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Yorkshire Times
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9:00 AM 22nd May 2020
travel

Major Euro Theme Park Re-opens

 
As the world starts to inch its way out of Covid lockdown, southern Holland’s fairytale theme park, Efteling, has re-opened following a step-by-step- approach developed in consultation with regional authorities.

The initial reopening period includes a number of test days in which the volume of visitors will be gently expanded to ensure that employees are able to get to grips with new working methods, designed to keep both staff and the guests safe.

They have been drawn up by industry association Club van Elf and the Dutch Association of Zoos. By following the safety measures, Efteling hopes to quickly welcome international guests once travel restrictions have been lifted in their various countries.

CEO Fons Jurgens said: “In the World of Efteling, we have always made sure that our guests can enjoy the park safely. That is no different now. What is different is exactly what that safety entails.

“We know better than anyone how guests move in our park and how we can spread groups and we are using this knowledge to ensure guests can always keep a safe distance. Fortunately, we have plenty of space because our park is approximately the size of 140 football fields. We also allow a limited number of guests to pre-book their visit. This way we can guarantee that everyone has the space for their day out.”

Measures
Efteling has introduced safety measures to provide guests with safe social distancing, hygiene stations and clear information to ensure everyone adheres to the new guidelines of the The Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

Central disinfection points have been set up and there are new cleaning protocols of things like brackets and door handles. Where necessary employees now use personal protective equipment.

Through clear information on signs, screens and markings on the ground, guests will know how to keep sufficient distance from each other. Staff will be on hand to assist.

The park is communicating all information on its website. For further information and details on pre-booking tickets, please visit: www.efteling.com