On the other hand, when it comes to health and safety measures, the Professor states, “Due to COVID-19, we are experiencing an extreme variability and heterogeneity of health safety measures”. As an example, Greece followed a different policy towards the entry of travelers compared to other countries that were stricter. Greece decided not to require the visitors from certain countries to self-isolate themselves for up to two weeks. Instead, it was an early adopter of more accurate and widespread testing protocols. Additionally, the health and tourism ministries collaborated to launch the ‘Blue Freedom’ plan in May 2021 giving priority to residents and seasonal tourism workers on islands where people rely on the tourism and travel sector.  A similar approach was taken in Italy, particularly in the Campania region to reach full vaccination of the people on islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida. “The challenge related to health&safety issues is to find out common standards, so that a French or English tourist can travel to Croatia, Italy or Greece without fussing over too many different rules. This is one of the issues that should be part of the key actions for the next programming period, such as putting together stakeholders to set up standards on health safety as well as promoting some good practices to be exported in other countries”, continues Mr. Perretti.

Vouchers and state-aid mesaures proved to be effective in the short term

According to the policy paper, the more effective measures taken in the ADRION region to regain ground, are the promotion of cultural attractions to domestic visitors, tourist vouchers such as state vouchers which can be used for accommodation (in 2020) and later for restaurants and events etc. (in 2021).  One other finding that is considered as somehow effective was the promotion of alternative transportation to support the limitations of private cars and create more space in cities (new and better walking and cycling paths for better connectivity). For instance, Greece implemented more walking and cycling paths contributing to a shift to more sustainable and active transportation and the well-being of residents. In particular, the most effective measures activated to restore a sustainable development pattern are the promotion of sustainable mobility (cycling, walking, micromobility, shared mobility) and wide public transport coverage; the digitalisation of cultural and related offerings, and the structural improvement of open and indoor spaces (restaurant rooms, health services, etc).