French ski season will go ahead, minister insists
Will PayneFrench tourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has insisted that ski holidays to the Alps will go ahead despite a spike in Covid-19 cases across Europe.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Lemoyne said closing to UK arrivals "is not an option", thanks to vaccinations and the country’s Covid health pass.
"The season is shaping up to be exceptional and we are ready and raring to go," he added. "We look forward to welcoming [British skiers] back to our 350 resorts.
“We can see from talking to the professionals that they are expecting a very good season, since we have unfortunately been deprived of snow sports since March 2020. Bookings are coming in thick and fast."
He said Brexit and the pandemic have "undoubtedly had an impact", but described how direct rail links between London and the French Alps have started up again, and the "friendship" between the French and the British remains "intact".
Mask wearing will reportedly remain mandatory when queueing for or riding ski lifts, but not when using the slopes. Visitors may also be asked to wear them in restaurants.
Guests will also need a digital health pass, which provides proof of full vaccination, past infection or a negative test taken every 72 hours, to enter restaurants, cafes and bars.
Children aged 12 and above will need to be double-jabbed. If they are not, they will reportedly have to show proof of recent infection, or obtain a negative PCR test every 72 hours.
For French over-65s, a third booster dose will be mandatory to activate the pass from 15 December, but whether it will apply to foreign visitors is currently unknown.
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