British Expats On Corfu Uncertain About Reopening To Tourists

As countries worldwide attempt to regenerate their tourism sector, not all expats and locals in Corfu are happy with the risk of causing a covid-19 second wave.

The Greek island of Corfu has long been an all-time favourite for expats as well as tourists, but the reintroduction of a style of normality including visitors isn’t a popular innovation with residents. According to the Greek PM, the country is now ready for a pandemic-safe summer season, but many Corfiots and expat residents simply don’t agree. By now, direct flights from the UK will have been resumed and their passengers won’t be forced to self-isolate or go into quarantine, at least not until they return to the home country.

Much is being placed on air bridges as a solution to devastated tourist destinations, whilst Greece as well as its islands have been relatively successful in dealing with the pandemic.

The island is now being described by European Best Destinations as one of the safest visitor destinations in Europe at the present time, but owners and workers in its tourism sector still aren’t convinced the much-touted rush of visitors will actually happen.

Many hospitality businesses are owner-operated by British expats, the majority of whom aren’t even sure that opening up to British travellers is a good idea given the chaos in the UK as regards the pandemic. Brits renting out holiday accommodation are the worst hit, having been virtually closed due to a total lack of bookings once international flights were cancelled, especially as state benefits and unemployment pay aren’t available. It seems the general feeling amongst expat resident business owners is that it’s best to stay closed as there's then no risk of infection being brought in from overseas or the Greek mainland.