The Legal Impacts of COVID-19 in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry

CORONAVIRUS AND TOURISM IN SPAIN 293 allowing a minimum distance of two meters to be maintained between the participants. The conditions of phase III of the PTNN are established in Order SND/458/2020, of May 30 (BOE no. 153), modified by Order SND/507/2020, of 6 June. In this phase, many measures that affect the tourism sector are relaxed. Thus, hotel and restaurant establishments for consumption on the premises may reopen to the public, provided that they do not exceed 50% of their capacity; nightclubs and nocturnal bars cannot reopen yet. Consumption may be sitting at a table, or joint tables, preferably by prior reservation and keeping the minimum safety distance of two meters between tables; the same distance is required to consume in bars. Likewise, the capacity is expanded to 75% in terraces. In hotels and tourist accommodation, the common areas are reopened to the public, provided that they do not exceed 50% of the capacity, and the spaces are ventilated two hours in advance. Animation activities or group classes must be planned with a maximum capacity of 20 people, preferably outdoors. For active and nature tourism activities, groups may have a maximum of 30 people, and tour guides may take guided tours with groups of up to 20 people, but audio guides and information brochures cannot be provided. At conferences, business meetings and events, the limit is set at 80 attendees. Finally, in tourist recreation centres, the total capacity will be limited to 50% and, when it is in closed places, is limited to one-third of the capacity. They are also obliged to carry out cleaning and disinfection, at least twice a day, with special attention to the most frequent contact surfaces such as attractions, entertainment machines, doorknobs, counters, handrails, vending machines, floors, telephones, taps, and other similar elements. 6. FINAL THOUGHTS The cooperation of the tourism sector is vital to stop the spread of the virus in Spain in the context of the necessary social distancing measures to combat the pandemic. The suspension of all activities was a necessary measure, even if harrowing due to its impact on the economy and on employment. In this period of social distancing, we have been able to verify that the tourism sector has become involved with society, providing accommodation and restaurant services to all personnel considered essential. It has made hotels available for the care of the sick and/or the elderly and for family who are distancing of healthcare personnel.

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