UNWTO requests Europe lead the revival of tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has again emphasised the importance of collaboration as it welcomed European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas to Madrid for a high-level meeting focused on the joined-up response to the ongoing crisis, and on advancing plans for tourism’s vital restart.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO meeting with the Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President, UNWTO emphasised the need for harmonized protocols and digital solutions to make safe international travel possible.

UNWTO congratulated the European Commission for launching its Digital Green Pass, recognizing its potential to restart tourism in a number of destinations. At the same time, the UNWTO leadership also appreciated the Commission’s initiative to support national recovery and resilience plans. The organisation also appreciated the recent launch of the ‘Re-Open EU’ website and mobile app, both of which effectively complement UNWTO’s own global #RestartTourism campaign. 

Commenting on the changing needs of tourism, Pololikashvili said, “Across Europe, millions of people and businesses are depending on the right decisions to be made so that tourism can restart. Today’s visit of Vice-President Margaritis Schinas is testament to the importance of tourism to economic and social wellbeing across the European Union. Now more than ever, tourism needs strong political support and joined-up action. Harmonized travel and health rules are essential to restore confidence and restart tourism.”

Schinas added, “With vaccinations and better management of the crisis, there is no doubt this summer will be better than last. Reopening borders will have an impact beyond tourism. It will drive Europe’s overall recovery. And Europe will not return on its own. Europe is part of the world and we are ready find a way that the European Green Pass works with solutions provided by countries or groups of countries from outside the EU.”


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Zurab Pololikashvili Margaritis Schinas

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