Prime Minister Roberta Abela said Sunday he was “optimistic but cautious” about reopening tourism.

Malta will reopen for tourism on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Labor Party media, Abela said the tourism sector could move forward more safely now that many in the country had received their COVID-19 vaccine and achieved herd immunity.

“While tourism is one of the most important pillars of our economy, the challenge now is to reconcile this with protecting our health and our economy,” said the Prime Minister.

Malta reached Herd immunity Earlier this week when 70% of the country’s adult population received at least one dose of the vaccine. It was the first country in the EU to achieve this goal.

On the new one imprint Abela said it must be mandatory for all travelers to present a certificate of vaccination or negative PCR test prior to travel and that there will be more enforcement and control at the airport and port.

“We have not left the tourism sector alone, but are considering an aid package of 20 million euros to support this sector and its workers,” he said.

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The Prime Minister said the COVID-19 vouchers, which will be operational from June 7th, will provide additional support to the sector.

Abela also said the country will now reach another milestone with vaccine certificates.

“We’ve got everything ready for vaccine certifications … we’re just waiting for EU approval. When it came to the pandemic, we always worked without a story and were at the forefront of discussions.”

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