Experts predicted the expected dates of resumption of visits to resorts by Europeans. Representatives of the tourist business believe that residents of Germany and the UK will not be able to leave the country, at least until mid-June. In addition, they assume that overseas tourism in these countries will not be restored until the end of the summer season. The German government has extended its foreign travel ban until June 14 due to the pandemic. According to Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, approximately 240,000 people have been evacuated from abroad, and the possibility of another such operation in the summer of 2021 is ruled out. At the same time, he did not mention whether German citizens would receive permission to visit resorts in Turkey, Greece and Spain.
Citing its sources, Spiegel reports that the authorities, which initially announced the suspension of travel abroad until May 3, left open the question of the possibility of overseas travel in the summer season.
The German Tourism Association (DRV) believes the measure will ruin the 2021 tourist season, as German citizens will not book summer tours on an “open date” basis. DRV believes that this position of the authorities signals an extremely low probability of a return to normal life in the summer. Some time ago, the head of tourism of the German government, Thomas Barais, told the residents of Germany on television that in 2021 they would not have the opportunity to relax outside the country.
The owners and managers of hotels in Turkey are upset with the news from Germany. They will have to return the advance payments. In 2021, in Antalya alone, 1.2 million “package” German tourists were vacationing.
The introduction of mandatory quarantine will lead to a drop in demand for tours abroad. Few will agree to spend two weeks after returning from the resort without leaving their homes.
