THE EU HAS set out plans for a phased restart of travel this summer, hoping to save millions of tourism jobs threatened by the coronavirus pandemic across Europe, the world’s top holiday destination.

Travel restrictions to combat the virus have already had a devastating impact on the sector, with airlines around the continent forced to shed tens of thousands of jobs.

Tourism is vital to the EU as a whole, accounting for 10% of GDP and 12% of jobs.

It is especially important to southern countries already struggling with debt and the impact of COVID-19 — notably Greece, Italy and Spain.

“Today’s guidance can be the chance of a better season for the many Europeans whose livelihood depends on tourism and, of course, for those who would like to travel this summer,” the EU commission’s executive vice president Margrethe Vestager told reporters.

In a stark sign of the crisis facing the industry, the world’s biggest tourism group TUI said it planned to slash 8,000 jobs as it reported a net loss of over €750 million for the first three months of the year.

Phased approach

While decisions about reopening borders fall to national governments, Brussels is urging the 27 EU states to take a coordinated approach to lifting restrictions — after a haphazard start to the crisis in which capitals closed frontiers with little or no consultation.

The EU is proposing a three-stage approach, starting with the current situation in which most non-essential travel across borders is banned.

In the next phase, the EU wants border restrictions lifted between countries and regions at a similar stage of the pandemic, and where the health situation is improving.

In the final phase, all coronavirus-related border controls would be lifted and travel permitted throughout Europe once again.

Brussels is urging governments to consider economic and social factors as well as health as they weigh up reopening their borders.

Ireland’s Health Minister Simon Harris told TheJournal.ie last week that the advice for citizens remains that that they should not travel abroad.

If they do so they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days when the return, a requirement that could remain in place for this year. 

Face masks on board

Aside from the economic impact, the annual summer holiday is an important ritual cherished by millions of Europeans.

“This is not going to be a normal summer… but when we all do our part we don’t have to face a summer stuck at home or completely lost for tourism industry,” Vestager said.

Holidays in the time of coronavirus look set to be rather different than before, with measures in place to minimise the risk of infection.

Travellers should wear face coverings while on shared transport such as planes, trains and buses — as well as at hubs such as airports and railway stations, under the EU recommendations.

Fewer passengers may be allowed on board to allow them to maintain safe distancing, and buffet trolleys and dining cars will be shuttered.

For its part, Ryanair has said that it plans to restore 40% of its flight schedule from 1 July.

Hotels and restaurants will be urged to limit guest numbers so they can respect social distancing rules.

In order to keep a close eye on the progress of the disease — and quickly identify any hotspots — EU countries have agreed to ensure contact-tracing phone apps work across borders.

© – AFP 2020 with reporting by Rónán Duffy