Given that is very difficult to have a prediction for this year and it is almost impossible to conceive how tourist industry will change after this pandemic, the prevailing message of the Greek government about the tourist sector is currently one of patience, vigilance and coordination. 

Waiting to establish when seasonal structures will be in operation and which health rules they will have to follow, the Tourism Ministry is cooperating closely with health services to ensure in this critical situation both a compliance with the prevention measures and the quickest and safest way out of this extraordinary situation. At the same time, the Ministry of the Economy is supporting both tourism enterprises and the seasonal workers who will not find occupation this year with contribution packages. Authorities are also examining a series of actions to give the tourism sector a boost after the pandemic subsides. Measures may include a reduction of VAT on transports and accommodation, increased seasonal subsidies and a reduction of airport charges. 

These measures, however, do not prevent Greek tourist operators to worry about their future. According to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, bankruptcy seems a possible scenario for 65% of Greek hoteliers. For a country which makes up on tourism as much as 25 percent of gross domestic product, Coronavirus pandemic will have crushing financial repercussions. 

In these hard times, it is vital for all those who work in travel industry not to yield to the dejection and to remember that tourism is not only a business. It is a network of people who work together, create connections and share experiences. It is a system based on openness and hospitality which transcends boundaries and unifies in a huge community all the travellers who love to make new friends and discover new places and cultures. 

The forced paralysis imposed by the virus may be an opportunity to strengthen old relations and create new ones, dust off old projects and plan new strategies. It may be the time to accumulate energies in view of a new challenge, which is certainly frightening for its indefinite contours but also inspiring as it may have a refreshing and renovating effect. It’s time to be brave, to keep feet on the ground and head in the clouds.