VENICE – The Italian government announced Saturday that it will throw open its borders next month, effectively ending Europe’s longest and strictest coronavirus lockdown just as the summer tourism season gets under way.
Both regional and international borders will open June 3, with the government eliminating a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from abroad.
Many hope the move will revive a decimated tourist industry, which is worth 13% of Italy’s gross domestic product. Such an opening is exactly what tourism operators have been waiting for -- even if European neighbors so far appeared be wary of the unilateral Italian announcement. "We hope to work with the neighboring countries, those who can travel by car,’’ said Gianni Serandrei,