Spain's Mediterranean coast is normally packed full of holidaymakers taking in the sun but in these unusual coronavirus times, resorts like those around Valencia are deserted.

Tourism industry in need of help

The Spanish government recently launched its roadmap for the country's return to normalcy. The eventual easing of restrictions has begun with a staggered four-phased approach.

However, what is not included is any provision for the return of international tourists. In Valencia, that is a major concern for Jose Miralles, president of the country's hoteliers association.

"Our best bet for this year is to now focus on domestic tourism, but, of course it will depend on how Spanish families can recover after this crisis and of course the high unemployment rate that will no doubt follow this year in 2020," he told CGTN Europe.

A catastrophe

International tourism accounts for nearly 15 percent of all jobs in the Spanish economy. Recent studies suggest that, post-crisis, Spain will suffer more than any other European country due to its high level of temporary contracts and over-reliance on tourism.

Manuel Sobreviela, the owner of Valencia's Globo Hotel, has described the situation as a "catastrophe."

He added: "I hope we can recover soon, but this year has been lost for sure. Tourists can't travel as easily and with the same assurance as they did before."

Summer to forget

The situation has been made worse with virtually all airlines grounded. Many tourists are now making plans to stay at home this summer.

Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has promised that each region will be judged on merit throughout the de-escalation process: showing that infection rates are under control. This does bode well for Valencia, which has been one of the least-affected areas.

Some bars and restaurants located on smaller islands in the Balearics and Canaries have been allowed to reopen at 50 percent of their full capacity, due to their very low rate of Covid-19 cases.

If everything goes to plan, the country will return to its 'new normality' at the end of June, with almost all services back to normal. However, with no date in the diary for international tourism to restart in Europe – it looks likely to become a summer to forget for the Spanish tourism industry.