Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the country is "ready to welcome tourists" in complete safety after the coronavirus lockdown, whose impact on tourism will be "significant".
"Greek tourism is back," said Mr Mitsotakis, two days before the reopening of the tourist season.
The return of tourists to Greece from around 30 countries by air, sea and land, begins on Monday.
"Everything is ready in terms of making sure that we ensure the proper social distancing guidelines, Mr Mitsotakis said in Santorini, adding that safety and health is "our number one priority".
"We want visitors to feel safe. I am not interested in making Greece the number one destination in Europe. I am interested in making Greece the safest destination in Europe."
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announces the opening of the tourist season. Source: Greek Prime Minister's Office
Greece has been relatively unscathed by the virus with just 183 deaths.
After stopping at Fira hospital, where he again spoke of the success of his government "in overcoming the first wave of the pandemic", the prime minister visited the archaeological site of Akrotiri.
But in a country where tourism is crucial to the economy, accounting for almost 25 per cent of GDP, Mr Mitsotakis admitted that the impact of lock-downs on the tourism sector would be "significant".
Only a fraction of the 33 million tourists who visited Greece last year would turn up this summer, he cautioned
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis walking in Fira cit, during his visit in Santorini Island. Source: AAP
"The honest answer is I don't know what the real impact on the GDP will be," he told the press conference.
"We'll try to save whatever we can to make sure our sector stays alive ... and can survive what will obviously be a very difficult summer.
"A lot will depend on how comfortable people feel."
Only the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki will be reopened to flights on Monday, while regional airports, including that of Santorini, are due to reopen on 1 July.
Before this date, any passenger who tests positive for COVID-19 must submit to a 14-day isolation period in a hotel at the expense of the Greek government.
The government hopes to lift all restrictions in July and wants to "extend the tourist season" when the Greek weather permits living outside which is less conducive to the transmission of the virus.
Asked about possible new outbreaks of coronavirus in Greece, he said there was no "risk-free approach".
"We are dealing with a dangerous virus," he said. "It’s still here, it hasn’t disappeared.
"We are taking an extremely calculated risk," he added, stressing that a new total containment was not an option.
"We are doing the best that we possibly can."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
