On 15 March, a briefing for the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) “Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19” was presented during the committee meeting. The briefing presents an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU transport and tourism sectors and policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

The briefing notes that the role of the EU is vital to help citizens, the transport and tourism industries, and governments overcome the crisis and emerge stronger, especially to achieve sustainability and resilience.

Recommendations include facilitating active modes, such as walking and cycling, in urban planning, flexible working, data-driven monitoring of mobility patterns and transport planning, reducing cross-border administrative burdens, promoting contactless solutions and digitalisation of the industry. It was added that the EU could also promote coordinated health and safety protocols in transport and tourism sectors - harmonization of the protocols would help to improve traveller perception and promote collaboration. The briefing added that identifying what the vaccine will do and how it can be integrated in travel protocols, e.g., with a digital vaccine passport, will be vital in the short term, as vaccination has begun.

On the financial measures, especially for SMEs, the briefing highlighted that the EU could support workers, protect jobs and maintain services in the short term. Finally, the EU should take advantage of the crisis to stimulate sustainable development with an EU Green Scheme for destinations and businesses, and to provide investment in knowledge on sustainable practices implementation at destinations’ and operators’ levels.

This overview briefing will be followed by 5 thematic briefings, focusing on specific issues relating to transport/tourism and COVID-19.

NECSTouR appreciates that Ivo Cré - Director Policy & Projects - Coordinator Access at Polis Network - is one of the authors of the briefing.
We consider POLIS as a strong referent for us in the field of sustainable mobility. Among the latest achievements together, the participation of POLIS to the NECSTouR Webinar "Tourism and Mobility: Sustainability, Innovation and Resilience" last July and our participation to the IRU and Polis network working session on Coach Access to Cities last February.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Executive Summary of the briefing;
• Briefing “Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19”