Things are going downhill for skiing in 2021.
Due to the recent discovery of a coronavirus variant in the country, officials in Italy have decided to postpone the opening of ski slopes. Reportedly, this news came when several ski lift operators and owners were preparing to reopen for winter tourism.
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza has issued a decree banning amateur skiing in the country until at least March 5.
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Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza has issued a decree banning amateur skiing in the country until at least March 5, reports AP News. According to the report, this decision was taken after it was discovered that 17.8% of the people recently infected with the coronavirus in the country carry a new strain that was recently discovered in Britain.
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Skiing is popular in Italy and normally plays an important role in the winter tourism in the country. Due to the pandemic, resorts unfortunately had to close to slopes.
Judge operators were reportedly hopeful that they would be able to open soon and possibly save the remnants of the season. They have reportedly already suffered significant losses due to the closure during normally busy parts of the season, including the recent holiday season.
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Members of the ski industry have complained that they have invested heavily in preparing slopes and lifts not to give the government permission to open. They say the latest decision was taken at the last minute, meaning the slopes were ready to open when the decision was made.
According to AP News, Prime Minister Mario Draghi has promised to compensate the industry for its economic losses.
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Italy was hit hard by the pandemic and the government enforced strict regulations in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. The country’s tourism industry has apparently suffered damage, especially as the government has restrictions on travel from abroad.