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HEALTH-VIRUS-EU-TRAVEL NEWSERIES
Europe seeks to save the summer holidays
BRUSSELS, May 13, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The EU on Wednesday set out plans for a
phased restart of travel this summer, hoping to save millions of tourism jobs
threatened by the coronavirus pandemic across Europe, the world’s top holiday
destination.
Travel restrictions to combat the virus have already had a devastating
impact on the sector, with airlines around the continent forced to shed tens
of thousands of jobs.
Under new guidelines from Brussels, holidaymakers could be asked to wear
facemasks on planes, respect social distancing on the beach and even book
slots to use hotel pools.
Tourism is vital to the EU as a whole, accounting for 10 percent of GDP
and supporting 23 million jobs.
It is especially important to southern countries already struggling with
debt and the impact of COVID-19 — notably Greece, Italy and Spain.
“Today’s guidance can be the chance of a better season for the many
Europeans whose livelihood depends on tourism and, of course, for those who
would like to travel this summer,” the EU commission’s executive vice
president Margrethe Vestager told reporters.
In a stark sign of the crisis facing the industry, the world’s biggest
tourism group TUI said Wednesday it planned to slash 8,000 jobs as it
reported a net loss of over 750 million euros for the first three months of
the year.
– Phased approach –
While decisions about reopening borders fall to national governments,
Brussels is urging the 27 EU states to take a coordinated approach to lifting
restrictions — after a haphazard start to the crisis in which capitals
closed frontiers with little or no consultation.
The EU is proposing a three-stage approach, starting with the current
situation in which most non-essential travel across borders is banned.
In the next phase, the EU wants border restrictions lifted between
countries and regions at a similar stage of the pandemic, and where the
health situation is improving.
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In the final phase, all coronavirus-related border controls would be
lifted and travel permitted throughout Europe once again.
No timescale has been announced, with Brussels urging governments to
consider economic and social factors as well as health when they weigh up
reopening their borders.
Germany plans to end virus restrictions at its borders with Luxembourg,
Austria, Switzerland and France on June 15, with family and business trips
permitted as soon as Friday.
– Face masks, timed pool slots –
Aside from the economic impact, the annual summer holiday is an important
ritual cherished by millions of Europeans.
“This is not going to be a normal summer… but when we all do our part we
don’t have to face a summer stuck at home or completely lost for tourism
industry,” Vestager said.
Holidays in the time of coronavirus look set to be rather different than
before, with measures in place to minimise the risk of infection.
Travellers should wear facemasks while on shared transport such as planes,
trains and buses — as well as at hubs such as airports and railway stations,
under the EU recommendations.
Fewer passengers may be allowed on board to allow them to maintain safe
distancing, and buffet trolleys and dining cars will be shuttered.
Hotels and restaurants will be urged to limit guest numbers so they can
respect social distancing rules, and set up online booking for slots to use
swimming pools and gyms.
In order to keep a close eye on the progress of the disease — and quickly
identify any hotspots — EU countries have agreed to ensure contact-tracing
phone apps work across borders.
Wednesday’s plan also tackles the thorny issue of refunds for cancelled
holidays.
Under EU rules, travellers are entitled to a cash refund, but many
operators and airlines — already struggling with collapsing revenue —
prefer to give credit vouchers instead.
To make vouchers more appealing, Brussels suggests making them valid for
12 months, refundable after that and protected against the company in
question going bust.
BSS/AFP/MRU/1818hrs