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European Union countries could guarantee travel coupons canceled during the colonial pandemic and begin lifting internal border restrictions in an effort to save part of the summer tourist season, the European Commission said next week.
Tourism, which normally contributes to almost a tenth of the EU’s GDP, is one of the areas most affected by the epidemic.
Germany and other member states have called for the EU regulations that force liquidity-affected airlines and the hotel industry to offer full compensation for canceled flights and trips in lieu of coupons for future travel to be stopped.
The European Commission will tell member states to guarantee coupons to make them more attractive to customers, according to a strategy document seen by Reuters before its official announcement on Wednesday.
“To motivate passengers and travelers to receive coupons instead of compensation, the coupons must be protected against the issuer’s bankruptcy and can be redeemed at the end of their validity,” says the draft document.
“Bankruptcy protection must be guaranteed at the national level and guaranteed coupons must be accessible to all passengers and travelers,” he added.
The European Commission will also tell the 27 member states to gradually lift their internal border restrictions and resume some travel to help the proven tourism sector.
Tourism typically earns around € 150 billion each season from June to August with around 360 million international arrivals, according to the Commission.
But Europe’s external borders are now closed and are expected to continue to be so for non-essential travel until at least mid-June, under an urgent measure to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Our hotel industry faces serious problems,” the commission is expected to say, warning that 6.4 million jobs could be lost in the sector, which has recorded revenue losses of more than 50% for hotels and restaurants, reaching 90. % for cruises and airlines.
Titled “Europe needs a break,” the Commission’s tourism strategy will require specific restrictions that will replace a general travel ban and seek a gradual lifting of internal border controls where health has improved.
“Until a vaccine or treatment is available, the needs and benefits of travel and tourism must be weighed against the risks of facilitating the spread of the virus again … with the potential result of the resumption of restrictive measures,” said the report. Draft of the commission.
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