The Commission is supporting Member States as they deal with the impact of the coronavirus on the tourism sector.

At a videoconference yesterday, EU Ministers discussed the implications of the coronavirus outbreak on the tourism industry, mitigating measures and the recovery strategy for the tourism ecosystem, which is one of the most damaged by the crisis. The Commission presented the measures already taken to support the sector as well as the planning for a common EU response for the recovery of the tourism ecosystem. In this regard, the Commission will be proposing measures to further help the sector, ahead of the summer season. Among these measures, the Commission is considering protocols which should guide safe operation of tourism facilities across the EU.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, stated: “We will need unprecedented funds to overcome this crisis. There is a need for 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.”

EU Ministers expressed broad support for additional measures and enhanced coordination at EU level. Ministers invited the Commission to work as a matter of priority towards a common EU approach which facilitates liquidity and maintains a fair balance of interests between tour operators and consumers.

Commissioner Breton’s introductory speech is available here.

(For more information: Sonya Gospodinova – Tel. +32 229-66953; Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 2 29 58300)

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