Spain to reopen for foreign tourists from July 1

at 1:53 pm

New Delhi (NVI): The government of Spain has said that it is planning to allow foreign tourists in the country from July. The Spanish government’s decision comes as it eases lockdown measures in Madrid and Barcelona.

The government expects that the two-week quarantine imposed on overseas travelers will be suspended by that time.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya on Monday in a tweet said, “The worst is behind us. In July we will gradually open Spain to international tourists, lift the quarantine, ensure the highest standards of health safety. We look forward 2 welcoming you!”

Under current restrictions, visitors from abroad must isolate themselves for two weeks on arrival, making leisure trips virtually impossible.

Spain’s Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto yesterday said that the policy would be relaxed in July.

The world’s second-most visited nation closed its doors and beaches in March to handle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, later imposing a two-week quarantine on overseas visitors.

Now, it is gradually easing a strict lockdown though it has kept a quarantine for visitors so as to prevent a second wave of infections.

Tourism is a critical part of the country’s economy. Spain is the world’s second-most visited nation and normally draws some 80 million visitors per year, over 12 per cent of gross domestic product and an even bigger share of jobs.

At present, bars and restaurants in Madrid and Barcelona were allowed to open outside spaces at half capacity from Monday. But many stayed closed as owners weighed the value of catering to just a few.

Notably, Spain has been highly affected by the deadly pandemic, with a total of 26,834 deaths so far. However, the death toll has been below 100 in the country for the past nine days. A total of 235,000 deaths have been recorded while 150,000 have recovered.

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