- The tourism industry has been hard-hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
- Although non-essential travel is currently prohibited, many regions of the world are gearing up to reopen to visitors this summer.
- In a bid to entice tourists back, some places are offering perks such as free hotel stays and discount vouchers for spas, museums, and theme parks.
- Here are all the confirmed offers.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Cancun, Mexico: Free hotel stays, car rental, and discounts at theme parks, golf courses, and spas.
Much of Mexico hopes to welcome back tourists from mid-June, and a new campaign, #VenAlCaribeMexicanoX2 or #Come2MexicanCaribbean, is being launched to promote destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, ranging from Cancun to Cozumel, as Insider’s Sophie-Claire Hoeller reported.
“Perks include two free nights for every two nights paid for by guests, two free days of car rentals for every two days paid for, free stays for up to two children when two adults book, as well as 20% off at participating theme parks, golf courses, and spas,” Hoeller wrote.
Sicily, Italy: Accommodation and flight costs up to 50% covered, and free tickets to attractions.
The southern Italian island of Sicily has announced it will offer to pay half of visitors’ flight costs and a third of hotel expenses to entice tourists to return post-coronavirus.
Sicily will also provide free tickets to many of its museums and archaeological sites, The Times reported.
Read more here.
Madeira, Portugal: Free coronavirus tests.
The Portuguese islands of Madeira, located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean, are set to reopen to international tourists on July 1.
Under the islands' plans, all visitors will have to prove they tested negatively for the coronavirus within 72 hours before departure or be tested upon arrival, with costs covered by the Madeira government.
Read more here.
Cyprus: Accommodation, food, and medicine costs covered for any tourist who gets the coronavirus while visiting.
Cyprus has promised to cover the costs of tourists who fall ill with COVID-19 while visiting.
Authorities of the Eastern Mediterranean island have said they will pay for any accommodation, food, and medicine used by patients and their families should any tourist test positive for the virus.
Read more here.
Iceland: Free coronavirus tests.
Iceland is planning to reopen the country's borders to tourists by June 15, offering travelers COVID-19 tests upon arrival at the airport. Those who test negative would be free to enjoy their time in the country, but those who test positive would have to self-isolate for 14 days.
Insider understands that the new border process is still being finalized and so it's not yet known whether the tests will only be free for an initial two week trial period or beyond that.
Greece: Cheaper flights due to reduced transportation taxes.
Greece's prime minister announced in May that taxes on transportation - including flights to the country - will be reduced in a bid to lure back travelers, Insider's Sophie-Claire Hoeller reported.
International flights to Athens and Thessaloniki are expected to resume on June 15.
Read more here.
Uzbekistan: $3,000 to anyone who gets the coronavirus while visiting
Uzbekistan has launched the "Safe Travel Guaranteed" campaign, which offers visitors $3,000 if they get infected with the virus while visiting, Insider's Monica Humphries reported.
To be eligible for the compensation, you have to have booked your trip with a local tour guide.
Read more here.