After easing restriction measures in Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish government has signaled a possible reopening to foreign tourism this summer.

Iran Press/Europe: Spain's Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto announced on Monday that foreign tourists could be allowed to book vacations in Spain starting in July. The minister's comment comes as Spain ramps up its lockdown easing across the country, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

The government expects that the two-week quarantine imposed on overseas travelers will be suspended by that time, Maroto said.

"It is perfectly coherent to plan summer vacations to come to Spain in July," Maroto said in an interview with local radio station Onda Cero.

Maroto's comments boosted shares in Spain's tourism-related stocks, including hotel operator Melia Hotels which rose 14% in early trading.

Spain was one of the worst-hit nations in the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 282,000 infections. The virus has killed more than 26,800 people — one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls in the world.

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