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Madrid, Spain, March 30, 2021 – Only with strong and coordinated political action will Europe be able to reopen to tourism in time for the peak summer season.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has again underlined the importance of collaboration by welcoming European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas to Madrid for a high-level meeting focused on the joint response to the current crisis and on the advancement of plans for tourism. vital restart.
While the latest data shows an 85% drop in tourist arrivals to Europe at the start of 2021, UNWTO noted that Europe could lead by example globally by reviving the sector. Given the enormous socio-economic importance of tourism, the benefits that will accompany the return of tourism in time for the European peak season will be felt well outside the sector itself.
This increased importance of tourism was reflected in the visit of the highest delegation of the European Union to UNWTO headquarters to date. A meeting with Vice-President, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili further highlighted the need for harmonized protocols and digital solutions to make safe international travel possible.
UNWTO congratulated the European Commission for taking the initiative and advancing plans to launch its Digital Green Pass, recognizing its potential to boost tourism in a number of destinations.
At the same time, UNWTO leaders also welcomed the Commission’s intentions to support national recovery and resilience plans, as well as the recent launch of the “ Re-Open EU which effectively complement UNWTO’s own #RestartTourism worldwide. campaign.
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