Travel: Germany lists Spain as Covid-19 risk area. Worries over damage to tourism sector

TOURIST industry chiefs believe the sector will suffer after Germany declared the whole of the country – including the Balearic and Canary Islands – a coronavirus risk area as infections rise.

It means travellers returning home will have to provide a negative test but with tourism already struggling to recover from the pandemic, the move is seen as a “clear disincentive” for holidaymakers before the peak season when Germans flock to beach destinations.

Germany’s foreign ministry also designated Cyprus as a high incidence area; which means travellers must quarantine on their return.

France has already advised residents not to visit Spain and Portugal – French junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune advising citizens to avoid both countries for summer holidays.

Highly reliant on tourism, Spain is juggling easing restrictions enough to entice visitors back while keeping the Covid-19 under control.

Head of the Mesa del Turismo association Juan Molas complained: “It’s ridiculous the lack of coordination between EU member states on travel recommendations.”

And Mallorca’s FEHM hotel federation – its members rely heavily on German guests – said the move was not trivial. In a statement, the group said: “It serves as a clear disincentive for tourists, further complicating the fragility of this season.”

Spanish tourism minister Reyes Maroto said the country was a safe destination for holidays; pointing to the rollout of its vaccination programme and low numbers of people in hospital with the disease.

Written by BayRadio