The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged EU leaders to recognise the value of travel and tourism and do more to support the sector ahead of European elections.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson issued a ‘call to action’ at a meeting with EU officials in Brussels on February 14, noting a new European Parliament and European Commission will be in place following elections in June.
She suggested the elections would mark “the onset of a new political era in Europe” and said: “The travel and tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth. The measures within our Call to Action will ensure the sector continues to grow sustainably, attract new talent and prospers.”
Simpson pointed out travel and tourism employs more than 22 million people in the EU and contributes €1.4 trillion a year to the EU economy, according to research by Tourism Economics on behalf of the WTTC.
She noted the sector is forecast to add another four million jobs by 2033 when its economic value could increase to €1.9 trillion or 10% of the EU economy.
However, Simpson argued this growth would only be achieved with supportive policies.
She urged the EU to carry out policy impact assessments on the implementation of legislation and to consider the sustainability commitments already made by the sector when drafting environmental legislation and setting ‘net zero’ emissions targets so that these complement work already undertaken.
The WTTC also called for the roll-out of the EU’s delayed, digital Entry-Exit System and urged the simplification and streamlining of visa processes and removal of barriers to travel.
It urged the EC to accelerate adoption of new technologies, including the digitalisation of passports, and to pursue “policies that allow for contactless travel and support the implementation of AI across the sector”.
The WTTC called on the EU to ensure it “remains competitive in travel and tourism” and urged “a greater emphasis on [the sector’s] socio-economic impact”.
The council grouped its policy demands in three areas, calling for “a more sustainable future”, “seamless travel and mobility”, and “digitalisation of travel and tourism”.
It urged the EU that environmental legislation should “take into account the realities and needs of the travel and tourism sector [and] build on existing progress”.
Simpson said: “We urge the EU to adopt these recommendations for the benefit of businesses and travellers. As the sector modernises and unlocks the digital transformation of travel, we can achieve unprecedented growth.”