An Italian tourism industry association says holiday season business is under threat after the introduction of a coronavirus test obligation for travellers from outside the European Union.
The order, which comes into force on Thursday, once again leaves tourism businesses with no opportunity to prepare, Federturismo president Marina Lalli said in Rome on Wednesday.
"Accommodation businesses and cultural cities once again risk paying the highest price," she said.
According to Lalli, the measure will inevitably lead to cancellations and make the outlook for the tourism industry even more precarious than it already was.
Federturismo expressed understanding for the need to protect the public's health and safety, but said talk were needed about the strategies for achieving that.
Negative test requirement
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza signed a surprise order on Tuesday stating that all people entering the country from outside the EU would need a negative test when they came to Italy. Unvaccinated people must also spend five days in quarantine.
The regulation goes into effect on Thursday and lasts through 31 January.
The EU Commission said in Brussels on Wednesday that it had not been informed by Italy of the decision, which should have been done 48 hours before such a measure was taken.
