Austria could allow tourists from Germany and other countries where the coranavirus is under control to visit Austria in the summer, stated the Tourism Minister Elisabeth Koestinger, on Saturday.

German tourists account for more than 30 percent of arrivals last summer in Austria, according to official statistics. The share of tourism in Austria's GDP is one of the largest in the EU.

"Freedom of travel will remain limited in the coming months. However, if countries are successful (in the fight against coronaviruses), such as Germany, there is a real chance of bilateral agreements," Elisabeth Koestinger told the Saturday edition of the Austrian newspaper Die Presse.

Conservative Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz said Austrians should consider vacationing in their country to help the economy. "However, without foreign tourists, we will have to bear the losses," Koestinger added.

By the end of April, the government plans to present a plan for the gradual opening of the restaurant and tourism sectors.

Starting Tuesday, garden centres and retail space of less than 400 square meters have been opened in Austria, which, as well as larger shops, is required to enter with a mask. It is obligatory to wear the mask both in public transport and in taxis.

According to Johns Hopkins University in Austria, coronavirus was confirmed in 14,671 people, with 443 dead.