Greece to reopen tourism season in JuneMay 21, 2020 - 12:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Greek tourist season will kick off next month, with international charter flights to popular locations resuming in July, the prime minister says, according to the BBC. "The tourism period begins on 15 June, when seasonal hotels can reopen," Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address on Wednesday. "Let us make this summer the epilogue of the [Covid-19] crisis," he added. The coronavirus pandemic threatens to ruin Greece's tourism industry, which is vital to the country's economy. The Greek announcement came as EU tourism ministers agreed to do "whatever it takes for the quick and full recovery of European tourism". As restrictions aimed at minimising the spread of the virus are gradually eased across Europe, Mitsotakis said that Greece had shown by its handling of the crisis that it was a "passport of safety, credibility and health". "It's a great reputation," the prime minister said, adding that the country had provided a "hygienic shield in every location of hospitality... our passion that is always inspired by Xenios Zeus". The Greek god Zeus was god of xenia or hospitality, among many other things. Greece has been praised for its handling of the pandemic, recording 166 coronavirus-related deaths and 2,850 confirmed cases. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |