Holidays in Europe in summer are getting closer. Until then, there is still a lot to do – the planned opening of the borders to tourists is also criticized.
- The plans to exit the current border controls owing to corona* Become more specific.
- If the borders open, people will soon be able to join in again vacation* calculate in neighboring countries.
- When will it be ready?
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Update from May 19, 2020: Hope for summer holidays on the Mediterranean is growing
Sun-hungry Germans can hope: The chances of a summer vacation on the Mediterranean have increased because Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) and counterparts from Europe want to work towards opening the borders to tourists by the beginning of summer. The travel industry, which was hit hard by the Corona crisis, is preparing for a start in Europe. Despite rising costs due to hygiene and protective measures due to the corona pandemic, industry experts do not expect general price increases.
“We want to go back to normalization step by step,” Maas said on Monday after a video conference with colleagues from ten of Germany’s most popular holiday destinations. But he also emphasized that summer vacation will not be the same as before the Corona crisis. “We shouldn’t be under the illusion that it is a quick return to business as usual. “
Maas wants the one that is still valid worldwide until June 14th Remove travel warning for German tourists for the European Union at first and replace with individual travel information for the individual countries. The aim is to draw attention to the different risks. The Federal Foreign Office is also already thinking about lifting the travel warning for individual countries outside the EU.
Beach in Sardinia.
© picture alliance / Claudia Castellano / dpa
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First of all, the borders have to be opened
Germany wants to implement this for its neighboring countries by June 15 – only in the Czech Republic and Poland is it unclear when an agreement can be reached. In addition, the two-week quarantine requirement for foreigners arriving in many countries must be lifted. If this is regulated, from June 15, the worldwide travel warning will also fall.
The plans not only arouse anticipation among holidaymakers, but also come up against criticism. The chair of the World Medical Association, Frank Ulrich Montgomery, has warned against opening the European borders too quickly for tourism. “I would advise the government to keep the borders closed – in both directions,” Montgomery told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group (Tuesday). “For health reasons, it would be best for people to stay where they are.”
With regard to the planned lifting of the travel warning for Europe, Montgomery warned of one dangerous race: “The new easing between the European countries is of great concern to me because we will again get a bidding competition: who opens further, who opens faster?” Travel traffic will increase the risk of a second wave of infections: “It will be tougher than the first, because we’re not going to be so careful anymore. “
The new freedom of travel is also risky due to the expected Increase in trips to Germany: “If tourists come back to Germany now, the risk of infection will increase,” said Montgomery. The border openings are therefore premature. “The government acts here exclusively for economic reasons – and underestimates the health risks,” he criticized: “We can still not back to normal. “
Tour operators such as Tui, DER Touristik or FTI are preparing for the start and have developed appropriate hygiene and protective measures. “We have coordinated very intensively with the governments of the holiday countries in the past few weeks and welcome the step to be able to present summer holidays in the European holiday regions,” said a Tui spokesman, for example.
Industry experts do not expect general price increases in the crisis. “Although have for example hotels, restaurants or campsites through hygiene regulations and lower utilization, higher costs, but the competitive pressure is high. The water is up to the neck of many, “said tourism expert Torsten Kirstges from the Jade University in Wilhelmshaven.
Update from May 18, 2020: Maas is consulting with holiday countries about opening up to tourists
Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) wants to discuss on Monday (May 18, 2020) with his colleagues from popular German holiday destinations, like that Travel restrictions because of the corona pandemic can be eased gradually. Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Cyprus and Bulgaria are invited to the video conference.
The goal of the meeting is a coordinated approach at Opening the borders to tourists. In Germany, a worldwide travel warning for holidaymakers applies until June 14th. Maas wants the Baltic Sea, Harz, Chiemsee – the most popular holiday regions and their corona rules, provided there is no setback in combating the pandemic – first for European countries. The basis for the discussions is the guidelines for tourism in crisis that were presented by the EU Commission a few days ago.
The Federal Government assumes that vacations will be possible in large parts of Europe. “The chances are good that we can spend our summer vacation not only in Germany, but also in other European countries,” said the Federal Government’s Tourism Commissioner, Thomas Bareiß, the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” and the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” (Monday). But you have to make sure that you don’t start too early. However, he was “convinced that the global travel warning after June 14th will be history “.
Maas referred to positive developments in the ARD “Report from Berlin” on Sunday evening. Some countries would have announced theirs from June or July Open borders for tourists. And the federal government also wants to relax its restrictions, he said. “After June 15th, we don’t really want to have a worldwide travel warning anymore. Instead, we want to replace it with travel information from which people can see: Where can you go? Is it responsible? Are you welcome? And above all: Which regulations apply there?”
Given the waning Corona pandemic the Greek government woos holidaymakers from Germany. Greece is coming out of the crisis step by step and is returning to normality, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told the editorial network Germany (Monday). “Freedom of movement is restored within the country, our hotels are preparing to reopen, our beaches are open again, and archaeological sites are reopening to the public.” Denias emphasized: “The aim is to restore free and safe travel within the EU.”
France’s State Secretary for Tourism, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, stressed before the video show that he wished that a maximum of sights in the country could receive visitors again at the beginning of summer on June 21. Depending on the development of the corona pandemic, this may be possible earlier, he told the Sunday newspaper “Le Journal du Dimanche”.
In France had the first at the weekend Beaches and tourist destinations reopened. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner criticized that Italy wants to allow foreigners to enter again from June 3. It is important that these decisions are coordinated at European level, said Castaner on Saturday in Veules-les-Roses in northern France.
At the weekend, Germany had relaxed controls on the corona pandemic Borders with neighboring countries started. The Federal Government is still adhering to the principle that only those who drive to work or have another valid reason can enter the country until mid-June. However, there are only random checks.
Especially in the comparatively little affected by Corona Austria, Croatia and Greece, one hopes for vacationers from Germany in the summer holidays and wants to boost cross-border tourism again as soon as possible. Maas had announced on Deutschlandfunk on Sunday that he was the Travel warning if possible after June 14th for European countries and convert it into individual travel advice. It would then draw attention to the risks in the individual countries without generally advising against traveling there.
Update of May 15, 2020: Slovenia opens borders, Denmark offers entry under certain conditions
On the evening of May 14th, 2020 Slovenia announced the borders for EU citizens from May 31, 2020 to open. The government of the country assumes that To have survived the pandemicAfter the infections have dropped significantly in the past few days, the dpa reports in citing the STA news agency. There should still be restrictions: Travelers must expect controls at the borders with Austria, Italy and Hungary. who no permanent residence in Slovenia has and typical symptoms of Covid-19 disease shows is rejected. Visitors from non-EU countries continue to be subject to a quarantine when entering the country. In addition, distance regulations and a mask requirement in public apply within the country.
Holiday in Italy.
© picture alliance / Andrea Warnecke / dpa-tmn / dpa
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Also from Denmark there is news: posed as part of a TV debate Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen prospect of opening under certain conditions. Should tourists get one Rental contract for a vacation home or one Hotel reservation would be possible to enter soon. However, these regulations must first be adopted by politicians.
Another message should bring joy to summer vacationers: Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would like to have a meeting with those responsible from popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Cyprus and Bulgaria in the coming weeks Relaxation of travel restrictions advise, reports the German Press Agency, citing information from the Federal Foreign Office. This could soon make EU travel a reality in the summer months.
Update of May 14, 2020: Border easing from May 16, 2020
The announced Border easing in the Corona crisis some Union politicians don’t go far enough. Union parliamentary group leader Andreas Jung (CDU) promptly called for further steps to normalize border traffic. Saarland Prime Minister Tobias Hans also asked for more speed. In contrast, Bavaria’s head of government Markus Söder urged prudence. Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) warned that if the number of infections rises sharply, loosening border controls could also be reversed.
Seehofer announced on Wednesday (13.5.20) that the Checks on the Luxembourg border are ended at night on Saturday. At the German-Danish border, Germany is also ready to end controls “as soon as the Danish government has carried out its ongoing consultations with its neighboring countries,” it said.
At the borders too France, Austria and the Switzerland on the other hand, the controls should be carried out by June 15, 2020 to be continued.
Border opening Austria and Germany planned for June 15, 2020.
© picture alliance / Johann Groder / APA / EXPA / dpa
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“On Saturday the barriers at the closed border crossings finally go up again. This is an important step, but we are not there yet,” said CDU politician Jung of the German Press Agency. “We continue to fight for a European response against Corona with no border restrictions,” he said. In the next step, entry bans would have to be removed and rejections should stop. “People must be able to get back together – at a distance, but across borders,” emphasized Jung. He said: “We need to move quickly now, not only in mid-June!”
Summer vacation 2020: A trip could be possible in these countries
Thousands of people in Germany are still waiting for their booked summer vacation – whether in Mallorca, Antalya or Egypt. But whether and under what conditions will a trip abroad be possible? The border openings in Europe planned for mid-June raise hope, but still in the Summer vacation abroad. Some countries are already preparing.
Holidays in France: easing since May 11, 2020
beaches: With the easing in France, some beaches are reopening – however, strict rules apply there. Sunbathing or picnics are generally not permitted. Only “dynamic activities” are permitted on the open beaches in the Loire-Atlantique department on the Atlantic coast, as stated in the regulation of the responsible prefecture. These include individual sports such as running, swimming or water sports. Any “static presence” – ie lying down or sitting down – is prohibited. The situation is similar on some beaches in Brittany. In addition, alcohol is prohibited and the distance rules must be strictly observed. France relaxed its strict exit restrictions for the first time on Monday (11.5.2020). During this time, the beaches in the country were closed. Regional authorities are currently deciding which beaches can now reopen on the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the North Sea. The town halls must have the opening approved by the responsible prefecture. Some beaches have already been given the green light, while others are still pending approval. The beaches in the south near Marseille, for example, are said not to open until May 25th. The prefectures also decide which rules the people on the beaches must adhere to. Many beaches will only be open during the day.
Will beach chairs like this soon fill up with vacationers again?
© picture alliance / Sina Schuldt / dpa
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Hotels, restaurants, cafes: No opening date has been set for hotels, restaurants and cafés.
Museums and sights: Large museums like the Louvre in Paris will probably not open before September. In contrast, smaller museums are already allowed to open their doors to visitors again.
Read it here: Land advertises itself as “soon corona-free holiday country” – holiday season starts on July 1st.
Holidays in Italy: Holidays for foreign tourists are not possible at first
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has given his own compatriots hope for a summer vacation on the beach. But whether and when tourists from abroad can go back to Italy is still in the stars. In any case, South Tyrol has already rushed ahead and will open hotels again at the end of May – and court German tourists.
beaches: Meanwhile, the country gets lost in sometimes absurd discussions about distance rules on the beach, in the sea and for children digging in the sand. Lido operators are up in arms against suggestions that rows of parasols must be up to five meters apart or that sun beds should be disinfected after every change. Access should only be given with bookings in advance. At the moment, however, this is still a long way off: even the Italians are not yet allowed to travel from one region to another.
Bars and restaurants: There is growing pressure on the government to reopen bars, restaurants and hairdressers earlier than June 1st. With a declining number of people currently infected, many of the 20 regions are demanding that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte take more action to ease anti-corona measures.
Churches: From May 18, 2020, the churches in Italy can once again celebrate services with believers. However, security measures to protect against infection with the corona virus should apply, as the government in Rome and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference CEI announced on Thursday. The churches should use staff to control access to the places of worship and ensure that there is always enough distance between people during masses.
Read it here: Germans spend a vacation in Germany – a federal state most in demand.
Holidays in the Netherlands: Holidays from 1st July 2020 possible
The Netherlands is one of the few countries to have a holiday plan. Tourists are allowed to travel to the Dutch holiday areas again from July 1st.
Campsites, bungalows, apartments: Bungalow parks are already gradually opening their gates and apartments are being rented out again. From July 1st, all campsites and holiday parks should be fully reopened. So far, this was only limited. For example, showers and toilets on campsites had to remain closed. The sanitary facilities will also reopen on July 1st on beaches and in nature parks.
Museums: Museums can again receive visitors from June 1st – provided they register online beforehand. Restaurants, cafes, beach pavilions and pubs can each serve a maximum of 30 guests. From July up to 100 guests are allowed.
Sports: You can do sports outdoors again as long as you don’t have physical contact with others. Tennis, golf and swimming have been allowed since May 11th, but not soccer.
Holidays in Denmark: no tourism from abroad
retail trade: In Denmark, all retail has been allowed to reopen since May 11, 2020, according to an agreement between the Danish government and the parliamentary parties published on Thursday evening.
Cafes, bars, restaurants: A week later, on May 18, restaurants and cafes can also open their doors under certain guidelines. The same applies to churches and religious communities. After the younger students, the sixth to tenth school classes are now taking up their classes again. Professional sport can start again with immediate effect – but without spectators.
Limits: The borders of Denmark remain tight for the time being. Holidaymakers from Germany will continue to be unable to enter Denmark for the time beingn. The measures taken in the corona crisis would have serious consequences for tourism, Justice Minister Nick Hækkerup said in the parliament in Copenhagen on Wednesday when the opposition asked whether the border should be reopened to German tourists. In view of the current situation, he believes that tourists should not be allowed to enter Denmark because they could possibly bring a coronavirus infection into the country.
Will vacation be possible this year?
© picture alliance / Espa Photo Agency / CSM via ZUMA Wire / dpa
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Holidays in the UK: first easing
The British government is, however, increasingly criticized for its plans to relax the initial restrictions in the corona crisis. Britain is the worst numbered pandemic country in Europe, with more than 30,600 deaths in statistics. Experts assume that the number of unreported cases is very high. Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to announce further action by the government on Sunday evening. The first easing could therefore apply from Monday (May 18, 2020). British media are already speculating about the first steps Johnson could plan.
Parks, cafes, picnics: Given the beautiful weather, this includes opening more parks, licensing picnics and reopening outdoor cafes. More outdoor sports should also be made possible. Critics think it’s too early. Many people are already not adhering to the guidelines.
Holidays in Spain: borders tight for now
Limits: Any plans for Spain in summer 2020 are still shaky for international holiday guests. So far the limits have been closed. Even the Spaniards are still prohibited from traveling to other regions of their country.
activities: In addition, from May 15th, foreign visitors to Spain must be quarantined for two weeks. The measure should apply until the corona alarm condition ends.
Hotels: However, there are gradual easing, even if it is not yet clear what that means for tourism. At least in parts of the country, the hotels were allowed to reopen under strict conditions.
Air traffic: “The impact of Covid-19 on tourism is simply brutal,” wrote the newspaper “El Periódico”. But at least: From June, Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings want to send vacationer jets back to the Balearic island of Mallorca, which is less affected by the virus.
Read it here: Holidays in the Canary Islands: Controversial exit strategy should change everything in the future.
Holidays in Greece: Tourism allowed again from July 1, 2020
tourism: Athens wants to allow all movements within the country from May 18. Tourism should start again from July 1st.
beaches: In the holiday resorts by the sea, the loungers and parasols by the pool or on the beach should be about three to five meters apart.
Hotels: There is great debate as to whether meals should be served in buffet style hotels or at the table. So that the virus does not spread, the beds in the rooms should not be made daily.
Tourism is extremely important for Greece, which had left its great economic crisis behind. Most recently, 33 million tourists came in the year. The industry anticipated sales of more than 22 billion euros in 2020. Now it should not be more than two billion euros. Around 65 percent of hoteliers fear that they will not open this summer.
Vacation in Turkey: flight stop extended until May 28th
Turkey is gradually loosening the corona measures and preparing for an opening to tourism. In the meantime, only travel restrictions apply to 15 instead of 31 cities and provinces as before.
Domestic travel: The country plans to start domestic travel at the end of May, and hopes to attract international holidaymakers in June.
Hotels, restaurants: Strict corona requirements should apply to hotels and restaurants. Distance and hygiene rules must be observed, for example, and the staff should receive pandemic training. Turkey has developed a certification program for this.
Air traffic: After opening for international flights, corona tests are to be carried out at border crossings, for example at Antalya Airport. The semi-state airline Turkish Airlines recently extended its flight stop until May 28th.
Vacation in Croatia: Entry regulations relaxed since May 9th
tourism: The country heavily dependent on tourism on the Adriatic Sea with its long, bay-rich coast and the many islands forcefully urges an opening of the European borders. Relaxed entry requirements have been in effect since May 9. Accordingly, foreigners with three reasons may cross the border without a corona test and without quarantine requirements:
- if you own a property or a boat in Croatia,
- when they travel to a funeral or
- if they are invited by a company and there is an economic interest in their entry.
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An informal directive from the Ministry of the Interior states that the last provision also applies to vacationers who have booked accommodation in Croatia. The authorities are also working on new rules to prevent large crowds of people on the beaches.
Holidays in Poland: restaurants and cafes open again from May 18, 220
The country will hold on to border controls with other EU countries until June 12. Foreigners are not allowed in. So far there are exceptions for people with permanent residence permits, for truck drivers and diplomats. Hotels and shopping centers have reopened on May 4th. In a further step to end the lockdown, restaurants and cafes may reopen from next Monday (May 18th). However, there must be a minimum distance of two meters between the tables. Cooks and cellars are also obliged to wear mouth-nose protection. Also starting next Monday, hairdressing salons and beauty salons are allowed to open.
Hotels: In the Polish seaside resort of Swinoujscie On Friday, around a hundred hoteliers and travel agency employees demonstrated against the entry requirements imposed on foreign tourists due to the corona crisis. “We are on the edge of the abyss,” said an employee of a hotel at the PAP news agency. “The bosses tell us that if nothing changes by the end of the month, they will fire us.” According to Polish television, people shouted “We want to work” and “Open the border”. Banners read: “Save tourism” or “Closed borders are the virus that will kill us”. Although allowed Hotels in Poland reopen since MondayHowever, foreigners are still subject to a two-week quarantine regime upon arrival. Only business travelers are exempt from the measure. The epidemic and the closure of the borders have caused foreign guests to make their bookings for the Summer vacation* Have already canceled. The Tourism industry therefore fears for its survival: German and Scandinavian Vacationers* According to their information, up to 90 percent of guests in some hotels, restaurants, health and fitness facilities on Poland’s Baltic Sea coast.
Vacation in Egypt: Hotels open from June 1st, 2020
It is also unclear when normality will return to popular beach resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Hotels: Hotels are now allowed to reopen for local vacationers with 25 percent occupancy and from June 1st with 50 percent occupancy. Among other things, hotels have to provide disinfectants at the entrance and disinfect guests’ luggage on arrival and departure.
Air traffic: When the borders open again, it should also be ensured at airports that travelers can keep a minimum distance from each other. Experts estimate that the Egyptian tourism industry is losing $ 1 billion a month from the pandemic.
Read it here: Around 3,000 people persist on cruise ship – Corona test results there.
Update from May 13, 2020: Tyrolean country chief Platter happy about the upcoming border opening
Tyrol’s head of state Günther Platter (ÖVP) was pleased with the upcoming opening of the borders between Germany and Austria from June 15th. Open borders are the “absolute greatest support” for tourism in Tyrol, said Platter at a state parliament session in Innsbruck on Wednesday. The intention was now clear “that from the June 15 the opening of the borders will be given. “
The Austrian federal government announced on Wednesday morning that the border with Germany should be opened on June 15. As of Friday, only random checks are to be carried out.
Tourism in Austria has recently come to a virtual standstill due to the corona pandemic. Hotels and Open accommodation facilities in Austria again. Austrian tourism is heavily dependent on guests from Germany. Therefore, many state politicians in the Alpine Republic and also the tourist experts had recently insisted on opening a border.
Update from May 12, 2020: Merkel and Macron are planning to relax the border
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and French President Emmanuel Macron have over a media report Advice on easing the German-French border traffic. According to the “Capital Briefing” by The Pioneer editor-in-chief Michael Broecker on Tuesday, both are striving for a solution that applies to the citizens of both countries equally, at best even beyond. Both would have called each other on Monday evening.
The police barrier tape lies on the bridge that connects the small Blittersdorf in Saarland with the French Grosbliederstroff.
© pi cture alliance / Oliver Dietze / dpa
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For weeks now, only those who can show an important reason have been allowed to enter Germany. These are, for example, truck drivers, members of the medical profession or commuters. There are also borders with Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria stationary border controls. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) had recently said that the federal government had agreed to continue the controls until May 15. North Rhine-Westphalia’s government leader Armin Laschet (CDU), for example, had pleaded for easing.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert confirmed on Tuesday that the Chancellor and the French President had spoken on Monday about current European tasks.
Update from May 11, 2020: Corona loosening in parts of Spain
A “café con leche” in the street café, shopping in the fashion shop and a visit to the museum: in parts of Spain the next stage of the corona loosening began on Monday. Ten out of a total of 17 “autonomous communities” were allowed to advance to “Phase 1” of the de-escalation plan, including the Basque Country, Galicia, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. In Mallorca, for the first time since the strict ban on going out in mid-March, people sat outside of bars again – however, the tables must be at least two meters apart and the number of customers is limited.
Also the Palma Cathedral opened again for believers. As in museums and shops, the number of visitors to churches is limited to a third. At the same time, private gatherings of up to ten people are again permitted, provided the safety rules are observed. The rules for going out still apply: Sports and walks for two are only permitted for citizens between the ages of 14 and 70 in the morning and evening. In between there are periods for walking for a parent with children and for the elderly.
The rules are quite confused, many complain in the country. “For example, I can only go for a walk alone with my child, but not in three with my partner. But if we are in one Go out for an ice cream in the bar, then all three of us can go out. It doesn’t make any sense, “said a German who lives in Palma.
The particularly difficult of the Corona pandemic The affected region of Madrid initially remains in “Phase 0”, in which only the exit restrictions are slightly relaxed and small businesses are allowed to open on a forward basis. In other regions, such as Catalonia or Valencia, easing is only allowed in a few areas. The metropolis of Barcelona also has to “detain”.
The left government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wants to lead the country to a “new normal” by the end of June with a four-step plan. However, depending on the situation, the regions should progress at different speeds with regard to easing.
Message from May 7, 2020: “Gradual opening of the border”: Holidays here from mid-May possible?
According to information from the German Press Agency, Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) and Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther have already spoken specifically about a concept of how to contain the corona virus and applicable quarantine regulations, if necessary, even without formal border controls. A joint situation report by the Ministry of Health and the interior ministry says that a “gradual opening of the border” in the North.
“Today we spoke on the phone and agreed to develop a concrete timetable in which steps from May 15th at the latest The border with Denmark can be opened“said Günther on Monday evening, like that Portal Mopo reported. “This should be specified in the coming days.”
Appropriate concepts are already being discussed between the Federal Ministry of the Interior and other federal states with borders where controls are currently taking place. Seehofer had the border controls ordered in mid-March closed Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland extended on Monday until May 15, 2020.
Seehofer warns against a hasty return to travel operations with Austria
Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) has spoken out against the rapid resumption of travel between Germany and Austria. “As long as that Virus does not vacation, we too have to limit ourselves with our travel plans – as understandable as the desire for people and the tourism industry is, “said Seehofer of the” Bild am Sonntag “.” Protection against infection sets the schedule. “
Seehofer warned of “reckless openings that later struck back in the form of increased contagion numbers”. Whether and when vacation can be taken again depends on the infection process. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had declared that opening the borders to Germany soon would be possible. His country is hoping German tourists in the summer holidays at the latest.
Interesting too: Vacation in an apartment in Germany: Why you should book quickly now.
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You should urgently avoid these errors in travel cancellation insurance
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* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / Santi Palacios / dpa
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