The EU helps reboot Europe's tourism one of the ecosystems most affected by the Coronavirus

Informal meeting of Competitiveness Council Internal Market Industry in Königswinter, Bonn. https://www.eudebates.tv/debates/special-debates/future-of-europe/state-of-the-union-2020-shaping-future-in-covid19-pandemic/ #SOTEU #SOTEU20 #eudebates #NextGenerationEU #recovery #eudebates #NextGenerationEU #MFF #EUbudget

The Commission proposes a coordinated approach to allow a gradual restoration of mobility and connectivity as soon as the health situation allows, to support tourism’s recovery and enable a more sustainable industry in the future. EU tourism is one of the ecosystems most affected by the coronavirus.

Importance of tourism ecosystem in Europe
Europe is the leading tourist destination in the world. Tourism is at the centre of a huge ecosystem of businesses that contribute substantially to prosperity and jobs in all Member States.

Member States most dependent on tourism are (as % of GDP):
Croatia (25%)
Cyprus (22%)
Greece (21%),
Portugal (19%)
Austria , Estonia, Spain (15%)
Italy (13%)
Slovenia, Bulgaria (12%)
Malta (11%),
France (10%)
Germany (9%)

Impact of the coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus outbreak is putting the EU’s tourist industry under unprecedented pressure. It has led to the suspension of most domestic and international travel, causing a significant reduction in revenue and creating liquidity issues for all tourism operators. Travellers and businesses alike face uncertain prospects.

Impact on global tourism
UN World Tourism Organisation estimates a 60% reduction in international tourism
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€ 840-1000 billion in losses for global travel industry

The tourism ecosystem
The EU tourism ecosystem encompasses many types of business. off-line and on-line information and service providers, travel agents and tour operators, accommodation suppliers, destination management organisations, visitor attractions and passenger transport operators. Large multinational corporations operate alongside the SMEs.

#Accommodation providers
#Hotels
#BnB
#Campings
#Hospitality
#Food & beverage
#Culture
#Leisure activities
#Sport
#Tourism travel operators
#Tourist offices, travel #agents, #touroperators
#Digital platforms
#Technology providers
#Transport
#Airlines
#Trains
#Cruises
#Buses and coaches

EU support to get tourism back on track
The EU is proposing a series of guidance documents to ensure a gradual and coordinated reopening of travel and tourism services and facilities as soon as the health situation allows, while respecting strict conditions to protect the health and safety of travellers and tourism workers across Europe.

For tourists/travellers
Safely reopening our borders and restoring unrestricted free movement
Restoring transport services of all kinds across the EU while protecting the health of transport workers and passengers
Safely resuming tourism services
Using digital technologies to give our people sufficient information to be able to plan for trips
Protecting consumer rights.
For tourism business
Providing liquidity for tourism businesses, in particular SMEs through:

Vouchers as an attractive and secure option to cash reimbursement
Saving jobs with up to €100 billion in financial relief from the SURE programme
Connecting citizens to local tourism offer, promoting local attractions and tourism and Europe as a safe tourist destination
Financial support through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, EIF loans as well as flexible state aid rules.

Towards sustainable tourism
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The current crisis is an opportunity to make the tourism industry more resilient and strengthen the green and digital transformation of EU tourism, maintaining Europe’s standing as a leading destination and maximising the industry’s contribution to growth and employment. A sustainable recovery needs affordable and more sustainable transport and improved connectivity, smart management of tourism flows, diversification of the tourism offer, the development of sustainability skills for tourism professionals and more effort to raise awareness of the variety of landscapes and the cultural diversity across Europe.


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