Free stays and discounted flights: Incentives offering various destinations for post-pandemic travel.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led all destinations around the world to introduce travel restrictions, according to a study conducted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). These are the most stringent restrictions on international travel in history.

The tourism sector, more than any other economic activity with social impact, is based on interaction between people. That is why it is currently one of the most affected sectors, with repercussions on both the supply and demand of travel. The situation poses an additional negative risk in a context of a weak global economy, geopolitical, social and commercial tensions, as well as the uneven performance of the main travel issuing markets.

Recently, the European Commission announced a plan to save summer tourism in order to help the struggling travel industry. The plan includes reopening borders and implementing health measures and testing.

But it’s not just summer travel that the EU is considering. While many countries still discourage non-essential travel, and while doubts remain over rates of VID-19 infection and the possibility of a second or even third wave, many tourism-dependent economies around the world plan to open their doors to travelers as soon as June.

Cancun, Mexico: Free hotel stays, car rentals and discounts at theme parks, golf courses and spas

Much of Mexico hopes to welcome tourists from mid-June, and a new campaign, #VenAlCaribeMexicano or #Come2MexicanCaribbean, is being launched to promote destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, ranging from Cancun to Cozumel.

Benefits include two free nights for every two paid nights by guests, two free days of car rental for every two paid days, free stays for up to two children when two adults book, as well as 20% discount at participating theme parks, golf courses and spas.

Sicily, Italy: accommodation and flight costs covered by up to 50%, and free tickets to attractions

The island of Sicily, in southern Italy, announced that it will offer to pay half of the flight costs for visitors and a third of hotel expenses to attract tourists back after the coronavirus.

Sicily will also provide free tickets to many of its museums and archaeological sites, The Times reported.

Since the island closed its doors on March 10, it has lost more than a billion euros, or $1.09 billion, in tourism-related revenue, and although the proposed plan would cost the island 50 million euros, it hopes to recoup this with the influx of tourists once the lock-in laws become easier.

The island offers white-sand beaches along its pristine coastline and many historical and cultural sites, and is also a great culinary hotspot.

Madeira, Portugal: free coronavirus testing

The Portuguese islands of Madeira, located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean, will reopen to international tourists on July 1.

According to the islands’ plans, all visitors will have to prove they were tested negative for the coronavirus within 72 hours before departure or will be tested upon arrival, with costs covered by the Madeira government.

Eduardo Jesús, regional secretary for tourism and culture of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, said: “Madeira and Porto Santo will reopen to tourism on July 1, when the mandatory quarantine is lifted. The reopening will take place safely and with the aim of regaining the trust of travelers and locals.

Cyprus: accommodation, food and medicine expenses covered for any tourist who contracts the coronavirus during his visit

Cyprus is preparing to open its borders to tourists from “safe” destinations such as Germany and Greece as from 9 June. Authorities on the eastern Mediterranean island have said they will pay for any accommodation, food and medicines used by patients and their families if a tourist tests positive for the virus.

A hospital will also be reserved for tourists who contract the virus, while several “quarantine hotels” will be assigned to their families. Tourists will have to pay only for their flight home and for their transfer to the airport.

Iceland: free coronavirus testing

Iceland plans to reopen the country’s borders to tourists by June 15, offering travelers the COVID-19 tests upon arrival at the airport. Those who test negative would be free to enjoy their time in the country, but those who test positive would have to be isolated for 14 days.

The new border process is still being finalized and therefore it is not yet known whether the tests will only be free for an initial trial period of two weeks or more.

Japan considers subsidizing tourism due to the COVID-19 crisis, but only for residents and domestic travel

Among other measures to revive the national economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government is considering boosting the tourism sector through the Go To Travel plan. The project proposes, according to the Spanish translation, “to provide consumers who purchase travel products during the period through a travel agency, etc., with a coupon equivalent to half the price.

However, on May 27, the Japanese authorities clarified that this program, for which details are still being defined, will only include travel within the country and by inhabitants of the country. On that date, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a statement saying that “incorrect information” had been published about the plan in the media.

By InfoBae

Photo: Dronepicr / Wikipedia