The Balearic Islands have capped the price of PCR tests for Covid-19 at €75.
The new maximum price of the tests, required for passengers returning to the UK regardless of their destination’s traffic light status, is part of a wider plan to encourage tourists back to the Spanish region.
All of Spain is currently on the UK’s amber list of destinations. Only 12 destinations made the initial green list. The traffic light lists will be reviewed every three weeks.
Iago Negueruela, minister of tourism for the Balearic Islands, said: “We feel encouraged to see that international travel will be allowed to restart in the United Kingdom, after travel being off the cards for months. We hope we can welcome Brits as soon as possible.”
Negueruela said the Balearic Islands are “proud to say that we managed to control the pandemic in the islands” and reported “one of the lowest Covid-19 rates in Europe”.
“As we continue to ease restrictions and roll out the vaccine, we are looking to restart international tourism in the Balearic Islands, based on the highest standards of safety,” he added.
He said €11 million had been spent on a Tourism Reactivation Plan designed to facilitate the safe reopening of the Balearics to international tourists, encourage tourist arrivals and extend the summer season.”
The plan includes ‘Safety Pack’, an updated safety protocol to protect tourism workers, and reduce Covid spread in the archipelago.
Negueruela added: “We also identified the costs of the PCR tests as a major barrier to travel for many people so we have just approved a decree-law to make travel to the Balearic Islands more affordable limiting the costs of PCR tests for those who require one when returning to their home countries.”
He explained: “The maximum price for a PCR will be €75, and for an antigen test, it will be €30. A huge effort is taking place behind the scenes to start once again receiving tourists. We look forward to opening our doors to British visitors very soon.”
The Tourism Agency of the Balearic Islands (AETIB) has launched SafeTourism, a new website providing information and advice for safe travel.
Visitors will also be able to monitor beach capacity in the Balearics in real-time on their smart phones via the SafeBeach app.
Holidaymakers visiting the Balearics will be covered by a Covid-19 insurance policy during their stay at any regulated accommodation provider.