HOTREC calls on an harmonised approach towards travel restrictions
On 13 October 2020, the Council adopted a Recommendation establishing common criteria and the development of a common coloured-coded map broken down by regions to help Member States decisions based on the epidemiological situation per region.
HOTREC welcomes these measures. However, they are not sufficient to restore travel confidence. The freedom of movement can still be restricted, quarantines are still possible, and travellers might only be informed about any restrictions 24 hours before the measures come into effect.
Therefore, HOTREC and other representatives of the tourism private sector (NET) call upon the EU Institutions to revisit the Recommendation as soon as possible with a view to addressing the problematic areas by:
- Defining clear rules on which travel restrictions and obligations apply going from one colour coded area to another;
- Replacing quarantine requirements by testing travellers coming from risk areas;
- Publishing information on new travel restrictions 5 days before they come into effect, as proposed by the Commission.
Only in this way, free movement within the EU can be safeguarded, and travel expectations reassured.
