While EU countries review the updated proposal of the European Commission to coordinate the relaxation of travel restrictions in Europe, Airlines For Europe (A4E), Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), the International Air Transport Association (IATA ) and the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) have jointly launched Destination Summer, with the aim of working with the European Union and national legislators to adopt a harmonized approach to lifting travel restrictions, allowing for the safe and seamless resumption of free movement for European citizens.
Thanks to ongoing vaccination campaigns across Europe, growing scientific evidence on the efficacy of vaccines, increased testing capabilities, and improvements in the epidemiological situation, the prerequisites to allow reopening of vaccines are now met. travel and tourism in a coordinated manner that is consistent with sanitary measures and avoids unfair discrimination between vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
The coalition calls for a common European approach based on:
The restoration of freedom of movement in the EU, in particular through the rapid implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate;
The deployment of affordable, reliable and rapid EU testing capabilities, as needed, that enable the end of general quarantines and make use of the increasing availability of antigen testing;
An impetus for the progressive resumption of non-essential international travel through a periodic review of the `` EU White List '', and allowing entry into the EU for travelers from third countries with a good epidemiological situation and those vaccinated with Vaccines authorized by the EU.
The European travel and tourism sector, represented by the four associations, is encouraging European citizens who want to travel again, aviation, travel and tourism companies, their employees and partners, to join the #destinationsummer campaign. This means sharing your need and desire to travel again while following clear rules and official information on safe and responsible ways to travel. For more information visit www.destinationsummer.eu
“Freedom of movement is a fundamental European principle and citizens must be able to move both freely and safely. After 15 months of roadblocks and travel restrictions, it's time to reunite travelers in Europe. We need to see a coordinated easing of restrictions. Our campaign urges policy makers to recognize the rapid and positive impact of vaccines and the scientific knowledge gained last year for EU countries to better coordinate and restore the free movement of citizens, ”said Thomas Reynaert, CEO of Airlines for Europe (A4E).
“There is a huge pent-up demand to travel again and we don't want to reopen for the summer, only to be locked up again. Traveling responsibly means staying safe and healthy so that Europe has a better chance of a faster and long-term recovery. By respecting security measures, together we can make the summer of 21 unforgettable for all the right reasons, ”said Olivier Jankovec, Director General of the Airports Council International for Europe (ACI EUROPE).
“According to a recent IATA survey, 76% of people want to travel to see family and friends as soon as possible. We have the means, with tests and vaccinations, to reconnect people safely and restart the travel and tourism industry in time for the summer. We just need the will and coordination of governments to make this happen, ”said Rafael Schvartzman, regional vice president for Europe for the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“Together we can make the reopening of travel and tourism in Europe a reality this summer. It is a key strategy to ensure the health and well-being of citizens and the vitality of the entire travel and tourism value chain in the long term, ”said Julie Lassaigne, Secretary General of the European Travel and Retail Confederation (ETRC).