Portugal`s omission from the likely list of initial air bridge agreements has been called an "absolute body blow" as other European nations welcome their inclusion.
Portugal`s omission from the likely list of initial air bridge agreements has been called an "absolute body blow" as other European nations welcome their inclusion.
The country has been at the forefront of negotiations for bilateral travel agreements, but according to sources, Portugal`s recent spike in coronavirus cases means it will have to wait.
"It’s an absolute body-blow to authorities who have pulled out all the stops to market tourist destinations as ‘Covid-safe’," said Algarve-based journalist Natasha Donn.
The country’s tourist board is also likely to be deeply disappointed. Luis Araujo, chief executive of Visit Portugal, this week told the Telegraph that he was optimistic the UK would be “fully confident” for Britons to return. “We are very excited to be welcoming them back,” he said. Portugal welcomed 2.5million visitors from the UK last year.
Turkey, Croatia and the US are three other popular destinations not to be included in the first tranche of deals.
France, Spain and Italy, however, will be included in the first deals, allowing the return of travellers for the first time since March. A spokesperson from the Italian tourist board said: "We will be delighted if this is officially confirmed by the UK Government. We look forward to welcoming British tourist to our country, a long-time favourite of UK holidaymakers, and they can be sure of a warm reception”.
Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.
