The counselor explained that as we enter the "sale", the accommodation and shops will be opened, always under the security protocols: "Even though the purchasing power is lower, I believe that the citizens will be very receptive to these openings because of their desire to go out and maintain social relations." Agglomeration, for at least one time: "I don't think we see crowds of people, either at major events, or in short-term congresses."

And what is going to happen to the holidays of the capitals? Perez has been convinced that there is still time for something to be brought forward. "We are in April, there are weeks and months left to see how the pandemic evolves and how contagion is managed and lowered. Depending on this, the other subjects will be adapted. The celebration of the festivities cannot be anticipated. It must be admitted that in the weeks after confinement the distances will have to be kept and the capacity of [public holidays] will be limited."

More time to reactivate tourism

Pérez does not miss the tourism season, but says it will take more time to recover it, although in this case also, depending on where the business is focused, the start-up times will be different, due to the difficulties people will have to travel from one country to another. In this sense, domestic or natural tourism is better situated: "In the end, we can have more domestic, more national tourism coming from other communities of the Spanish State; but the arrival of foreign tourists will take longer to come."

So, is it better to make a plan to spend the holidays in the Basque Country? According to the counsellor, each country will depend on how the crisis is managed, on what security measures it applies... "In this sense, Spain is very well positioned, because it has a very good health system. Spain, as a tourist destination, will quickly regain its image and, within Spain, also the Basque Country". According to Pérez, the Basques can be "the best ambassadors of our people; we just need to know everything we have."

For Local Trade

The Consumer Advisor has explained that campaigns will be launched to enhance the trade in proximity. "The COVID-19 disease has taught us the consequence that the streets have no trade. They are empty cities, without personality, without life and without social relations". Pérez has also referred to consumer responsibility: "By buying in nearby shops, behind are people, the highest quality employment, the professionalization, the specialization. When buying, we should not only look at the price. With our buying options, we build the model of society we want."

During the state of alarm, however, online commerce has gained strength, according to journalist Eduardo Azumendi. In this sense, Pérez has pointed out that online sales were not paralyzed because economic activity did not want to stop. "I understand the concerns that small trade has conveyed to us, and that's why we've driven campaigns that highlight consumer responsibility: buying just what's needed, commodities."