NICOSIA – Cyprus’ beleaguered tourism sector got some good news after the government announced on Friday that travelers from the U.K. will be allowed entry into the east Mediterranean island nation next month without having to undergo a compulsory 14-day quarantine.
But Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that depends on whether U.K. coronavirus infection rates stay at the current low ebb.
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Ioannou said that as of Aug. 1 Britain will be grouped with 17 other countries including France, Italy and Spain from which travelers will be required to obtain a health certificate declaring them coronavirus-free three days prior to boarding a flight.
“The decision will be implemented on the condition that the United Kingdom continues to post the same positive epidemiological results,” Ioannou said after a Cabinet meeting with a scientific advisory body.
The U.K. is Cyprus’ prime tourism market. U.K. citizens made up a third of Cyprus’ 4 million tourist arrivals last year.
Tourism officials say July appears to be a bust in terms of tourism, despite earlier hopes that holidaymakers would flock to Cyprus because of its minimal infection rate.
Tourism accounts for 13% of Cyprus’ economy and officials say the aim remains to recoup 25-30% of tourist arrivals the country received in 2019.
Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said setting a date for opening up Cyprus to U.K. holidaymakers was important for tour operators, airlines and other tourism-oriented businesses to start planning ahead.
A 14-day quarantine period remains in effect for all travelers from Russia — another key tourism market for Cyprus. Perdios said there are hopes for reviving the Russian market later in the year.
“Unfortunately, it's a year where everything's in flux," said Perdios. “We are obligated ... to show flexibility and understanding that whichever decision is taken could change in a few weeks."
Travelers from 23 countries including Germany, Australia and Norway don't need a health certificate to enter Cyprus.
Ioannou said there are plans for a five-fold increase in random COVID-19 testing of all arriving passengers at Cyprus’ two airports at no extra cost to the government. Currently, around 15% of arriving travelers are being tested.
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