Impact of COVID-19 on the European tourism sector

15.4.2020

Question for written answer  E-002286/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Giuseppe Milazzo (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE)

One of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 crisis is the tourism sector, which, according to estimates by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, is suffering loses of around EUR 1 billion per month in the EU alone. This is taking a very serious toll, affecting 13 million workers in the sector. The economic meltdown of the entire sector could have a domino effect on other sectors, which would be difficult to manage over the long term.

In addition, according to an OECD study on the economies of more tourism-dependent countries, there are five European countries at greatest risk (Greece, Portugal, Austria, Spain and Italy); these countries will, at various levels, lose a substantial portion of their GDP, which will have damaging economic and social consequences. Many countries are planning to introduce a special allowance for workers in tourism and to use vouchers to provide liquidity for companies in the sector. Nevertheless, there is a need for coordinated, more wide-ranging European action to protect and revitalise the entire sector.

In the light of the above, can the Commission say:

whether it is aware of this situation and, if so, what measures it has taken;

whether it thinks it might be appropriate to propose to the Council and Parliament an extraordinary recovery plan to protect and support companies in the sector?