The EES represents a significant leap in border management technology and stands as a major advancement in the EU’s border control strategy. It is designed to collect biometric data and travel information of non-EU travelers, thereby improving the monitoring of entries and exits within the Schengen Area. This move is pivotal in addressing issues like overstays and illegal immigration. However, concerns regarding potential delays and increased waiting times at borders due to the system implementation raise significant logistical questions. The EU must ensure that this technological shift does not compromise the seamless flow of legitimate travelers. While the implementation schedule has been postponed, a decision may be reached by the end of this year. For the entry of non-EU nationals, the EU has introduced ETIAS, which is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025.

ETIAS aims to simplify the entry process for visa-exempt third-country nationals by electronically linking travel authorization to passports, reducing the need for extensive border checks upon arrival. Nevertheless, this convenience comes with a limitation – the requirement for pre-travel authorization adds a new layer of planning for travelers. This raises questions about the accessibility of the system for all travelers, especially those from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of digital literacy.

The travel industry’s response to these impending changes varies. Airlines and travel agencies are cautiously optimistic, recognizing the potential for improving security and streamlining processes. However, there is also concerns about the initial phase of implementation, which could lead to operational challenges, such as longer processing times and confusion among travelers.

As the EU navigates these changes, the key lies in striking a balance between security enhancements and maintaining an efficient and welcoming travel environment. This requires not only technological investments but also robust training programs for border staff and comprehensive information campaigns to educate travelers about the new requirements.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of EES and ETIAS could set a precedent for future travel policies worldwide. These systems could serve as models for finding the equilibrium between security concerns and the facilitation of global mobility. As we embrace this new era of travel, these policies must evolve based on the feedback from both the travel industry and travelers themselves, ensuring that they remain effective, equitable, and user-friendly.

The EPP emphasizes the paramount importance of striking a balance between reinforcing security measures and facilitating seamless travel within the EU. We advocate for robust data protection and privacy safeguards in the EES, ensuring that individuals’ rights are respected. The implementation of the EES and the ETIAS can potentially bolster Portugal’s security measures while ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for travelers. Furthermore, these initiatives align with Portugal´s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection, reinforce the country’s position as a responsible global actor in the face of climate change and security challenges.

L’article The impact of EES and ETIAS on the European travel and tourism ecosystem est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

A European Tourism Agency would furnish the EU and its Member States with empirically grounded insights and concrete data pertaining to the current state of the sector. Such data would enable the formulation of more comprehensive strategies, founded upon the aggregation and analysis of tourism-related information. This comprehensive approach would encompass an integrated understanding of the social, economic, and environmental ramifications of tourism practices.

Moreover, the agency would also serve as a catalyst for promoting Europe as a tourist destination, with Portugal standing as a shining example. Portugal boasts an array of compelling advantages as a tourism destination, including its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a welcoming and warm population. Its diverse offerings range from historic cities like Lisbon and Porto to the scenic wonders of the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Furthermore, Portugal’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and its well-developed infrastructures make it an ideal host country for the agency.

Additionally, the agency would assume a crucial role in crisis management, an indispensable function in the contemporary era characterized by frequent disruptions in the tourism sector due to global disturbances. In such instances, isolated national responses have proven inadequate.

Equally significant is the agency’s potential to provide technical and administrative support to micro-businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby enhancing their capacity to access and benefit from EU funds and financial instruments. Moreover, Portugal’s thriving small and medium-sized tourism enterprises stand to benefit significantly from such support, further solidifying its suitability as a host country.

The broader tourism ecosystem in Portugal would also benefit from the agency’s existence, as it would facilitate the sharing of best practices, supporting stakeholders in making informed decisions to bolster their tourism policies.

From a broader international perspective, the agency would be entrusted with the task of promoting the brand “Europe” in third countries, particularly because the EU is experiencing a decline in tourist arrivals from third countries over the past decade. The agency’s focus would be on diversifying the European tourism product, and Portugal’s unique offerings would play a crucial role in this endeavour.

In the interim, our proposal is gaining traction. The Spanish Presidency of the Council, as outlined in its program, underscores the commitment to establish a European Tourism Agency with regional offices in the outermost regions of the EU.

For the EPP Group, the creation of a European Agency for Tourism is not merely an ambitious proposition but also an emerging necessity. A comprehensive EU Tourism policy holds a pivotal role in the economic vitality of the EU. By championing EU tourism, the EU not only stimulates economic growth but also serves as a conduit for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and exchange experiences. Furthermore, a thriving tourism industry enhances the overall competitiveness of the EU on the global stage, with Portugal serving as a good example.

L’article Fostering European tourism by creating a EU Tourism Agency est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

One of the crucial initiatives in this regard is the Refuel Aviation proposal, which seeks to mandate SAF blending at the EU level. However, to fully harness the potential of SAF, an efficient and transparent distribution system is essential. This is where the EPP’s pilot project for a “book and claim” system comes into play. This system will separate the purchase of SAF from its physical delivery and use, creating a transparent market that will promote greater production and use of SAF.

The success of the “book and claim” system depends on robust IT architecture. Designing an effective and secure digital platform is crucial to prevent irregularities and fraud, as well as to address the risk of double counting.

The plan is to implement the pilot project at selected EU airports, chosen based on factors such as air traffic, potential supply and demand for SAF, and geographical balance in the EU. Airports like Frankfurt International Airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, among others, may be part of this test implementation.

As you can easily understand, the main goal of this project is to promote sustainability. SAFs are essential for reducing CO2 emissions and an efficient distribution system will maximize environmental benefits. By promoting sustainability, the project also ensures the competitiveness of the European aviation and maintains a level playing field for fuel suppliers, aircraft operators and destinations. 

As the project progresses through the phases of analysis, IT architecture design, and implementation at selected EU airports, it will pave the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. Collaboration among policymakers, aviation stakeholders, and the community at large is essential to ensure the success of this innovative initiative.

With the right support and necessary commitment Europe can lead the way in transforming aviation into a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transport, benefiting people, the planet and the industry.

L’article European Parliament’s game changing pilot project for sustainable aviation fuels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Unlocking Access to Knowledge

One of the core aims of this pilot project is to develop comprehensive guidelines for active participation and optimal utilization of the tourism knowledge hub and the tourism data space. By centralizing information, best practices, and research within the tourism knowledge hub, stakeholders will have a powerful resource readily available, enhancing their ability to adapt to emerging trends, embrace digital transformation and foster sustainability. Portugal, with its pristine beaches, national parks, and UNESCO heritage sites, stands to benefit from an EU strategy that emphasizes sustainable tourism. By aligning its national tourism strategies with EU guidelines, Portugal can position itself as a premier sustainable tourism destination, attracting environmentally-conscious travellers and preserving its natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

2. Harnessing the Power of Data

The tourism industry generates a vast amount of data, from traveller’s preferences and booking patterns to environmental impacts and economic indicators. This would allow Portuguese stakeholders to integrate their unique data, providing insights into tourist preferences, peak travel times, and potential areas of improvement. With this information, Portugal can offer more tailored experiences, driving repeat visits and increasing tourist satisfaction.

3. Supporting the Skills Partnership

To implement successfully the tourism knowledge hub and the tourism data space, the tourism ecosystem requires capacity building. The pilot project that we are now proposing, recognizes the need of upskilling and reskilling the workforce in areas related to data collection, aggregation and analysis. Portugal can benefit immensely from the pilot project’s by investing in training programs tailored to these transitions remaining its workforce competitive, adaptable, and ready to meet the demands of modern tourism.

4. Pioneering a European Agency for Tourism

This pilot project, in its inaugural phase, lays the groundwork in alignment with our March 2021 report, advocating for the establishment of a European Agency for Tourism. 

By fostering knowledge sharing, promoting data-driven decision-making, and supporting skill development, this project paves the way for a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient tourism ecosystem. As we embark on this journey, we can anticipate a promising future where European tourism flourishes, adapts to evolving trends, and embraces the transformative power of data and knowledge.

L’article A promising pilot project to empower the future of tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In 2022, the World Travel and Tourism Council identified the commencement of Tourism recovery in Europe, underpinned by its economy’s 28% rebound. This recovery was further reinforced by a 23.9% increase in international visitor expenditure, supplemented by 34.2% in revenue from domestic tourists. Notwithstanding the growth in travel, consumer complaints and disputes within the travel sector have emerged as a notable concern. The European Consumer Center Network disclosed that in 2020, travel services comprised a substantial portion of consumer grievances, accentuating the necessity for robust consumer protection regulations. In addition, numerous stakeholders have expressed their apprehension regarding the European Commission’s intention to place a 20% limitation on pre-payments, accenting the drawbacks of such a policy measure for both package organizers and consumers. The EC is also considering the inclusion of corporate travel under this proposal, with some operators highlighting the need for universal accountability in relation to reimbursements.

The PTD is crucial in cultivating consumer trust, but equally important is its role in safeguarding Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). By fortifying consumer rights through this directive, it would assuredly attract more travellers, both domestically and internationally. This could invigorate tourism revenues and generate a plethora of opportunities through job creation. As one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Portugal could see a significant increase in both domestic and international tourism revenues.

It is plausible that transparent pricing and comprehensive information furnished under the directive could also promote price competition among travel operators. This appears to stimulate fair pricing practices and spur innovation. The anticipation is that efficacious enforcement of the directive could counter fraudulent activities and enhance consumer confidence in online bookings. This could stimulate growth in the digital travel market and propagate economic gains through increased online transactions.

The European Commission, in its 2022 work programme, announced its intent to revise the PTD. Hence, this could take place in the fourth quarter of 2023.

In the Tourism Task Force at the European Parliament, we (EPP) have already allocated significant attention to the calendar to bring this particular package into discussion and initiate the formulation of our proposals.

The lessons gleaned from previous events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Thomas Cook’s insolvency, impel us to perform a thorough analysis of whether the existing regulatory framework, inclusive of insolvency protection, is still apt in ensuring that consumer protection objectives are sufficiently robust.

The TTF must assume a central role in achieving agreements and formulating proposals that will facilitate a competitive and consumer-friendly travel market. This should be balanced with unequivocal and transparent support to SMEs to ensure that their contribution to European economic growth can become a fair reality.

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After the European Commission communication, the European Committee of the Regions opinion, now the European Parliament approved, last June’s Strasbourg session, a resolution based on the Strategy for the Outermost Regions (OR) that due to its permanent constraints felt and will continue to feel all these challenges with more intensity than in the European continent. 

The approved document, a very complete and valuable one, translates itself in an excellent compromise according the principles of economic and social cohesion of the Union. Made with the contribute of several Portuguese MEPs, from the EPP group, represented in committees of Regional Development, Budget, Transports and Tourism (where I proudly contributed with Madeira and Azores priorities as Portuguese OR) this Strategy points out the need of urgent EU action to foster these regions development, sustainable recovery and growth.

This strategy, replacing the one made in 2014, calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the OR to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are represented.

We asked for more systematic attention these nine region’s needs, and more commitment to boost their competitiveness. Also important is the fact that we reiterate that young people’s social situation is a key concern for outermost regions, with high levels of early school leaving, unemployment and brain drain. 

We urged the Commission to enhance young people’s mobility opportunities, promote the blue and circular economies, and maintain the compensatory POSEI scheme in agriculture (we even ask for more financial support having into consideration that this envelope is not revised since 2009) while replicating it in fisheries, transport, tourism, energy and other sectors. 

I must highlight the importance given in the report for a sustainable tourism policy as well as the need to strengthen these regions’ digital infrastructure and connectivity and their resilience to climate shocks. We have also called on the Commission to encourage the development of a truly EU tourism policy by creating a budget line for tourism in the next multiannual financial framework to support the tourism ecosystem. Europe must support truly OR specially when some of them have already accomplished their commitment on being more sustainable territories on an environmental, social, cultural and economic level. Assuring trust, security to the ones who visit as well as the ones who live in it. An excellent example of it is Madeira. Receiving awards consecutively as the Best Island Destination in the World and recently awarded with an international certification of “Sustainable Tourism Destination”.

The report underlines the OR unique assets, and the capacity for developing EU activities on space sciences in some of these regions (like the Azores), as well as we called for setting up a fund exclusively dedicated to EU space policy.

Let’s continue, at the European level, to work and to deliver instruments, programmes and financial support for better and wealthier Outermost Regions.

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The latest economic forecast presented this spring by the European Commission also brings good news. Due to a couple of factors, the EU economy is expanding and set to continue growing moderately. The revised economic growth forecast for Portugal in 2023 is due to a strong performance in tourism. History repeats itself. 

Tourism resilience to bounce back in many destinations close to or even above pre-pandemic levels, is not by miracle. Excess savings during the pandemic likely extended the summer season as travellers were eager to get out and travel after 3 years of Covid-19 lockdowns but also destinations, regions as the entire ecosystem have worked hard for overcoming the temporary paralysis caused by the pandemic and related travel restrictions. 

However, the challenges remain ranging from geopolitical insecurity, spiralling inflation, the war in Ukraine and consequent skyrocketing energy prices and staffing shortages. Looking forward, international travel to Europe is forecast to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2025, while domestic travel will fully recover in 2024. With this in prospect, public authorities hand in hand with the tourism ecosystem must ensure that tourism will be part of the solution to achieve climate goals and to be a driving force of smart and responsible development. 

In the Tourism Task Force at the European Parliament, I have fought to create several measures or drivers related with climate goals, studies on the new climate policies in the transport and tourism sectors, mobility poverty, training of the tourism workforce among other key factors that can also help boost different European economies in the near future.

On one hand, we have asked the Commission for introducing a scoreboard for tracking and reporting on the impact of tourism. Having common metrics on the entire EU ecosystem will help policymakers at national and regional level to understand, guide and define how tourism is decoupling from its greenhouse gas emissions. With this tool will be possible to improve access to indicators and statistics relevant to tourism, particularly by helping tourist destinations and public authorities monitor the progress they have made in the ecological and digital transition. On the other hand, on training and education we have proposed the creation of a Tourism Academia. An online platform available in Union’s 24 official languages with the aim of reskilling and upskilling tourism workforce.

International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels but this does not mean that the Union, in particular the European Commission, should not support the ecosystem by delivering concrete actions. This includes answering and overcome common challenges that the EU’s Tourist destinations are or will face in the future. All this will need financial support that is why it is never enough to struggle for a future budgetary line specific for the sector.

The EU has an opportunity to capitalise on the potential of tourism in promoting socio-economic growth. The European Tourism Agenda for 2030 and the Transition Pathway for Tourism cannot remain a simple set of intentions. There is no other time to grab this opportunity.

L’article History repeats itself: Tourism is the engine of the EU’s economy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

It also contributed, and we cannot deny it, to mass tourism in some destinations. However, the positive effects far outweighed the negative ones. It is now up to the regulatory authorities to find solutions allowing the correct flow of tourists to less sought-after areas. The housing problem exists throughout the EU and is critical in Portugal, but it cannot be solved at the expense of a sector that has made specific urban centres more appealing.

Choosing to condition a service or changing market rules do not protect the single market or free competition. In the case of the Portuguese Government, which is trying to solve the problem of the shortage of supply with the intense conditioning of STR, the problem is serious because it jeopardizes past investments, including by individual entrepreneurs and families, and dramatically conditions the future of this activity. On the other hand, it greatly harms one sector to the detriment of others, which is serious for competitiveness.

In response to a question that I subscribed together to other Portuguese MEPs from the EPP, Commissioner Thierry Breton was attentive and concerned about this matter, reaffirming that Member States are free to adopt measures to protect the public interest, provided that they comply with EU law. Restrictions, if applicable, must be adequate and proportionate, and Member States must notify the European Commission of the measures to be adopted.

The European Commission is clear when it states that measures that affect the Single Market can only be adopted if they unequivocally solve a problem of public interest and, even so, are not disproportionate.

Once again, priority is given to the easiest and purely administrative solution, to the detriment of intelligent and technologically innovative solutions. Given the creative and resilient character of Tourism agents, with the availability of funding from the Recovery and Resilience Plan allocated to the digital transition, it was to be assumed that the Portuguese Executive would be bold and innovative, but this did not happen. It will be the STR and the Tourism ecosystem as a whole that will suffer the consequences— another missed opportunity.

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As seen in the US, the strategy of some banks, which did not anticipate such an abrupt rise in the currency’s price, based on a scenario of low-interest rates, could lead to a loss of liquidity and a situation of default. The 2008 crisis taught us that no institution is too big to fail, so the fears of a new crisis are not unfounded.

After two years of the pandemic, the European economy is heavily leveraged in bank financing, in most cases with subsidized interest rates. Without other sources of finance, the EU industry is dependent on banks. For most reasons, the tourism industry, comprised of micro, small, and medium-sized companies, was forced to resort to bank loans to resist and face the constraints of the pandemic crisis. Responsible for around 10% of the EU’s GDP, Tourism continues to be the engine of the European economy and the one that can best respond to avoid an economic crisis.

Without emergency measures to maintain confidence in the banking system, I fear the EU will be plunged into a deep crisis. Despite showing a different robustness – for the better – than in 2008, the spillover effect exists and represents the greatest threat to the European economy.

The ECB is, therefore, in a difficult position: to fight inflation and, to that end, increase reference rates and, at the same time, ensure that the banking system remains available to support the European economy. Christine Lagarde has been firm in her decision to halt price rises. But will she have the same availability to act in the market to guarantee the deposits of all customers of troubled banks, similar to what it is North American counterpart did when the Silicon Valley Bank went bankrupt? Just this week, the ECB reinforced the liquidity of the banking market, stressing that it has the capacity for further reinforcements if necessary.

Although the solution to the Credit Suisse crisis may solve the problem for depositors, we know the bill will be heavy for bondholders, which could once again undermine investor confidence.

More than ever, coordination between the ECB and the Member States is crucial. On the one hand, the European banking system must continue its important role in financing the EU’s productive fabric. On the other hand, the fight against inflation is decisive in stopping the deterioration of the purchasing power of European citizens. Without this balance, the EU economy runs serious risks, especially the most vulnerable countries, such as Portugal, and sectors in need of financing and still in the recovery phase following an unprecedented crisis such as that inherent in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

For a long time, the European Parliament has insisted with the European Commission and the European Council to create a direct funding line and a European observatory for the tourism ecosystem and less bureaucracy in accessing existing European funds. The complexity in preparing these same candidacies works as authentic barriers. This is the best way to strengthen the sector and make it even more resilient. This is the moment; let’s hope that a third crisis is unnecessary for us to act.

L’article Avoid other crisis with a robust European mechanism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

To support this transition, the EC provides 250 billion euros from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, 373 billion from InvestEU, and 40 billion from the Innovation Fund. In operational terms, the EC proposes to work on legislative simplification, easy access to these funds, investment in training human resources (skills), and building a resilient and independent supply chain.

Despite being well-intentioned, the EC once again insists on a one-way economy of a very ideological nature and without impact assessments that quantify this strategy. The legislative proposals on the table and under negotiation with the Council and the European Parliament need to be revised concerning the principle of proportionality. They insist on objectives for which there is no guarantee of success and whose real impact on companies, jobs, and the economy needs to be correctly evaluated. Many numbers need to be more consistent and have a doubtful environmental effect.

One would expect more from the EC in a post-covid period and facing a war with devastating effects. More incentives for industry, greater technological neutrality in energy production, privileging and encouraging the production of green energy without closing the door to low carbon sources. Once again, ideology seems to prevail in the EC’s political decisions, in an inflexibility that condemns the competitiveness of our companies at an international level, forgetting that, without competitive companies, there is no Green Deal, there are no jobs, putting the various social protection systems at risk.

This form of governance for social networks is responsible for the escape of investment to competing trade blocs that are much more competitive and fall far short of the US strategy presented a few days ago by Joe Biden’s executive.

Regarding the Tourism sector, which is responsible for around 10% of the EU’s GDP, not a single line. A sector fiercely impacted by successive crises continues to be deprived of a specific line of financing. An ecosystem mainly composed of micro and small companies does not deserve careful attention from the EC. Quite the contrary, recent legislative proposals point to more fees and costs for the Transport sector, whose impacts on Tourism and Travel will undoubtedly be significant.

The European Parliament must therefore be firm in its demands and, as co-legislator, demanding in its negotiations. Here, the European People’s Party plays a crucial role in protecting companies, businesses, and job creation.

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