Covid-19: MEPs Call for EU Action Plan for Tourism

The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee on Tuesday urged the Commission to come up with a European action plan to help the tourism sector overcome the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

In a debate with Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, MEPs reiterated that the tourism sector needs more support in the ongoing Covid-19 crisis through specific measures, funding, increased EU-level coordination and a targeted roadmap.

MEPs also highlighted that clarity was needed regarding travel during the summer months.

During the debate, Commissioner Breton acknowledged that tourism was the first sector hit by the coronavirus and said it is likely to be the slowest to recover from the crisis.

“We have to come up with a strong response,” Breton said “Tourism is our priority and we are trying to do as much as we can with the existing funds.”

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton.

Beyond providing safety via short-term financing, the Commissioner said that tourism should benefit extensively also from the long-term crisis recovery plans, which will be funded through the next long-term EU budget (2021-2027). He is supporting the idea of a dedicated budget line “with the depth and firepower we need for the sector to get over this crisis”.

The Commissioner also added that the ultimate goal is to reform and reinvent the tourism sector and proposed to hold a European Tourism Summit for sustainable tourism this autumn.

Certainty on travel restrictions needed before summer holidays

Moreover, several MEPs also asked for more certainty regarding travel and movement restrictions that could continue in the coming months, including possible bans on visiting beaches because of social distancing rules.

The Commissioner explained that sufficient guarantees for safety and security are needed before such restrictions are lifted. He added that the work on facilitating travel is ongoing and there will be more clarity ahead of the summer.

On the questions regarding passenger rights and vouchers being offered by tourism companies following cancelled bookings, the Commissioner assured MEPs that passenger rights remain protected and member states can already support their tourism businesses by providing liquidity for companies, including to cope with travellers’ demands for reimbursement.