The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lives around the world and caused many businesses to close. The tourism industry is one of the hardest hit areas, as many of the world's most popular tourist destinations are currently struggling to survive with flight cancellations and border closures. Cross-country travel has dropped to almost zero, countless countries are reporting massive declines in domestic travel, and yet international borders remain closed. Although foreign travel may not be possible in the near future, there is light at the end of the tunnel, with many countries reporting significant declines in deaths and infections, and several countries cautiously reopening their borders.
There are many countries and travel destinations that are trying to revive tourism and encourage people to choose them as a travel destination for their first post-quarantine vacation. They try to entice travelers with great discounts, including paying for flights and accommodation, giving away free domestic attractions and even organizing some great competitions. It may seem too grandiose to be true, but it is important to understand that the economy of many countries depends on tourism, the absence of which is seriously suffering at the moment.
We have compiled a list of 7 countries that offer you great travel deals after the end of the coronavirus. In order to revive their tourism sectors, these countries are offering various packages and benefits to travelers so that they will consider choosing them for travel after the coronavirus period. Read the list below to find out more about the offers and start imagining your next 'budget friendly' holiday.
Italy
The coronavirus pandemic has hit Italy hard and the tourism industry has also taken a hit as the doors are closed to travelers. But Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, in the south of Italy, plans to revive tourism by trying to attract people who want to come here. Sicily has announced a new approach to tourism after the COVID-19 period, offering to cover some of the costs of foreign tourists coming here and making it known to the world.
The plan is part of a 50 million euro package set aside by the Italian government to increase tourist arrivals, and it's understandable why a country whose economy depends on tourism would take such a step.
The plan also includes paying part of the flight and accommodation costs of the future tourist. According to the offer, 1 extra night will be given as a gift for every 3 nights the tourist will stay at the hotel. In addition, up to 50% of the cost of the plane ticket will also be paid by the government.
Abolition of entrance fees at museums and historical sites in the region is also being considered. Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the world among the regions that offer you affordable travel after COVID-19. You can get these benefits through the vouchers offered on the official website of Sicily.
2. Mexico
Mexico, one of the countries following in the footsteps of Italy, is also preparing to put forward its proposals to restore tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancun, a popular vacation destination in Mexico, offers exciting vacation deals for travelers, according to the Association of Hotels (AHCP).
Tourists who want to travel to Cancun after the pandemic in Mexico will be able to get 1 of 2 offers:
"Come to Cancun 2X1" - 1 night free gift to those who pay hotel for 2 nights!
"Come to Cancun X2" – everyone who travels with a person (friend) will receive an additional 2 nights and a discount on the flight ticket for the payment of 2 nights at the hotel!
Travelers will also have the chance to be awarded a "travel certificate of a lifetime" as part of a social media competition. With these offers, you can taste delicious tacos, sunbathe on the beach, and experience a great vacation in Mexico that offers to take care of you.
3. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the best places to consider for travel in the post-COVID-19 era. Although Bulgaria does not directly cover the travel costs for tourists to travel, it offers many popular tourist spots to travelers free of charge.
Wouldn't you like to relax on a great beach and enjoy the warm breeze on your face while holding a delicious cocktail in one hand? Yes, both to save tourists money and to attract travelers again, Bulgaria will offer them their beaches (Bulgaria's Sunny Beach and others) as well as many amenities like umbrellas, sun beds, tables and sun lounges for free.
4. Cyprus
Among the exciting travel deals and beautiful regions on this list, this is one you most likely won't want to miss. Because Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean Sea, has undertaken to cover all the expenses of travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Cyprus has opened its borders to tourists, and to attract travelers, it has made an offer that if tourists contract the coronavirus during their stay in Cyprus, the government will cover food, travel and hotel expenses for them and their families. They will stay in a separate hotel and be treated, they will just buy the return ticket themselves.
Are you confused? The idea is to provide a financial guarantee to tourists in case they encounter any symptoms while traveling. The idea came after Cyprus officially declared itself as a country with zero cases of COVID-19. The island has the lowest rate of coronavirus per capita in Europe and tourism is very important to the country's economy. The country is currently continuing to gradually open its borders to tourists from different regions.
5. Egypt
Egypt has announced new measures that reflect the government's warm attitude towards gradually reopening borders and "living with the virus". Egypt has resumed the admission of tourists to the country from July 1 and intends to cancel the visa fee by the end of October.
"Based on the decisions we made in the last few days, we decided to exempt tourists from visa fees until October 31. So, no Arab or foreign citizen will pay a tourist visa fee at any visa agency until October 31. May we started tourism activities again from the beginning of June. Then we decided to operate 50 percent of the country's tourist reception capacity from June 1. We hope to resume tourism activities in all three governorates on July 1.
The news was given by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khalid El Enani. The Ministry of Interior announced a new decision to establish visa fees for all citizens arriving in Egypt's three governorates. This is an opportunity that each tourist can make 25 dollars. More than 260 hotels in Egypt obtain a hygienic certificate in accordance with antiviral measures.
6. Japon
As part of a plan aimed at reviving tourism after COVID-19, Japan has announced that it will offer significant discounts and vouchers for travelers. The Japanese government is considering paying tourists half of the plane ticket price, implementing additional incentives and covering some of the other travel costs.
Of course, when news of this plan broke, it immediately went viral. Although the plan was shown by the world media to be applied to foreign tourists, it was clarified by the head of Japan's Tourism Agency that this campaign will only apply to domestic travel. But in any case, the $12.5 billion Go to Campaign package deserves a place on this list because it includes a significant subsidy to revive domestic travel.
7.United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another interesting addition to this list. Although the UK is considering offering financial incentives and subsidies for travellers, they only want to apply this to UK citizens.
Patricia Yates, chief executive of Visit Britain, told The Sun that these financial incentives were being considered to encourage UK residents to take advantage of tourism opportunities "at home". He said that revitalizing the domestic market is a must for every country. Accepting this as an interesting proposition, he noted that the United Kingdom is looking at what other countries (such as Italy) are doing in this direction. Patricia also stated that they are starting to consider a marketing campaign where direct financial support can be provided to visitors to encourage them to travel to the UK.
What to do?
We have some way to go before international tourism can resume, and while steps may be taken to make travel a reality in the near future, it will normally be a gradual process. In addition to these countries, there may be other countries that plan to attract tourists with different incentives. As the situation around the world is currently unstable, it is advisable to check what kind of restrictions are in place in the countries you are going to before you travel.
