Brussels, 30/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - The tourism sector suffered as a result of planes being grounded due to the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano and has no intention of allowing itself to be forgotten as the European Commission plans measures to support the aviation sector (see EUROPE 10127). “I will ensure that tourism is adequately coordinated and supported at European level,” promised Industry Commissioner and Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani.
On Wednesday 28 April, tourism ministers and secretaries of state from several member states held a videoconference to discuss the impact of the aviation sector crisis on tourism and what could be done to help those affected, in particular, the hotels sector, tour operators and travel agencies. Ministers and secretaries of state agreed to coordinate efforts and to come to a joint view in discussions currently on-going at European level to assess the economic impact of the airspace closure. According to early estimates, the tourism sector has lost almost €1 billion as a direct result of flights being cancelled. Tour operators and travel agencies spent more than €388 million (€450 million between 15 and 26 April, according figures from the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association - ECTAA - and the Guild of European Business Travel Agents - GEBTA) to provide help and assistance to their clients stranded abroad. Exact figures and the long-term impact of the crisis are not yet known, but it is agreed that, the sector having suffered considerably as a result of the situation, there has to be follow-up from stakeholders, public and private. In a letter to Commissioner Tajani, the ECTAA and GEBTA also call for access to state aid and other forms of assistance, if these are granted to the aviation sector. (I.L./transl.rt)