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The Greek government has formulated its proposals for the concrete steps to be taken to restart tourism in a coordinated way in a document sent to the European Commission.
The document specifically states that “uncertainty is the main factor that makes tourism vulnerable.” That is why our response “must include specific steps on how to restart tourism in a coordinated manner.”
See Greece’s proposal for the Commission in PDF format
Updated and reliable information and effective communication strategy are more important than ever for both tourists and the tourism industry. While fighting pandemics remains a priority, health measures must be implemented in a way that minimizes the unnecessary impact on cross-border travel. “
RELEVANT ITEMS
The “common approaches and principles to ensure an effective restart of the tourism industry” are described in detail below. It is also noted that these have been developed on the basis of a continuous downward trend in the spread of the virus in the EU, depend on this downward trend and should be regularly reconsidered as the pandemic trend progresses, according to the APE-MPE.
Tourism: The main points mentioned in detail are the following:
- The single market remains the foundation of our union. Without the free movement of goods, services, people and capital, the European Union cannot survive. We must recognize and protect the integrity and indivisibility of the four freedoms, which are equally important.
- The foundations for restarting tourism must be established immediately. Our goal is to work on opening travel between EU countries before June 15, whenever possible. These flows must be restarted in a way that ensures fair treatment of all Member States, with a constant commitment to prevent any discrimination against nationality in travel protocols. We cannot allow the single market to fragment in the case of tourism services.
- There can be no discrimination or differentiation in the means of travel. Road, road, airplane, rail or ferry vehicles will be reopened at the same time according to custom protocols. We cannot let more member states of our Union fall behind. All citizens of the European Union must have the same rights and access to travel, regardless of their geographical origin or destination.
- The EU travel guidelines should aim to protect public health without discouraging tourism.
This includes a series of proposals for specific procedures (diagnostic tests, digital health certificate, flexibility of reservation, etc.) that must be followed before traveling to an EU country, by plane, upon arrival in the host country and by The return to the country of origin. Analytically:
Before the trip
- At an early stage, a common European level understanding of pre-travel preparations must be achieved, including valid PCR molecular testing or antibody testing at least 72 hours before travel.
- Alternatively, you will not need these travel tests between regions / member states, which have shown strong and clear evidence that the situation regarding the new coronary artery is under control.
- The ECDC agrees on a list of accredited tests and provides it to the national authorities. Test results should be recorded in print or digital form with harmonized content that will be immediately recognized by the authorities of all Member States.
The communication strategy is important to inform tourists about where and under what conditions these tests can be carried out. - There should be flexibility regarding travel reservations, which are related to travel or accommodation. In addition, there should be a common policy discussion and agreement on compensation in the event that someone is unable to travel, either because they have become infected with the virus or due to a sudden reversal of conditions in their country of origin or destination country.
- In order to avoid overcrowding and the risk of transmitting the virus, there should be no requirement for diagnostic tests at airports.
- The destination country should mobilize all available means to inform potential travelers in advance of current protocols, as well as more recent data on the results of diagnostic tests in collaboration with public health authorities.
Inside the plane
- All seats on the aircraft can be occupied by passengers if all necessary health measures can be applied, including the use of a universal mask.
- No meals or snacks will be served during flights and magazines will not be available.
- The use of a mask by passengers and crew will be mandatory.
- Airlines must comply with the basic common protocol established by the European Aviation Safety Agency, also taking into account the recommendations of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Upon arrival at the destination.
- Travelers should be reminded to comply with the protocol in force in each country.
- The Member State “hosting” travelers must provide clear and detailed instructions on what to do and who to contact if they have suspicious symptoms.
- In addition, each Member State must develop national protocols that comply with EU guidelines to ensure the following:
- Follow-up of contacts, diagnostic tests and quarantine procedures in case there is a positive patient for the coronary artery.
- Adequate and adequate rules of medical care, as well as instructions on accommodation, restaurants, bars, beaches, means of transport, etc.
- Ensure appropriate diagnostic tests and the possibility of providing medical care in remote areas.
- In the event of a large outbreak, EU assistance should be immediately available to repatriate European citizens from the host Member State.
During the return
The Member States of origin and destination should adopt common and reciprocal guidelines for the care of travelers. This means that there should be no disproportionate claims against them upon their return to the home Member State.
- For its part, the European Union should envisage the development of a common set of tools for interoperable voluntary monitoring applications that can be used in all EU Member States, in accordance with confidentiality, secure storage of information, in accordance with the GDPR regulation. In general, diagnostic testing procedures should be further strengthened in all Member States with the support of Community funding. Furthermore, user-friendly information platforms should be created at EU level to inform potential tourists, where each Member State will record the procedures and requirements that will apply at national level.
- If a Member State records the transmission of an infection to the community, it must immediately notify the other Member States of the details of the outbreak and the measures taken. On this basis, other Member States may temporarily suspend travel to and from specific Member States, or specific Member States, or impose additional restrictions or rules if there is evidence of significant occurrence of new Covid-19 cases. based on ECDC updates and risk assessment (where available). This flexibility must be based on transparency and mutual solidarity, without abuse or discrimination between Member States.
- The above framework for travel restoration within the EU will also serve as an appropriate basis for travel restoration between EU countries and third countries. The EU should enter into talks with third parties as soon as possible. The entry of tourists from non-EU countries could be the subject of bilateral or multilateral agreements, ideally within the broader framework agreed by the EU-27 based on recommendations and information from the European Commission provided by diplomatic missions from the EU and the Member States. in third countries
- “We cannot delay the implementation of the foundations for the restoration of connectivity and free movement within and between Member States in a harmonized way that is consistent with the current epidemiological situation and will help prevent any widespread spread of the virus within the EU.
The European Commission should immediately start cooperating with Member States to implement the above general framework. “This would also mean spending the necessary funds, mobilizing the industrial production of the necessary test equipment, increasing the capacity and personnel of the national health care and quickly understand harmonized protocols and procedures for all types of non-discontinuous travel.
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