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The need to take special measures – such as priority vaccinations and systematic tests – to protect all those working in the tourism industry in view of the start of the tourist season. The operation of the European Green Certificate and secure bilateral relations with other countries. As well as of the systematic controls at the entrance gates of the country, points out the Regional Council of the Ionian Islands. Its resolution, which passed by a majority in the meeting held by teleconference through the platform e: Presence.gov.gr on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
At the same time, this resolution emphasizes the importance of substantial information for the proper implementation of health protocols in all sectors of tourism. It also emphasizes the readiness of the Ionian Islands Region in terms of information programs, and specific crisis response plans. during the tourist season.
In conclusion, the Regional Council, with the resolution, which was submitted by the “Ionian Strong”, “Ionian Alliance” and “Ionian Initiative” factions and passed by a majority, calls on the Government to continue supporting businesses and employees, who affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.
The resolution of the Regional Council of the Ionian Islands, in the context of the discussion of the topic “Preparation of companies and employees for the new tourist season. Measures of support from the state and the Region “, which was suggested by the Regional Governor, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, states the following:
“Taking into account the great challenges of the resumption of tourism activity for businesses, employees, but also for the reliability of our tourist destination, while the Covid-19 epidemic has not yet been overcome.
The Regional Council points out the need to take special measures for the protection of workers in the tourism sector. Such as priority vaccinations and systematic tests in the workplace, as well as individually.
It points out the need for the operation of the European Green Certificate, secure bilateral relations with tourist destination countries, as well as systematic checks at the entrance gates.
Emphasizes the importance of essential information for the proper implementation of health protocols in all tourism sectors by entrepreneurs and employees. For this reason, the Region will offer a similar information program in collaboration with a higher education institution and with local seminars.
The Ionian Islands Region is ready for the prevention, as well as the confrontation of any crisis during the tourist season by preparing a special plan and manual in collaboration with the local businesses.
It calls on the Government to continue to support businesses and workers with a specific focus on those who are particularly economically and socially vulnerable and affected by the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. “
During the presentation of the issue, the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, underlined the active role that the Ionian Islands Region wishes and plans to have in the effort to organize the new environment. It is formed based on the developments of the pandemic beginning of the tourist season.
“What is most important for travellers this year is the safety and certainty that they can have when visiting a destination. That their health will not be endangered. This is the big bet for this year’s tourist season and this is exactly what can become our comparative advantage over our competition. “Because the Region of the Ionian Islands can strengthen its image as a green, safe Region, with destinations where the pandemic is controlled”, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou emphasized characteristically.
The Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands stated that the Regional Authority is constantly informed by the competent bodies and is constantly recording the pandemic data. While emphasizing that the best will be done to facilitate the PCR test, in collaboration with EODY.
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou also noted that the Ionian Islands Region in the previous period offered a Special Information Program to prepare the implementation of health protocols in all categories of tourism businesses.
Regarding the start of this year’s tourist season, according to Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou. The Region will support entrepreneurs and employees in the correct information for the implementation of the new protocols that will apply based on special action plans. According to its recommendations. For the specific information program there is a forecast in the budget of the Ionian Islands Region for 2021, amounting to € 24,800. At the same time, the Regional Governor informed the council that an Action of € 50,000 has already been approved in the 2021 budget. As Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou pointed out, this is a reserve. Which can be used in cases of emergency or unforeseen needs, such as the current health crisis,
Presenting the issue at the meeting of the Regional Council, the Regional Governor made special reference to the support, which was received by companies and employees of the tourism sector. Both from state aid and from the Ionian Islands Region through European and National Resources.
As Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou underlined, until today, for the support of businesses, freelancers and employees of the Ionian Islands Region, a total amount of € 538 million has been granted (€ 165 million in the Zakynthos Regional Unit, € 240 million in the Region Corfu Unit, € 88 million in the Regional Unit of Kefallinia & Ithaca and € 45 million in the Peripheral Unit of Lefkada).
At the same time, there is a liquidity support of € 14 million from the Ionian Islands Region through the NSRF, while the new call for a liquidity support program of € 16 million to small businesses is being prepared, including KAD that were not included in the previous call. Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou stressed, moreover, that the Ionian Islands Region has contributed by allocating almost € 31 million from the NSRF PIN to strengthen state aid for businesses and employees.
Source IMERA
