These countries are all offering travel incentives to get tourists back after lockdown

As travel restrictions around the world begin to ease, many countries that rely on tourism are offering travellers incentives to encourage them to visit. 

While today marks the lifting of travel restrictions for many countries in Europe, across the world strict rules are being eased as countries try to get back to normal after lockdown. Part of this involves trying to kickstart the economy, and for countries that rely on tourists as a main source of income, this means getting travellers to visit once again.

However, even when restrictions are gone, many people will still understandably be nervous about travelling. As a result, several countries and regions have introduced incentives for people travelling there. Here are some that are on offer.

Sicily

A popular spot for tourists from around the world for its picture-perfect swimming spots and well-preserved historical sites, Sicily’s regional government has announced an extensive plan to encourage visitors.

It has pledged €75 million to subside both domestic and travellers’ costs for a visit to the island, including offering one night free accommodation for a three-night stay, as well as vouchers for cultural activities and heritage sites.

Visitors from the European Union are now free to travel to Italy, although many countries like Ireland are still advising against non-essential travel for its residents. Sicily has not yet given further details of how to take advantage of this offer, but more information will be posted on its tourist board website.

Japan

Japan’s tourist industry has almost totally disappeared because of the coronavirus pandemic, with a 99.9 per cent drop in tourist numbers in April compared to last year.

Japan is still preventing entry to citizens of most countries, but when restrictions are eased, its government plans to incentivise visitors to return by offering discounts and vouchers for local shops and restaurants. These would be delivered directly to tourists through Japanese travel agencies, or through hotels and traditional ryokan inns.

Cyprus

Cyrpus is another warm-weather destination that’s popular with European tourists, and as a result many of its businesses depend on welcoming plenty of visitors each summer. The government there has said it will cover the costs of any traveller who contracts Covid-19 while on holiday there, including accommodation, food, drink and medication for them and their family.

Cyprus recorded low numbers of coronavirus infections, and will be lifting travel restrictions for people from most European countries on June 20.

Cancun, Mexico

While travel to Mexico depends on the region you are visiting, the state of Quintana Roo which includes Cancun has recently started to allow visitors again. Its #VenAlCaribeMexicanoX2 or #Come2MexicanCaribbean campaign has partnered with over 200 businesses to offer deals to tourists.

These include incentives such as two nights free accommodation for every two nights paid, free stays for up to two children when two adults are staying, and two free days of car rental for every two days paid for. There will also be vouchers offering discounts on various activities.

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