Foreign holidays here with ‘90% normality’ says biggest tour firm
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading abroad can expect “90 per cent of normality”, according to Britain’s biggest tour operator.
TUI resumed a limited number of flights yesterday to the Spanish resorts of Ibiza, Lanzarote, Palma andtenerife – with more destinations to be added over the coming weeks.
But tourists heading to the Balearic Islands must wear face masks at all times apart from at beaches, swimming pools and while doing sports.
The opening of air bridges to select countries comes as Prince Charles sent a greeting to Greece saying he hoped to visit again “the land of my grandfather” once the pandemic is over.
Writing in a Greek newspaper Charles, 71, recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a “vivid impression” on him. He offered “heartfelt wishes” to the people of Greece at this very difficult time.
He said their resilience has been tested and hoped the country would “once again emerge with renewed vigour and optimism”.
Charles added: “When that moment comes and the world has made its way through this challenging time, my wife and I do so hope to visit Greece and to see you all again. Until we meet again.”
He noted that young people are “more vulnerable to the immediate and the longlasting impacts of this crisis”.
His trust aims to help 4,000 young people in Greece get into employment, develop their own businesses or improve their opportunities – and reach their full potential by 2023.
Direct flights from the UK to Greece resume on Wednesday but passengers must wear masks on flights or ferries, and in taxis and buses. Ferry passengers will also have their temperature taken.
Meanwhile, Belgians have been told not to travel to Leicester because of the renewed lockdown, but they can travel to other parts of the UK without having to quarantine.
The city is in the “red zone” of risky destinations in Belgium’s travel advice alongside regions in Portugal and Spain.