Jump directly to the content
GO WEST

Spain travel corridors could open between ‘Birmingham and Majorca’ first if regions face lower coronavirus cases

TRAVEL corridors between the UK and Spain could open between destinations such as Birmingham and Majorca first, if they have lower cases of coronavirus.

Also known as air bridges, countries are discussing agreements to allow tourists to travel between two destinations without needing to quarantine for 14 days.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Air bridges between the UK and Spain could start on a local level instead of a national levels
2
Air bridges between the UK and Spain could start on a local level instead of a national levelsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Currently, both the UK and Spain are to enforce a two-week quarantine on anyone entering the country, even if it is nationals returning, although Spain will lift theirs in July.

While air bridges are being considered between the UK and destinations like Greece and Portugal, it may be harder to agree for one with Spain due to the high number of cases abroad.

Jose Luis Zoreda, vice president of the travel agency association Exceltur said that if national agreements couldn't be made, then more local routes could be made instead.

He told local media: "Madrid or London may have higher levels of risk, but why not establish a safer corridor, for example, between Majorca and Birmingham?"

He added: "That is just one example, but the British market is essential for Spain's coastal tourism".

Birmingham travellers could be the first to visit Spain
2
Birmingham travellers could be the first to visit SpainCredit: Getty - Contributor

Mr Zoreda also warned that delaying the return to tourism could result in "tens of billions of euros" being lost.

He explained why the industry needs enough warning before opening: "To the man from Birmingham who wants to go to the Balearic Islands, you have to tell him in advance what he can do.

"First we have to communicate it to the British agencies and then they have to send him that information."

However, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez said that summer holidays will go ahead this summer for tourists: "From now, foreign tourists can plan their vacations in our country.

"We will guarantee that tourists will not run any risks and they will not bring us any risks.

"There will be a tourist season this summer."

Spanish beaches opened last weekend, following strict social distancing measures, although many are enforcing reservations which are likely to remain in place in the future.

Following the PM's announcement, holiday bookings in Spain have quadrupled.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez announces plans to welcome foreign tourists in July as hopes grow for British holidaymakers
Topics