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Italy reopened its borders to European travelers on Wednesday as the country attempts to rescue its tourism industry. Euronews reports that International flights are expected to resume in just three major cities: Milan, Rome and Naples.

However, there are fears that people from neighbouring countries that would usually visit will be staying away this year.

Switzerland plans to open its borders with Germany, France and Austria on 15 June, but not its border with Italy. Citizens have been told those traveling to Italy will be subject to “health measures” on their return.

On the same date Austria will open its borders with Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - but not Italy. Last week its health minister called Italy a “hot spot”.

Italy’s foreign minister Luigi Di Maio has warned other countries not to treat Italy "like a leper”.

He announced that he would visit Germany, Slovenia and Greece this weekend to persuade them that Italy is a safe country for tourists. He is due to receive his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday.

More than 33,500 people have been confirmed to have died from COVID-19 in Italy since the start of the outbreak, currently the world’s third highest death toll after the UK and the US. Those arriving in Italy from Europe will not need to quarantine, the source said.