In a debate held with EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, MEPs said that attention should be drawn to the tourism sector, and called on the Commission to come up with an action plan to relieve the sector from the Coronavirus turmoil.
In its resolution on EU coordinated action to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences, the European Parliament stressed that tourism and transport have been severely disrupted by the Cor onavirus outbreak, and to this end, a prevention and management mechanism is needed, to support workers, companies and ensure passenger safety.
Breton acknowledged the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector, further adding that the latter will be the slowest to recover from the crisis.
“Tourism is our priority and we are trying to do as much as we can with the existing funds,” the Internal Market Commissioner said, before adding that the EU Executive Body’s goal is to “reform and reinvent” the sector.
The Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee also put pressure on passengers rights and vouchers policy by several airlines, highlighting the need to safeguard citizens’ rights amid the pandemic, whilst keeping liquidity flowing in companies.
MEPs further asked whether there will be bans on visiting beaches because of social distancing rules, the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted on April 19 at “smart solutions” that will enable summer vacations, provided that several protective measures are in place.
“Maybe a little different, with other hygiene measures, with a little more social distance, but it is impressive to see that we have found solutions. So I am optimistic about summer holidays,” von der Leyen said.
Breton echoed the Commission’s chief views, saying that sufficient guarantees for safety and security are needed to proceed with relaxing lockdown measures, and that clear guidelines are expected ahead of summer.
He also floated the idea of a European Tourism Summit for sustainable tourism, to be held this autumn, and pointed at the bloc’s long-term budget, namely the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 to strongly support the sector.
Several countries across the bloc are taking their first steps in easing the lockdown measures imposed to stem spread of Covid-19, and reopening their economies, however, the question of movement restrictions in the upcoming months remains unanswered.