Spain Preparing to Reopen Tourism and Leisure at End Of 2020

The Spanish government is working on a two-phase plan of reopening its country to activity and employment once the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic passes, according to Marca. The first phase, which would be for the “productive sectors and work” would commence in summer; the second phase, would be put into place from the end of the year.

According to Minister of Labour Yolanda Diaz, some of the country’s most affected sectors, such as tourism and leisure, would be among the second phase activations. Sectors, such as tourism, culture, catering and air and sea transport, "are going to have enormous difficulties," Diaz said. The return to “normalcy” in Spain is not expected until Christmas; however, the return to normalcy in bars, restaurants, hotels, concerts, theaters or cinemas is expected to be slower.

Diaz, according to Marca, made it clear that the final decision on the return to activity and employment corresponds to the Ministry of Health, who will decide whether the plans can progress as planned in regard to COVID-19 is under control and does not exert a risk of further contagion.

In a separate press conference, as reported by Forbes, Spain's Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero said that Spain would not resume touristic activity until the safety of Spaniards and visitors alike could be assured.

Forbes adds that Spain’s tourism sector contributed in excess of $200 billion to the GDP annually since 2018; this equates to about 15 percent of the GDP. Last year, the country received over 83 million tourists who stayed at least one night; it received an additional 41 million day-trippers.

This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.

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