May 2020: Portugal takes another step today in the process of gradually opening up the country’s economy and social life This new phase, which happens to coincide with International Museum Day, will be commemorated not only by the opening of Portugal’s museums, but also other cultural sites including monuments, palaces, art galleries, churches, and interpretative centers. Restaurants, cafés, patisseries, esplanades and shopping centers of up to 4300 square feet.
This second phase follows the first controlled-opening stage, on May 4, where local traders, bookshops, hairdressers, beauty salons, libraries, sailing clubs, golf courses, taxis and rental cars and some public transport services opened. Portugal has been roundly praised for their handling of the pandemic crisis and has maintained the downward curve of new cases during the phased re-opening, strengthening confidence in the process. The Portuguese Department of Health’s rigorous health and safety measures will remain in force, including the obligatory use of face masks, the continuation of six-feet social distancing, ongoing disinfection of surfaces and spaces, and frequent washing of hands by employees and visitors alike. In restaurants and other eating establishments, open air and effective ventilation is mandatory, and any decorative elements must be removed from tables. Customers are advised to book in advance and payment must be made via contactless processes. Also, VisitPortugal has created the Clean & Safe seal, which distinguishes those tourist activities that guarantee compliance with the Department of Health’s hygiene and cleanliness requirements for the prevention and control of Coved-19. This seal covers the nation’s entire tourism industry, including hotels, local accommodation, tour operators, restaurants and catering companies. More than 4,000 companies have earned the Clean & Safe seal, representing the commitment of the Portuguese travel community to following best practices for safely welcoming tourists back. Beaches are set to open on June 6, marking a further phase in the return to business. By that date, restrictions as to the maximum number of bathers per beach will be issued, and supervision will ensure compliance with the rules so that Portugal’s more than 500 miles of coastline may be enjoyed. Also on June 6, visitor arrivals by air will be open with all EU countries except Spain and Italy, and with non-EU countries in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Venezuela, South Africa, Brazil and the other countries whose official language is Portuguese. Airlift remains limited but is gradually being restored. There will be no quarantine requirement on entry to Portugal, except for the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. Thanks to clear and objective measures, implemented early, Portugal is succeeding in controlling the pandemic. A concerted strategy of public health protection and support for businesses with strict compliance by citizens and companies with the instructions and guidelines issued by Government authorities, have contributed greatly.. The World’s Best Destination* continues to be authentic, diverse, attractive, inclusive and safe. We continue to welcome all visitors and ensure that they are able to travel around our country safely and confidently. It’s time to say #CantSkipHope…. Start planning. *Named for the last three consecutive years at the World Travel Awards
About VisitPortugal
Integrated in the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, VisitPortugal is the National Tourism Agency responsible for the promotion, enhancement and sustainability of tourism activity. It brings together in a single entity all the institutional skills related to boosting tourism, from supply to demand. With a special relationship with other public entities and economic agents, at home and abroad, VisitPortugal is committed to fulfilling the goal of strengthening tourism as one of the pillars of the Portuguese economy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT PORTUGAL WEBSITE
Commentaires