Spain urges tourists to 'plan your vacations in our country' as borders reopen in July
It's a summer of sun, sea and social distancing in Spain as the country marks July as the official start date of tourism season.
In an address to the nation on Saturday, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sánchez said the country would be reopening to holidaymakers from 1 July "in safe conditions," as he urged foreign tourists to "plan their vacations in our country." Mr Sánchez didn't elaborate on what these "safe conditions" would entail but it's expected that beaches, resorts, hotels and restaurants will observe new social distancing guidelines, with the government working on a new certification scheme to prove businesses are compliant with increased safety standards.
As of 25 May most of Spain is in phase one or phase two of the government's deescalation plan, with Barcelona and Madrid finally leaving phase zero, the first stage. Phase one allows for social gatherings of up to ten people and sidewalk cafés and bars with terraces to reopen at 50% capacity, while phase two allows for gatherings of up to 15 people and cultural venues to operate at 30% capacity, among other measures. By the time tourists arrive in July, the country should be in phase four, which will see most limits on movements relaxed and the quarantine requirements for international arrivals removed.
"Spain needs tourism, and tourism needs safety in both origin and destination. We will guarantee that tourists will not run any risks and they will not bring us any risks,” Mr Sánchez said. "There will be no opposing forces between health and business. Spanish tourism will now have two hallmarks: environmental sustainability and health safety."
Spain is the world's second-most visited destination after France and receives 80 million international visitors per year. When a state of emergency was declared on 25 March and borders were sealed, the tourism sector - which accounts for roughly 12% of the country’s GDP - came to a standstill.
Spain was one of the worst-hit countries of the coronavirus pandemic but the prime minister advised the nation that the "worst is over". While the threat of the virus is still present, Mr Sánchez said the country is "seeing light at the end of the tunnel" but urged residents to remain prudent. For now, Spain is looking forward and tourism establishments are already preparing for the safe return of visitors.
“We’re sending everyone a message today: Spain will be waiting for you from July,” he said.
