Key Topics Shaping the June Destination Europe Summit: From Digital Visas to Sustainability
As the travel industry navigates its way through a post-pandemic landscape, last June 27’s Destination Europe Summit 2023 is poised to address the most pressing challenges facing European travel. This event, a collaboration between Euronews Travel and the European Travel Commission (ETC), aims to bring clarity and solutions to these critical issues.
Despite the travel industry’s resilience, the aftermath of the pandemic and ongoing global events have left it facing numerous challenges. In 2022, European foreign tourist arrivals were still 18 percent below pre-pandemic levels. With the anticipated rush of summer travel, the industry is grappling with inflation, staff shortages, and the impacts of the war in Ukraine, including airspace closures.
The Destination Europe Summit will delve into several major topics:
- Sustainable Growth: Central to the summit is the question of how the travel industry can grow sustainably. Discussions will revolve around balancing industry expansion with environmental and cultural preservation.
- Policy and Mobility: European Commissioner Thierry Breton will discuss policy initiatives and strategies for enhancing traveler experiences and accelerating sector recovery.
- Digitalization in Travel: The implementation of digital visas, the EU’s ETIAS, and Entry-Exit System (EES) are crucial for streamlining tourist entry into Europe by 2024.
- Air Travel Recovery: The summit will address the current state of air travel, with a focus on improving connectivity, resolving worker shortages, and addressing airspace issues.
- Post-Brexit Challenges: With the UK leading in travel intentions for 2023, resolving post-Brexit border issues is vital.
- Cross-Border Rail Initiatives: Discussions will also explore enhancing rail connectivity as a sustainable travel alternative.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: The summit will emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as public transportation and managing overtourism.
The summit, to be held in Brussels, Belgium, will convene EU decision-makers, tourism associations, airline and hotel industry leaders, and other stakeholders. They will collectively tackle the industry’s most urgent issues and explore emerging trends in travel. The event will be livestreamed on Euronews’s website, allowing for broader public engagement.
By focusing on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and improved connectivity, the Destination Europe Summit 2023 aims to shape a more resilient and responsible future for the European travel sector.