A British expat has explained what it will be like for tourists to take a holiday in Spain this summer.
UK borders could be reopened in the coming days now that international and domestic coronavirus transmission rates are continuing to fall.
Ministers are due to confirm the blanket requirement to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to the UK will be scrapped as part of a so-called traffic light system, meaning trips to France, Greece and Spain, where virus transmission is low, are within sight.
The traffic light arrangement will see officials place countries into green, amber and red categories based on the prevalence of coronavirus within each nation's borders.
Robert Webster, who runs a hotel in Spain with his family, is re-opening his doors for a very different tourist season - but he believes holidaying Brits will have a better time than ever.
He told the Mirrror : “We have one message to British tourists, and that is this: You can have a fantastic holiday, so get over here to Spain now...but make sure you pack your face masks.
"There’s going to be a new normal when we fully reopen, but people coming to Spain will probably have a better holiday than any other year.
"There’s been so much attention to detail in all the good restaurants and hotels.
"And people are genuinely excited to be opening their doors again."
Robert admitted the past few months have been "tough" but said they started the season with bookings right "through to the first week of March".
He added: "While we were aware what was going on across the world, it didn’t seem to be affecting us.
"But on March 13 the city went into lockdown and we had 70 cancellations - for a 14-room hotel.
"We’ve been thinking how we are going to survive financially and have taken out a huge loan.
"Now there’s new tight protocols, nationally and regionally.
"We’ve removed all excess soft furnishings and replaced all decorative items, like pictures and ornaments.
"We’ve made more room in the reception so people can keep further apart and when a customer leaves, every single thing in their room will be washed and disinfected."
From last Monday, Robert was able to open his doors to Spanish guests, with the first family arriving that morning.
He said: "It was absolutely lovely to see people here again.
"And it’s also given us a chance to practice the new cleaning protocols."
He added: "For tourists, the only major difference will be having to wear a face mask when around other people. You can be fined 100 Euros if you don’t.
"But as long as you do that, you’re very welcome.
"And there is nothing to stop you having a fantastic holiday and a relaxing time.
"Come to Spain!"
