EUROCHAMBRES calls for temporary vouchers to support tourism sector

EUROCHAMBRES has called on the European Commission to enable a temporary voucher solution to alleviate the financial liquidity crisis that tourism related businesses are encountering as a result of the COVID19 crisis. The cash squeeze, caused by the combination of ongoing costs and the need to refund cancellations, is jeopardizing many businesses in a field that employs 13.6 million[1] people across Europe.

EUROCHAMBRES President, Christoph Leitl, said: “Helping the tourism industry means preserving the economic backbone of many countries and contributing to the European recovery. We need a common approach at EU level to mitigate the impact of the crisis on businesses in this economically, socially and culturally essential sector.”

Highlighting the introduction of national regulations in several member states and the consequent threat of market distortions, EUROCHAMBRES urges the Commission to come forward with a harmonized EU level approach that ensures a level playing field for operators and safeguards consumers’ rights.

The European Commission is due to issue guidance on this urgent matter tomorrow as part of a communication on tourism, transport and borders in the context of the COVID19 crisis. From the perspective of Chambers, this comes not a moment too soon.