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European countries have been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic, but as they have started to gradually ease the lockdown restrictions, they’ve started to work towards welcoming tourists back with new safety measures. The foremost of these newly discussed regulations is the introduction of a digital health passport. By Manya Saini
Spanish officials in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation have begun developing measures to revive tourism in the country securely and sustainably. This includes launching digital health passports and contact tracing systems to ensure there is no second phase of the outbreak.
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The initial launch is set to take place in a pioneering flight to the Canary Islands. Yaiza Castilla, the tourism minister confirmed that the health passport flights will mark a new break in the fight against coronavirus. Passengers will receive a unique digital profile on their smartphones equipped with their medical information and certification. The country is working hard to avoid any breach of privacy in the data or possible manipulation of these records.
The country has noted that if it finds success in its initial endeavour, they will work to roll it out to other European holiday destinations. Several Greek and Italian tourist hubs such as Santorini, Crete, and Capri are also working to see if they can implement health passports for international tourists.
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Spain has further said that with the Canary Islands experiment, it is working to be a “world laboratory for tourism safety” adding that its tourist hotspots of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote will undergo extensive revamping to keep both locals and visitors safe.
As heavily tourist-dependent European countries look to reopen their borders for the summer, they are hoping for continued success with the control on the virus. The announcement of security measures and the commitment to welcome tourists back is a positive sign of revival of the world after the crisis subsides.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: Greece To Welcome Tourists After Victory Against Coronavirus
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