The offer will cover all tourists in an attempt to bring more holidaymakers to the island that depends heavily on the tourism industry. The policy will be managed by French insurer AXA and includes health-related repatriations.

In a statement, the Canary Islands regional government announced: “It will last for one year and will exclude health conditions that were known of before the traveller concerned came to the islands.”

According to Travel Agent, Rian Rodber, British tourists have been very interested in the offer. He told the Euro Weekly News: “Customers are certainly welcoming the offer, especially with winter breaks after missing out on summer vacations, one of the largest fears of going to Spain is the medical situation if you contract Covid-19, now assurances have been made, bookings have risen by 31.6 per cent to the Canary Islands.”

The agreement has been signed by the regional Minister of Tourism, Yaiza Castilla, on behalf of the public company Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias, and AXA Seguros, represented by the director of the Canarias, Auxiliadora Expósito.

Castilla said that, by signing this policy, “the Canary Islands are making further progress in their commitment to strengthen and increase the safety and peace of mind of tourists.”

In her point of view, this travel assistance insurance constitutes: “One more attraction of the destination, which already stands out for its health security, before those people who are currently deciding where to spend their holidays.”

This comes just as Portugal announced a similar scheme, with Portugal’s tourism authority covering Covid-19 related claims for tourists coming to the country. Seemingly, this is the way forward for countries relying on tourism and could offer travel insurers a new avenue for prospective insurance offerings.