Capri Mayor Marino Lembo on How Early Safety Measures Led to Successful Tourist Season

Capri's world has always been blue - the color of the water surrounding the Mediterranean island, many of its fishing boats and, most famously, the light in its Blue Grotto.

Now, the glamorous tourist destination with magnificent mansions, classy restaurants and world class shopping is shaking off the pandemic blues after a year of on-and-off closures that have depressed the economy.

The European Union has said American visitors, a traditional mainstay for Capri's tourist season, can travel to member countries this summer if they have been vaccinated. Europe has raced to launch a digital health "Green Pass" scheme, which has played a role in saving the holiday season.

Capri's mayor, Marino Lembo, is hopeful that the worst is over for the island's 14,000 residents.

"We are optimistic, the world has changed and many negative things have happened but, looking to the future, I believe we will come out of this situation slowly, respecting the rules," he said. During an exclusive interview with journalist Ekaterina Shevliakova, Lembo explained how early safety measures put into place including a vaccination campaign offered to all residents as kept rates of from Coronavirus minimal.

Capri Mayor Marino Lembo Exclusive Interview

In typical years, Capri is known for A-list celebrity sightings and the jet set elite descending on the island for sun and fun. This summer was no different with the recent visit from Jennifer Lopez and beau Ben Affleck. The pair were spotted shopping at the exclusive high end Faraone Mennella jewelry store, with Lopez trying on number of necklaces and earrings.

As the island welcomes travelers, American tourists are still advice to be mindful of adhering to COVID-19 safety precautions when headed to Italy. The Italian Ministry of Health issued an ordinance on July 29, 2021 stating that an Anti-COVID-19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognized vaccine from competent U.S. health authorities (CDC “white cards”) will be considered the equivalent of the Italian Green Pass where this requirement exists.

For more information, visit the US embassy website.

For more information, visit: The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy.