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Austria wants to open its borders on a limited basis this week, and the restrictions will also no longer apply from June 15. What does that mean for travelers, hotels and attractions?
As Austria announces that it will reopen its borders to tourists, controls at the German border will also be gradually relaxed.
What has been valid for travelers so far?
Austria closed its borders due to the crown pandemic in late March. Also, only those who can present a negative crown test that is only a few days old will be able to cross the border. Without such a certificate, Austrian police have so far almost only allowed other compatriots to enter the country and then have to quarantine their home for 14 days.
German controls were already on March 16 at the borders with Luxembourg, Denmark, France, Austria and Switzerland. it was introduced to curb infection in Germany. Since then, only those who can provide a valid reason for this, such as travelers, members of the medical profession, or EU citizens heading to their home country, can enter Germany. Caring for family members and other family reasons could also be partially affirmed.
According to the Interior Ministry, travel assistance is now provided for “family and personal reasons.” The rule that only those with a valid reason can enter the country should basically continue to exist.
What is planned for the border with Austria?
Austria wants to open its borders on a limited basis this week, then from June 15 entirely. Starting on Friday, May 14, all catering establishments in Austria will be able to reopen, as of May 29, hotels and other accommodation facilities. Controls at the German border in Austria will be gradually relaxed starting Saturday, May 15.
As the Federal Interior Ministry announced in Berlin on Wednesday, controls on the German side initially ended at the Luxembourg border on the night of May 15. At the German-Denmark border, Germany is also ready to stop controls “as soon as the Danish government has carried out its ongoing consultations with its neighboring countries.” However, on the borders with France, Austria and Switzerland, they should continue until June 15.
Can you book hotels in Austria again?
“Many people are already in the starting blocks and are happy with the announced opening of the border with Germany. What is unfortunately still missing are clear rules for reopening,” explains Michaela Reitterer, President of the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV ), the current situation of the industry. According to a recent ÖHV survey, 45.8 percent of hotels point to May 29 as the reopening date. “That’s in just over two weeks. Companies need a wait time to be able to make any adaptations and order prescribed hygiene kits, and employees are confident in planning,” Reitterer demands detailed regulations as soon as possible.
Another third of hotels want to start again in early July, even more when the borders are completely open again: “Especially from the city’s hotel industry, we are receiving more and more inquiries about when more conferences can be held again. Small. That cannot be answered at the moment, this involves a lot of work, “explains the President of ÖHV. At Thermenhotels, it is also unclear what to watch for when reopening.
When can tourist attractions in Austria reopen?
Many travelers wonder if they could go to the normal tourist attractions and sights on vacation in Austria in early summer. “It is actually too early to answer this question: As Deputy Chancellor for Culture Werner Kogler announced, there will also be new regulations for the cultural sector when hotels are opened,” explains Martin Stanits of ÖHV at the request of t-online. .Delaware. The cultural sector would also have to comply with certain rules of conduct, and its exact appearance is still unclear. “For example, if theaters will offer more performances to cope with the influx of guests and distance rules alike: It will take some imagination, but that’s exactly what the cultural sector is famous for.”
In principle, accommodation facilities, leisure facilities and attractions can reopen from May 29, restaurants and museums from May 15. “However, this does not mean that all companies and facilities are actually open at this time. Guests should inquire in advance at the respective facilities, for example via the Internet,” advises Sören Kliemann, Germany Market Manager at Österreich Werbung. For safety, the rules on distances and mask requirements also apply. For interior areas, the obligation to wear nose and mouth protection applies, as well as a restriction of at least 10 square meters of space per visitor.
Are there any special crown reserve terms now if the virus breaks out and hotels have to close again?
Many travel providers, airlines and also railway companies offer changed cancellation terms in the wake of the Corona crisis. In Tui, for example, all trips are suspended until June 14 and are canceled free of charge. “We welcome the German-Austrian border opening announced today from June 15 and we are currently preparing intensively for a new start in tourism,” explains Tui press spokeswoman Susanne Stünckel at the request of t-online.de the governments of our vacation destinations. The first Tui hotels in Germany will be opened to guests in the coming days. “But also in Austria and other European countries on vacation, the hotels are ready to welcome tourists again. Tui is implementing a 10-point plan to increase hygiene and protection measures for hotels around the world. “For the greatest possible security and flexibility in the summer 2020 season, Tui offers new free reservations for trips abroad departing before August 31″, Stünckel emphasizes, ” Customers who decide to book by the end of June will also receive a loyalty bonus of up to EUR 100. per person.”
“Opening the border is an important step towards normality, which we expressly welcome,” emphasizes Ralph Schiller, Managing Director of the FTI Group when asked by t-online.de. The FTI Group has canceled all trips until June 14, 2020 inclusive for guests from Germany. “This rule does not apply to bookings departing from May 16 to June 14, 2020, even to Germany or Austria,” explains Schiller. “As soon as the Germans can re-enter the neighboring country and the hotels have opened there, the reserved trips can be made as planned. We are in close contact with the hoteliers, we clarify to what extent they will start operating again and if, for example, the sauna and wellness areas are open to have. ” At the same time, FTI is working on concrete steps “so that guests can plan and start their vacations without worries.” The first plans are already planned for Thursday.
Sören Kliemann also notes that the cancellation conditions are set individually by the companies. “In our opinion, many companies offer very accommodating cancellation policies. The best thing to do here is to ask about the accommodation you want,” he advises.
What should you consider if you are planning a trip to Austria for the next few weeks?
“Even if cross-border things become possible again, you should be aware that vacations in the summer of 2020 will take place under special conditions to protect against Covid-19,” confirms Kliemann. “Many companies offer flexible and flexible cancellation terms: You should check with the respective company, as each company sets the cancellation terms individually.” It is important that these are “optional provisions”, in individual cases the regulations could always deviate.
That is why Martin Stanits advises you to contact the hotel, attractions and restaurants in the area and find out what the current situation is shortly before the trip.
Ralph Schiller, from the FTI Group, also explains: “When booking at a travel agency or directly with the tour operator, we clarify for the guest directly with the hotel if all the desired services can be offered in full.” You should inquire about the hygiene measures applicable in the country, for example, where a mask is required. In addition, tourists must prepare for longer waiting times when visiting, for example, museums, cafes or restaurants due to applicable distance regulations.
What measures apply to tourists? How are hotels prepared?
“Here we do not differentiate between tourists and locals: everyone should stay healthy,” confirms Stanits. Currently, authorization rules must be observed and mouth-nose protection must be used in closed rooms. The only exceptions are for your own home or for eating or drinking. Details of the hotels’ hygiene measures and equipment would still be recommended, Stanits says. But: “There are general rules of conduct to prevent the outbreak if possible. I think we have not only learned how to deal with the disease, but overall the personal need for hygiene has increased so much that one can live life without distance and not I can imagine washing my hands all the time. ” If a crown case is reported anywhere, use the learned behavior patterns: keep your distance, dial the 1450 hotline, follow the authority’s instructions.
Sören Kliemann also gives some examples, as in the case of gastronomy: “A maximum of four adults plus associated children can sit at a table. A minimum distance of one meter from guests must be guaranteed at neighboring tables.” However, counter bar operation is not permitted and service personnel must wear a face mask. “Measures for accommodation companies are still being worked out, but should be based on those in the catering sector.”
