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‘The new free wifi’: Austria to offer free coronavirus tests for tourists

The Local Austria
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‘The new free wifi’: Austria to offer free coronavirus tests for tourists
Austria will offer free coronavirus tests to foreigners as a means of boosting tourism. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Coronavirus tests will be made free for foreigners in order to boost tourism, the Austrian Tourism Minister has confirmed.

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Minister of Tourism and Agriculture Elisabeth Köstinger has pledged to make coronavirus tests free for foreigners and tourists in order to boost the country’s devastated tourism sector. 

Köstinger told Austria’s Kleine Zeitung newspaper that the boost Austria would receive from increased tourism would offset the costs of the tests. 

Köstinger said that tourists looking to travel this summer might have in the past looked for places that offered free wifi or parking, but in 2021 want to know if coronavirus testing is free. 

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"It is clear that we have to offer test offers to guests in major tourist centres. This is indispensable for a holiday destination," said the tourism minister. 

It is in the country’s interests "that vacationers come to us". 

"In the past, guests wanted to know whether there was free WiFi or a free parking space." 

Now, the offering of free coronavirus tests “is decisive for the booking” Köstinger explained. 

Austria has invested heavily into coronavirus testing and has become one of the continent’s leaders in the process. 

Testing is free for Austrian citizens and residents, however up until now it was unclear as to who would cover the cost for foreigners. 

Tourism will again pick up speed in Austria from May 19th when the quarantine requirement is wound back for most arrivals. 

More information is available at the following link. 

READ MORE: Austria to wind back quarantine rules on May 19th

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