Greece has launched a new tourism campaign- "Destination Greece. Health First"
The new campaign was presented by the Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation, promoting holidays in Greece.
The video highlights that Greece is a safe holiday destination-"Behind your every ideal experience, there is a complete protocol for your safety in action."
Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis stated that the new campaign, creates a sense of security amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On his part, Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary General at the Greek National Tourism Organisation, stressed that "Greece is presented around the world as one of the few really safe tourist destinations."
"It gives the impetus, the encouragement but also the guarantee that the current reality in Greece is exactly as the tourist can dream of it [...] The message, as it was emphasised, is that our country remains a wonderful destination. Because behind every experience that the visitor will experience in Greece, there is infrastructure, care and faithful observance of the required procedures (health protocols)," he continued.
Before travelling, it is still paramount that you check the travel restrictions in place for the country or island you want to visit.
Meanwhile, all passengers arriving in Greece must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before they check in for their flight, providing information that will include their departure airport, the address where they will be staying and the expected duration of their stay in Greece, among others. The information on the form is a key element of the country’s planning for protection against the pandemic and preventing the spread of the virus.
The data from each traveller will be analysed and based on it, they will receive a special barcode which will determine if upon arrival the passenger will be tested for COVID-19 or not.
Last week, Greece launched an information campaign “Enjoy your stay – Stay safe”, urging tourists to be mindful of health rules during their holiday in the country.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued nine directives for the necessary protection measures:
Greek authorities are hoping to salvage the season and limit some of the losses incurred by the tourism industry while maintaining the positive momentum achieved by the successful management of the first wave of the novel virus.
The messages will be located at all entry points (airports and ports) and will be available in three languages – English, French and German. Flyers will also be distributed to travellers.
In addition, basic rules for travellers on both international and domestic flights require mandatory use of a mask for those entering the airport building, where only holders of a ticket are permitted to enter except in cases where an escort is essential, such as for children or disabled persons.
Protective barriers have been installed at all points where the public is served, while masks must be worn at all times in the airport and on flights except when they are required to be removed for security and identity checks. Changing the mask every four hours is recommended.
Staff will be equipped with PPE and a distance of 1.5 metres from others must be maintained at all times. Surfaces and equipment will be regularly disinfected while antiseptics will be available in airport waiting areas and toilets. Plastic bins used at the security checkpoints will be disinfected between each use.
Passengers are also advised to use web check-in and self-check-in, luggage tag printing, baggage drop off and e-parking where possible.