Tourism Marketing 101? Cyprus To Cover Costs For Tourists Who Get COVID-19 On Holiday There

Now that many countries are slowly lifting restrictions, one of the biggest challenges for most is to get tourists to visit. One of the things that might change the most in the post COVID-19 world is how and where people travel and some countries are trying to come up with rules and schemes to attract tourists.

For example, Cyprus will cover the costs for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while on vacation there. Inbound air travel in Cyprus resumes on June 9, initially from 19 countries that are considered low risk. It will be eventually expanded to countries who infection rates diminish.

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The eastern Mediterranean island country has reserved a 100-bed hospital to care exclusively for visitors who test positive, and will cover medication, lodging, food and drink for them and their families. A letter was sent to governments, airlines and tour operators, where it was revealed that the patients¡¯ families and close contacts will stay at a 500-room ¡®quarantine hotel,¡¯ according to the Lonely Planet report. The letter mentioned that the only bills the country will not cover will be for repatriation flights and taxis to airports.

The island country is known for its mineral wealth, superb wines and produce, and natural beauty. Cyprus has been a popular tourist destination for visitors from Europe and even bird-watchers are drawn to the island¡¯s diversity of migratory species.

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Strict health and hygiene protocols will be implemented in the country. This would include the enforcement of social distancing, disinfection of sunbeds, the encouragement of contactless card payments, and the wearing of masks by hotel staff, claim reports.

Tourists will have to carry health certificates with them proving they have tested negative for the virus, at least three days before departure to the country. This is a preliminary measure that will be lifted for 13 countries on June 20. However, officials will administer temperature checks and free random testing of arrivals.

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As of June 1, Cyprus had 943 positive cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths in the Greek south, while the Turkish north of the island declared itself to be virus-free several weeks ago.

The move sounds attractive for tourists as many weigh the options of where to travel. One would not have to worry about incurring extra cost if, unfortunately, one contracts the virus there.

So will you be planning a trip to Cyprus soon?