Ibiza will be open for tourists from June, tourism minister says
News
Ibiza will be able to “reopen safely” as of June, Spain’s tourism minister says.
Back in March, the Spanish government announced that a vaccine passport to allow tourists to enter Spain — including Ibiza and the rest of the Balearic Islands — would be operational by June. Now, Spain’s general secretary of Digital Health, Information and Innovation has announced that recently-developed COVID-19 passports — officially recognised as Digital Green Certificates — will allow EU residents to enter the country without coronavirus testing or quarantine.
The certificate, which is presented as a digital QR code, is expected to be operational by June and will advise on the holder’s immunity status – ie. vaccinated, recently tested negative, or recently recovered.
Following the announcement, Spain’s tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, said in a press conference that the certificates would allow Spain to “reopen safely” and be “pioneers” in global tourism following the coronavirus pandemic, as well as providing “safe mobility” for tourists.
Tourism is one of the most crucial industries in Spain, especially in nightclub hotspot Ibiza. Spain welcomes approximately 80 millions tourists a year, with the industry providing over 12% of the country’s GDP.
Earlier this year, Ibiza club Amnesia announced its closing party for the 2021 season, set to take place on 23rd October. Amnesia is the first Ibiza superclub to confirm that it plans to host events this year, and has opted to announce its season of parties in reverse order as a precautionary measure. The club said in an official announcement that it is “presenting the end but leaving the start open”.
The world’s best-known party island, Ibiza has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Frequent restriction changes, extortionate fines and bans on dancing, parties and smoking have affected the music and hospitality industries hugely. But while it’s hit locals hard, the pause in summer season has also given time for a reset and for the White Isle to regenerate. Last year, Anu Shukla travelled to Ibiza to investigate.
