Charter companies TUI and Apollo have now been given the green light to land their travelers in Greece.
On Thursday, nearly 200 Swedes will fly to Rhodes from Stockholm. Once there, the Greek authorities will test the travelers who have symptoms.
”"If you are tested, you will be quarantined for 24 hours. But we assume that those who travel are healthy," says Linda Netterström, press officer at TUI.
Tour operators TUI and Apollo have been forced to cancel flights to Greece at short notice several times this month. Greece was supposed to open up to Swedish tourism on July 15. But two days before that, the announcement came that the date would be moved to July 23.
For the two Swedish charter companies, this has meant postponed or canceled trips for just over 2,000 Swedes.
On Thursday, TUI will fly a full plane from Arlanda to Rhodes. The travel giant has not received any new information from the Greek authorities and plans to land 200 Swedes on the Greek charter island.
”"Tomorrow the plane will go as planned. We are working closely with the Greek authorities and will make decisions based on how the situation develops," says Linda Netterström, press officer at TUI.
TUI received special permission to fly to the island on July 2. At that time, all travelers were quickly tested for corona. Now the rules have changed slightly and a form must be filled out where you certify that you are healthy.
”"After filling out the form, you receive a QR code and then you are approved by the Greek authorities before you are allowed to travel," says Linda Netterström.
If you have cold symptoms or other signs that you could be contagious, you will be tested by a doctor on site.
”"There are doctors there who do spot tests, which means tests with saliva. If you are tested, you have to sit in quarantine for 24 hours until the test results come. But we assume that those who travel are healthy.".
However, no travelers from TUI have so far had to be quarantined at any of the charter company's current holiday destinations.
TUI's operations are currently operating at around 10 percent of capacity, compared to 100 percent last year. However, the tour operator is experiencing a significant increase in traffic to its website compared to just a few weeks ago. The uncertainty surrounding the development of the coronavirus means that most people are waiting, which has made last-minute travel more attractive, says Linda Netterström.
”"We see a last-minute trend, that people wait until the last minute. After the uncertain news, people want to be absolutely sure of getting going. We believe that this trend will continue this fall and perhaps the rest of the year."”
Apollo is also noticing a last-minute trend. However, there are still seats left on this weekend's three departures to Greece, where the first flight leaves from Landvetter on Friday.
”"We see that many people are booking very close to departure, but we also see that the booking situation for September has increased recently. Many people seem eager to travel later this fall," says Annica Smith, Marketing Manager at Apollo.
Random corona tests at the airport are to be expected, she says, but otherwise social distancing applies like the one we are used to in Sweden.
”"Just as we have learned to live with in Sweden, hygiene and social distancing are also important when traveling abroad during these times. Bringing a face mask for flights and at supermarkets is also a good thing to remember."”
When it comes to refunds for all the thousands of trips that have been canceled since the corona pandemic broke out, TUI announces that all refunds should be completed this week. At Apollo, refunds have been made for departures up to July 9.
”"Card payments go through immediately and those who have paid by bank transfer and gift card may experience a slight delay from the time we make the payment," says Annica Smith at Apollo.
Source: di.se
