently expressed their intention to also allow unvaccinated tourists if they can have antibodies from the virus or a negative test.
Travellers from Britain who have already had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will be admitted from 1 May to the Republic of Cyprus without having to undergo a diagnostic test or be quarantined. This reinforces expectations of increased tourist flow. Transport Minister Yannis Karousos said the opening of Cyprus airports would take place in two phases on June 9th, while hotels would open from June 1st. Cyprus has announced that it will allow vaccinated tourists to bypass tests/quarantine from Israel from 1 April 2021.
France is opening its borders to travellers from Britain if they have a negative PCR coronavirus test, which they did within 72 hours before their departure. However, they are required to be quarantined for seven days after arrival before undergoing a new test.
Portugal is preparing to welcome British tourists from 17 May on condition that they have had a vaccine for Covid-19, have a recent negative coronavirus test or have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
Greece also hopes to welcome tourists from all states by May. Tourists will be welcome if before the trip they are either vaccinated, have antibodies, or negative coronavirus test. All tourists will undergo random tests, Greek Tourism Minister Charis Theoharis has said. Greece is one of the few EU states to slowly expand its list of approved third countries beyond the list proposed by the EU, including countries such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates and more recently Russia. Greece's flexibility gives positive signals for the further expansion of the third-party list, which is hoped to soon include North America.
Iceland has announced that all travellers to the EU and approved third countries vaccinated against Covid-19 will have free entry from 1 May 2021.
