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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |