Ministers Voice Support for Nat'l, EU Measures for Effective Recovery of Tourism

Tourism is one of the economic sectors first and most heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The sector is experiencing a fast and sharp drop in demand and a surge in unemployment, putting many small and medium-sized enterprises at risk.

Tourism ministers exchanged information and best practice on relief measures taken so far at the national level. They have also discussed possible future actions at the national and EU level for the quick recovery of the tourism sector.

The videoconference was chaired by the Croatian Minister of tourism, Mr. Gari Cappelli and it was attended by ministers or high-level representatives from all EU member states and the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Mr. Thierry Breton.

Invited by the Croatian presidency, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, presented the UNWTO's initiatives in support of tourism.

“The tourism sector has experienced an immense and unexpected decline in demand due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Our mission is to be, as members of the European Union and as part of the most successful tourist region in the world, a leader in the recovery of tourism, which as a horizontal activity directly affects the recovery of the entire economy. Tourism represents 10% of the EU's GDP and provides jobs for almost 12% of employees in the European Union. In addition, tourism is the fourth export category of the Union, with consumption generating more than € 400 billion in revenue. For all these reasons, it is important to encourage the creation of joint solutions to the crisis of the tourism sector caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but also to create programs and plans for combating similar threats in the future. That is why I am particularly pleased that at the meeting of the members of the European Council last week it was agreed upon to establish a Recovery Fund, which will target the hardest hit sectors and geographical parts of Europe. I believe that we are all aware that tourism definitely falls into the category of the most affected sectors in this crisis”, stated Mr. Gari Cappelli, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia.

Many participants highlighted the fact that in many EU countries, tourism not only contributes significantly to the gross national product by itself but also affects directly or indirectly numerous other economic sectors. It is a crucial source of much-needed revenue for local communities and individuals. In Croatia, for example, tourism generated almost 17% of the country’s GDP, while in the other Member States this percentage ranged from 2.6% in the Slovak Republic to 20.6% in the Hellenic Republic.

Ministers described the measures taken so far by member states, be it individually or jointly, in order to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on the tourism sector and other related sectors. There was broad support for additional measures and enhanced coordination at the EU level.

It was stressed that tourism should be amongst the main priorities of the EU’s recovery plan. Ministers highlighted the importance of a harmonized solution for refunding travel packages, including vouchers and agreed on the importance of collecting information on tourism-related measures and promoting best practices through the EU. As regards the legal framework for tour operators, the Commission was invited to work as a matter of priority towards a common EU approach which provides temporary flexibility and liquidity and ensures a fair balance of interests between tour operators and consumers.

Commissioner Breton stressed that the emergency measures and funds the Commission has mobilized should support Member states' efforts to keep the lifeline in the short and medium-term. He invited MS to use them to the fullest and ensure that they benefit a maximum of the workers affected. "We will need unprecedented funds to overcome this crisis. There is a need for a “new Marshall Plan”, with a powerful EU budget, to jumpstart the path towards European recovery and a stronger and more resilient union. We will need fast action, pragmatism and creativity to recover and build a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. But above all, this crisis calls for solidarity. No country can overcome this crisis alone", stated Mr. Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market.

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili made reference on UNWTO guidelines for crisis management for tourism in the context of COVID-19  and invited the European Commission to prioritize tourism within the EU recovery plan.  

Finally, Ministers also voiced strong support for new and innovative measures, to be taken at both national and EU level, for the swift and effective recovery of the tourism sector.