EU ministers in charge of tourism meet by video conference to exchange ideas on the future of the sector due to the Coronavirus crisis

We share with our readers the message sent by Elias Papadopoulos, EUROMAT Policy Advisor.

EU tourism ministers held a video conference to discuss the relief measures taken so far at the national level in support of the tourism sector, as well as future actions for a rapid recovery of the sector.

Presiding over the meeting, Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli suggested opening tourist corridors between EU Member States in collaboration with epidemiologists, who will set out the criteria and the measures needed to ensure the safety of tourists. He concluded that there seems to be enough goodwill to find a way to reconnect countries, adding that before the call he received a declaration from a number of Tourism Ministers calling for inclusion of strong support for tourism in the EU Recovery Plan.

Ministers described the various measures they have taken to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on tourism and there was broad support for additional measures and enhanced cooperation at the EU level.

Commissioner Breton reiterated the need to mobilise funds to overcome the crisis, calling for a “new Marshall Plan, with a powerful EU budget”, adding that the tourism industry should be transformed on a more sustainable and resilient footing. It is worth pointing out that Commissioner Breton has in the past called for a conference to work on the transformation of the tourism industry along the lines of sustainability, innovation and resilience. This presents a great opportunity for IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) to voice concrete asks on behalf of its membership, as the Commission is likely to be in listening mode and more receptive.

Full press release