White beaches, Mediterranean food and bright sunshine will soon be more than just a distant dream for Swedes.
The Public Health Agency's relaxed restrictions on entry to Sweden from abroad are being welcomed with open arms by tour operators Ving and Apollo.
”"The fact that the requirement and quarantine are now being lifted will make it easier to travel in the future," says Anna Hagberg at Ving.
The travel company is hoping for a major boost after Friday's announcement of the easing of restrictions, which will apply from Tuesday. According to Ving's forecast, travel will be up to about 70 percent of a normal summer already in August.
There are sweeping easing measures being implemented.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES:
* Swedish and Nordic citizens can enter Sweden without the requirement of a negative test.
* Other foreign nationals must still show a negative Covid test upon arrival.
* Asymptomatic Swedish and foreign citizens traveling to Sweden from countries within the EU, EEA, Schengen, the UK and a few other countries do not need to test themselves upon arrival and again after five days or isolate themselves for seven days.
Anna Hagberg points out that many Swedes have saved money during the pandemic year to be able to travel as soon as possible.
Ving opened for travel to Gran Canaria three weeks ago. The first flight to Mallorca took off last weekend. Rhodes, Crete and Cyprus are also in the works, says Hagberg.
”We will have traffic to virtually all Mediterranean destinations from the end of May.”
As it is now, you can travel to many countries with a negative Covid test and an approved entry form, she points out.
”"Our first flights of the season have been full. There is a high interest among Swedes to get on the road. It feels very good that we are up and running again," says Hagberg.
The tour operator Apollo also takes a positive view of today's announcement regarding easing restrictions on entry into the country and hopes to see a significant increase in bookings for summer trips quite soon.
”"In recent weeks, sales have increased significantly compared to the month before, which we believe is due to the vaccination progress. Today's announcement will definitely make even more people choose to book their holiday now," says Annica Smith, Marketing Manager at Apollo.
Since May 15, Apollo has been flying to several destinations in Greece as the country opened to foreign tourists. Apollo also has summer trips to Mallorca, Croatia, Cyprus and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
”"This summer we continue to take Swedes to the Mediterranean with safety and security as the top priority, but it is clear that eased restrictions in combination with vaccination will make it easier for Swedes to travel," says Adam Györki, communications manager at tour operator Tui, in a written statement to TT.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs still advises against travel outside the EU.
Source: TT
