Sicily will pay for half of your flight to visit the island this year

THE SICILIAN government is offering to pay a percentage of your bill to visit the island, which is arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Italy has faced an estimated $1.2 billion loss to its tourism industry due to the country’s severe lockdown. The safety measures have severely affected Sicily, where tourism drives the local economy with over 15 million annual visitors.

The national government is actively collaborating with local tourism authorities to bring tourists back, allocating 50 million euros (around $54 million) to help foot the bill of those who visit the island this year. It will cover half of the flight and a third of the hotel expenses, with additional free tickets to museums and archaeological sites, reported The Times. The release of discount vouchers is expected to take place shortly after the lockdown comes to an end and be available on Sicily’s official tourism website.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced last week that Italy could see a loosening of the confinement measures as soon as May 4. So if you’ve always dreamed of sipping a glass of prosecco in Taormina’s marble square, then this might be one of the best times to plan a vacation to Sicily.