Italy insists it will reopen to tourists before the end of the year

She added this year will be "difficult" with only five bookings in October.

The country has one of the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world, and enforced one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe after it was dubbed the Western "epi-centre".

From today, more restrictions are being lifted after two months.

While some of the restrictions were lifted on April 14, with some shops reopening, there are three phases to restarting the Italian economy from today.

Building sites as well as the textile and fashion industry have reopened.

The week after, clothing, shoe and other shops are said to be allowed to raise the shutters, followed by bars, restaurants and hairdressers on May 18, which will have to keep a distance of one metre between customers.

Resorts in Italy are looking at new ways to continue social distancing when guests return.

A resort in Puglia is introducing roped-off areas and 1.5m distancing between loungers, as well as stopping bar queues for food and drink.

Another beach proposed "plexi-glass cubes" which were quickly shot down by local authorities.

Sicily is even offering to pay for half of your plane ticket, as well as a night at a hotel and your attraction entry fees in a bid to encourage tourists to return.