Greek hotel sector executives told ot.gr on Friday that the country has not veered from agreed-to provisions taken at the EU leaders’ level for opening borders around the continent, within the framework of a European “vax certificate”.
The reaction comes amid simmering anger on the part of the EU over the UK government’s decision to keep most areas of the EU on an “amber list”, meaning that UK nationals returning from travel to those areas must quarantine themselves upon reaching Britain.
The next date when the UK government will change the “Covid-19 map” colors is now considered as July 20.
The annoyance with the Johnson government spilled over to a EU summit meeting, as according to reports both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticize Greece’s decision to allow tourists vaccinated with the Russian and Chinese vaccines to holiday in the country, and despite the fact that the EMA has not certified the latter vaccines.
A surge in the number of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 also raised eyebrows, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from Brussels, again calling for stepped up vaccinations in the country as the solution for staving off another Covid-19 wave come August or the early autumn.
For instance, on Friday 15 instances of the so-called Delta variant were detected in the Irakleio, Crete area on Friday, all permanent residents and described as mostly young adults.
Latest News
Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge
Overall, during the first half of 2024, Fraport Greece's airports achieved remarkable results, handling more than 12.7 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to 2023.
SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece
Greece spends 70% less than the European average on pharmaceuticals, and Greek patients face significant challenges accessing pharmaceutical drugs and treatments that are available in the country
Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences
A relevant announcement said the merger with Pancreta is expected to be completed by mid September
Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved
Owner of Minoan Lines Grimaldi Group acquired a 67% share of the port for a total price of 80 million euros
Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar
A Santorini councilman urged locals to stay put and limit their activities during the arrival of cruise ships due to overtourism
European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF
The Commission's preliminary assessment of Greece's request, completed on June 14, 2024, was positive, reflecting Greece's successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan
Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape
In Vonitsa, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Varko Bay resort is emerging as the first ultra-luxury retreat by Banyan Tree in Europe
Greece: New Draft Bill to Facilitate Property Transactions
Streamlined process envisioned in draft law aims to cut 'red tape' in real estate transactions, including parental transfers of property to offspring
Eurostat: Greece’s Airbnb Bookings Surge 28.7% in Q4 2023
Greece's growth in short-term bookings in Q4 2023 on platforms like Airbnb outpaced the EU average, recording a 28.7% increase compared to Q4 2022, higher than the EU's average growth of 22.7%
FinMin: Only One Investor Expressed Interest in Attica Bank
Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis added: If deal for Attica Bank, Pancreta Bank falls through then both institutions risk collapse