Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the summer season nears
14.7.2021
Question for oral answer O-000054/2021
to the Commission
Rule 136
Karima Delli
on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism
The EU’s tourism sector has been severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis. It posted an investment shortfall of EUR 161 billion in 2020, with adverse consequences spreading across the entire tourism ecosystem, especially for the 27 million workers employed directly and indirectly by the tourism sector.
As the 2021 summer season ends, it is time to make a preliminary assessment of the measures in place allowing for a coordinated EU approach towards the safe reopening of travel within the Union, as well as to and from non-EU countries: firstly, the implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, with the aim of facilitating lifting restrictions on travel and forestalling unilateral actions by individual Member-States, and secondly, the creation of the European Tourism COVID-19 Safety Seal.
- 1.At this stage, what findings can the Commission put forward as regards the rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, in terms of its effects on the tourism sector during the 2021 summer season? Looking at the previous year, is it possible to quantify the certificate’s success by taking into consideration the overall number of journeys? What difficulties were experienced by Member States and travellers? Has the Commission found any noteworthy geographical differences between Member States and regions in terms of how the certificates have affected the tourism sector?
- 2.Could the Commission provide an overview of the rollout of the European Tourism COVID-19 Safety Seal? How many tourism-related businesses have been awarded the seal? How has the Commission supported the implementation of the seal among tourism-related businesses in terms of funding and technical expertise? What initiatives are in place to publicise the seal and make it better known?
- 3.In the wake of the findings on the resumption of travel during the summer, what actions does the Commission intend to take to support the tourism ecosystem, in particular to avoid the uncertainties tourism-related businesses and travellers face regarding travel restrictions?
- 4.Could the Commission provide an overview of the support given so far, in line with the Green Deal, to tourism-related enterprises on account of the pandemic, and the overall amount thereof? How can we facilitate access to EU funding for micro enterprises and SMEs? Where does the current unemployment rate within the sector stand, and how many people have lost their jobs during the pandemic?
Submitted: 14.7.2021
Lapses: 15.10.2021