Brussels prepares reboot of 'vital' tourism industry

The European Commission presented a package of guidelines and recommendations Wednesday to help EU countries gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen after months of lockdown.

Release time : 2020-05-14 10:20:10

source : eubusiness.com

The European Commission presented a package of guidelines and recommendations Wednesday to help EU countries gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen after months of lockdown.

The EU guidance aims to offer people the chance to get some well-needed rest, relaxation and fresh air. As soon as the health situation allows, the EU executive says people should be able to catch up with friends and family, in their own EU country or across borders, with all the safety and precautionary measures needed in place.

"Millions of SMEs and family -run businesses working in accommodation, restaurants, passenger transport and travel agencies risk bankruptcies and job losses - they urgently need to go back to work," said Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton: "We are helping European tourism get back on track while staying healthy and safe. Today we propose a common European approach to managing what will remain a difficult 2020 summer season, while preparing for a more sustainable and digital tourism ecosystem in the future."

The package also aims to help the EU tourism sector recover from the pandemic, by supporting businesses and ensuring that Europe continues to be the number one destination for visitors.

The Commission's Tourism and Transport package includes:

An overall strategy towards recovery in 2020 and beyond;

A common approach to restoring free movement and lifting restrictions at EU internal borders in a gradual and coordinated way;

A framework to support the gradual re-establishment of transport whilst ensuring the safety of passengers and personnel;

A recommendation which aims to make travel vouchers an attractive alternative to cash reimbursement for consumers;

Criteria for restoring tourism activities safely and gradually and for developing health protocols for hospitality establishments such as hotels.

For tourists and travellers, the Commission says it is looking to give people