#COVID-19: EU support for the tourism industry

Travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic have decimated the tourism industry, a major player in the EUconomy. Revenue is expected to drop 50% for hotels and restaurants, 70% for tour operators and travel agencies and 90% for cruises and airlines. Europe accounts for half of the world's tourist arrivals and the situation is particularly hard for European countries that are dependent on tourism, such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

On 15 May, Parliament approved relief measures for the transport sector to minimise the effects of the pandemic on airlines, railways, road and shipping companies.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, as of 11 May, 100% of world tourist destinations had introduced temporary travel restrictions in response to the outbreak, 72% of which have placed a complete stop on international tourism. No country has so far loosened those restrictions.

Many travellers have struggled to return home, while tourism businesses are facing severe liquidity issues, as there are very few new bookings and a large number of claims for refunds following cancellations. Air carriers particularly are under unprecedented pressure.

Supporting the tourism industry through the crisis

Businesses and workers from the tourism sector already benefit from EU measures taken in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including liquidity support, fiscal relief and an easing of state aid rules, as well as the temporary suspension of EU rules on airport slots to avoid empty flights.

To protect travellers, the EU has updated the guidelines on passenger rights and the package travel directive. It has also facilitated the repatriation of tens of thousands of Europeans stranded abroad, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. EU measures to support the tourism industry complement and reinforce measures taken at national level.

On 13 May, the European Commission published specific guidelines and recommendations on tourism and transport to help EU countries gradually lift travel restrictions, restore transport services and reopen tourism businesses. A common EU approach would help the sector recover from the current crisis and give people the possibility to travel again safely.

Find out more about what the EU is doing to fight the coronavirus.

Parliament asks for more action to save the tourism industry

The EU should develop a prevention and management mechanism to protect workers and companies in the tourism sector and ensure passenger safety, MEPs said in a resolution adopted on 17 April.

Parliament’s transport and tourism committee has been insisting since March on a strong and co-ordinated EU action to overcome the crisis. Committee chair Karima Delli welcomed the Commission’s package on tourism and transport of 13 May:“It is crucial to reassure citizens that tourism and travelling will be possible and safe this year. We should use this crisis to redesign tourism across the EU.”

Check out the timeline of EU action against COVID-19