VIDEO: The destination dilemma - how to know it’s safe to reopen

Understanding how and when to reopen safely to tourism has been one of the biggest dilemmas faced by destinations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Across Europe, entry requirements and vaccination rates have varied by country, which not only confuses consumers but also damages national mobility.

For those that do venture out, travel is almost seen as “an act of rebellion,” says Turespaña director general Miguel Sanz Castedo, and it’s up to destinations to figure out new ways to welcome these visitors safely.

For Spain, as it considered its reopening strategy, the tourism hot spot looked to one resource: science.

“It’s not something between economy and health. It has to be one with the other,” Sanz Castedo says.

“We asked scientists how can we resume traveling, and the number one answer was vaccines.”

Speaking during Phocuswright Europe 2021, Sanz Castedo explained Spain’s decision to open to vaccinated tourists, as well as how the country is factoring sustainability into its reopening plans, the need for collaboration across the industry and more.

See the full interview with PhocusWire news editor Jill Menze below.