ATHENS – Greece will begin the gradual opening of its borders to visitors as of June 15, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis told CNN in an interview, following restrictions over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Theoharis explained that only Greece's largest airports, Athens and Thessaloniki International, would allow incoming flights and those would be from a restricted number of countries based on the advice of Greek health specialists. Spot checks will be held for incoming passengers, while popular tourist areas have been funded additionally in order to deal with any potential health issues.

The government's decisive management of the pandemic, the medical and public sector's contribution and the responsible behavior of the Greek public are three factors of success that will continue to make Greece a safe destination for tourists, Theoharis said.