Sicily will pay money towards your flights and hotel costs if you visit later this year

Thursday, 30th April 2020, 4:49 pm
Updated Thursday, 30th April 2020, 4:49 pm

Sicily has announced it will cover half of flight costs and a third of hotel costs for holidaymakers who visit the Italian island later this year.

The decision is part of the region’s post-coronavirus tourism revival plan.

The Mediterranean island will also provide free tickets to many of its museums and archaeological sites.

Since Sicily closed access to the island on 10 March, it has lost over €1 billion in tourism-related revenue.

Tourism makes up 13 per cent of the country’s GDP, so it is imperative that the country resumes its tourism trade as soon as possible.

The newly proposed plan isn't cheap. It is set to cost the island approximately €50 million.

However, officials hope the initiative will see an increase in tourists visiting the island, which will make up the initial costs, once lockdown laws ease around the world.

How can I claim this offer?

Before Sicily will pay up to help fund your future trip, you will need to get a voucher from the Visit Sicily website.

However, you can only do this once the country reopens both its borders and businesses.

So it's best to keep your eyes peeled, and stay up to date with Italy's news.

So far, restaurants have been given the go ahead to reopen for takeaway purposes across the country from 4 May.

The construction and manufacturing industry will also be allowed to resume work on that date.

Next week, the country shall begin to ease its strict lockdown laws.

Parks will reopen, and residents will be allowed to move within their current regions. However, interregional travel is currently still off the table.

When could I visit?

While the date that international travel can resume is not yet known, Sicily’s offer indicates that the island is keen to see travellers returning to the island as soon as possible, ideally by autumn this year, depending on how the ongoing situation progresses.

The island, found just off the ‘toe’ of Italy's ‘boot’, boasts white sandy beaches, pristine coastlines and heaps of cultural and historical sites, making it a thriving destination for tourists, under usual circumstances.