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Margrethe Vestager encouraged Britons who wanted to go abroad for their summer holidays, when she said that traveling to Europe “can be done safely”. His comments contradict the facts by UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who earlier this week said the British probably won’t have to give up any international travel this year. Ms Vestager appeared on BBC Radio 4’s World at One on Thursday, when asked about the likelihood that UK tourists would head to Europe for a bit of relaxation in the summer.
She replied: “I hope so. I think there is a discussion about it at all dinners in Europe, and probably also in the UK.
“We really need a break from this. [crisis].
“Can we go as planned or will we have to stay within the borders of our home country?
“We believe it can be done safely.”
He noted the fact that Germany would begin easing its border controls with Austria, France and Switzerland starting Saturday, before trying to reinstate free travel before June 15.
The European Commission has called for a return to “unrestricted free movement” within Europe.
Authorities are drawing up plans to facilitate international travel, in a bid to save Europe’s tourism industry.
These include requiring facial masks on airplanes and social distancing on trains.
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Overall, in 2018 tourism in Europe contributed some 782 billion euros and employed 14.4 million people, with Italy, Spain, France and England accounting for 55 percent of travel.
The British government has suggested that overseas travel is still a long way off and they do not foresee that happening this year.
When asked Tuesday whether “the summer was canceled,” Matt Hancock said, “I think that may be the case.”
“It is unlikely that large and luxurious international vacations will be possible this summer. I think it is a reality of life.”
“It is clear that we will seek to reopen some hospitality from early July if we reduce the spread.
“But the social distancing is going to continue.”
Additionally, travel insurers refuse to cover any cancellation claims related to COVID-19.
Insurers stopped selling travel insurance when the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, but the policies are now being reintroduced with key modifications.
The new policies define Covid-19 as a “known event”, which means that any illness-related cancellation claim will no longer be covered.
