GREECE could welcome tourists back as early as July according to the country tourism minister. The regional authorities are proactively investigating ways to increase safety and gear up for the hotspot's busy summer months.

The Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis spoke on Tuesday to local television SKAI TV and said officials were working to identify ways to allow for travel during some of Greece's busiest months, while ensuring optimum health and safety is achieved. According to tourism publication, Greek Travel Pages Mr Theoharis said that if specific protocols are put in place throughout the EU, the tourism season may be partially saved this year, despite the devastating effect coronavirus has so far had.

However, it does mean that Greece’s tourism season would be cut short, spanning for just three months.

The government official suggested that the country would now be working to ensure the season could push through until at least September, and possibly into October.

Speaking to SKAI TV Mr Theoharis said: “Τhere may be some demand for October and maybe even November, but this is something that we will examine at a second stage after solving the season’s main issues.”