Some countries are offering to pay tourists to visit after coronavirus

With flights grounded and borders closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, several countries are offering to pay tourists to visit once the crisis is over, according to a report.

In Italy, travelers to Sicily will be paid half their plane fare, as well as for one of every three nights they spend at a local hotel, The Sun reported. They also will receive museum and archaeological site tickets.

The government will use 50 million euros — almost $55 million — to fund the effort, the news outlet reported.

In Mexico, Cancun resorts also plan to offer hotel specials for returning tourists.

According to the Cancun Hotel Association, the “Come to Cancun 2 for 1” offer will include two free nights for every two paid ones, as well as possible flight discounts, The Sun reported.

In Bulgaria, some beaches will be open for free and include amenities such as sun loungers and umbrellas, though the government won’t pay tourists for their holidays.

Meanwhile, the Japan Tourism Agency has clarified that a campaign under consideration to pay for half of the airfares of tourists is meant only for domestic travelers, the UK’s Standard reported.

The campaign seeks to “to stimulate domestic travel demand within Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic and only cover a portion of domestic travel expenses.”

During a news conference, The Japan Times reported earlier that Hiroshi Tabata of the Japan Tourism Agency said the government plans to allocate $12.5 billion to a reimbursement program that could launch as soon as July.