Europe: Recovery of theme parks in France & Southern Europe
Parc Astérix, F
In France, the reopening of theme parks is still uncertain. However, it is already certain that planned relaxations will be implemented by a phased plan in various fields, regardless of the incidence value. This could include the gradual reopening of stores and outdoor gastronomy, as well as some cultural facilities from mid-May. Therefore, the country’s leisure facilities are also currently hoping to resume operations from 15 May as well. Tomorrow (30 April), President Macron will present a new opening strategy to the country.
As far as the reopening of amusement and theme parks is concerned, the picture in Spain is currently one of a “patchwork”: While parks in the autonomous communities of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, for example, are already allowed to welcome guests again – among others, Parque Warner and Parque de Atracciones in Madrid are back in operation, as is the new park Puy du Fou España (cf. EAP news of 27 Mar 2021) – parks in the autonomous communities Catalonia and Valencia are still not allowed to reopen. In Barcelona, for example, the zoo is open to visitors but with capacity restrictions and protective measures in place, while the Tibidabo amusement park cannot yet be visited. For PortAventura World Resort and its associated facilities PortAventura Park and Ferrariland, which are popular both nationally and among international tourists, there is still no opening date in sight; only for the associated Costa Caribe Aquatic Park which communicates June 23 as a reopening date. In Valencia, the Bioparc zoo is already allowed to welcome guests again, while classic amusement parks such as Terra Mítica (Alicante) still have to remain closed. The Loro Parque adventure zoo on Tenerife, operated by the Kiessling family, will welcome visitors again from this Saturday (1 May), while the Siam Park water park, which also belongs to the group, will remain closed. According to the current status, the nationwide state of emergency is due to be lifted on May 9, which is expected to be accompanied by relaxations for those sectors particularly affected by the Corona pandemic. Nevertheless, measures will continue to respond to regional developments.
In Italy, a plan has been presented for a gradual relaxation of Corona restrictions starting April 26 and running through the summer. While restaurants have been reopening their terraces almost all over the country since Monday this week and some destinations such as museums, cinemas, theaters and concert halls may also be visited again adhering to strict conditions, amusement parks will have to wait until July 1 before they can welcome back their guests.
Read also our summaries on Scandinavia & Poland, UK & Benelux and the DACH region. (eap)
