Every week is better than the previous one, says Tourism Minister

Greek Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis, is optimistic about tourism in the country, expressing that "every week is better than the previous one and this is encouraging."

His comments were made on radio station Parapolitika FM.

Regarding the increase of passenger capacity on ferry routes, Theoharis explained that the situation will be examined every 15 days.

Based on the new measures, the maximum passenger capacity allowed on ferries increases to 80% (from the current 60%) for ships that don’t have cabins and to 85% (from the current 65%) for those that do.

“The percentage of hotels that are operating today is just under 80 percent. This is very positive as it states that the hoteliers are present, they took the risk to open and support the national economy,” the minister added.

He also noted that he did not understand why Cyprus decided classify Greece in Category B, adding that he hopes the issue will be clarified between the two countries soon.

“It is a decision that I do not understand, I consider it to be wrong, I do not know exactly what criteria it was based on,” Theoharis said.

“I hope that there will be an understanding and an explanation between the epidemiologists of the two sides so that the position can be explained that our country is very safe and much safer than any other country. I do not consider it logical and right for our country to be in category B,” he continued.

Greece will be classified in the ‘Category B’ countries as of August 6, the Ministry of Health of Cyprus announced on Sunday, after several people who arrived from Greek destinations tested positive for coronavirus.