Tens of thousands of Germans plan last-minute getaways to the sunny islands of Spain.

But the Spaniards themselves cannot because of a travel ban. It is not going too well.

“In Spain, we cannot move between regions due to the lockdown, but foreigners can arrive at Barajas (airport) and spread the infection. It seems foreigners are not infected, but residents of Madrid and the rest of the Spaniards must stay at home. “

These foreigners need a negative test result to fly, but given that countries like France and Germany currently have high infection rates, senior health official Fernando Simon called the situation “incongruous”.

Lufthansa’s low-cost carrier Eurowings has rolled out 300 more flights to Mallorca over Easter.

And while Berlin has removed parts of Spain, including Mallorca, from its coronavirus risk list, hotels in Germany itself are closed.

The contradictions are not lost on some German tourists either, even those about to take a flight to Mallorca.

“From the Spanish point of view, I can totally understand that. Quite honestly, traveling in times of coronavirus is a privilege and so I have to admit that on the whole it is rather irresponsible.”

Despite widespread grunts, the return of the sun-seeking Germans will provide a welcome boost to the struggling tourism industry.

Foreign visitors to Spain fell 80% to 19 million in 2020, the lowest level since 1969.