The Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents of the Czech Republic

 

 

According to UNWTO, Europe has steadily lost market share in world tourism, decreasing from 64% in 1980 to 51% in 2010. If things remain unchanged, as other regions of the world continue to step up their efforts to increase tourism flows, Europe’s market share is expected to fall to 41% by 2030 (UNWTO, 2014).

 

In this context, facilitating the entry of legitimate travellers to Europe by removing red tape from the current Visa Code could to a great extent improve Europe’s outlook as a world leader in tourism. The European Commission forecast that the rules within its legislative proposal would strongly facilitate Schengen visa processing, leading to an increase of visitors of up to 60% and generate up to €25 billion in additional revenue for the EU every year (European Commission, 2013).

 

The LIBE Committee, which is due to hold its vote on the package of measures that the European Commission proposed, therefore has a unique chance to keep Europe as the world’s number one tourist destination for years to come.

 

In particular, NET calls on the LIBE MEPs to vote in favour of the mandatory issuance of multiple-entry visas so as to encourage tourists to repeat visit to Schengen countries and to facilitate the movement of legitimate workers in the EU. In this context, it is important to keep the definition of VIS registered regular traveller flexible, so as to ensure that high numbers of legitimate travellers can opt to apply for multiple-entry visas.

 

Other high-impact proposals NET supports include: i) the possibility for the traveller to apply for their visa at the consulate that is closer to their place of residence; ii) not make the proof of accommodation compulsory; iii) to give applicants a longer period to lodge their application, in order to allow them to plan their trip; iv) to support a visa fee waiver extension (e.g. for minors); and v) to include tourists in the scope of touring visa.

Tourism is a key growth and employment driver in Europe, particularly at this crucial time of economic recovery. In 2014, tourism represented the third-largest socio-economic sector within the European Union, generating 10% of GDP and employing 13 million people3, 91% of which are working in small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Said President of ECTAA, Lars Thykier: “Travelling with one single visa to 26 countries covered by the Schengen sounds great, but what use is it when the conditions for obtaining the Schengen visa are so complex and burdensome that people are deterred from visiting Europe? The review of the Visa Code is a unique opportunity to facilitate travel for legitimate travellers from third countries requiring a Schengen visa, such as tourists and business travellers, thereby contributing to the generation of growth and employment in Europe.”

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NET, the Network for the European Private Sector in Tourism is a high-level contact group comprising various trade associations. Its members are CLIA, ECTAA, EFCO&HPA, ETOA, HOTREC, IAPAA, IRU. Our purpose is to develop common goals for industry and work with policy makers and other partners to achieve them. For more information please email NET.