5
Oct
2021
Watch
Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the Summer season nears (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, we are entering a troubled period which has devastated the world, but which has particularly shaken Europe, both in the management of own resources, in the management of our borders and in the multitude of restrictions and criteria. The Union needs to reflect, learn from its shortcomings and improve. Europe must act faster and more efficiently, and it must do so with the voice and work of the European Parliament in mind. It is therefore fair to praise the fact that the Commission has implemented two of Parliament's proposals, the applicability of which has resulted in a reduction in uncoordination and insecurity in the midst of the pandemic crisis. I am referring to the Union Digital Certificate and the Covid-19 Security Seal. The balance of summer 2021 in some European tourist destinations was positive. In some cases, such as on the island of Madeira, the occupancy rate went to pre-pandemic levels, largely thanks to the promotion of internal tourism, but also the result of measures and instruments that allowed coordination, security and simplification of documents in European space. This pandemic, on the other hand, has generated an accelerating effect on the digital and environmental transition, priorities of the Union. We know and welcome the commitment of the regions, destinations, companies and tourism agents who, at a time of suffocation, have invested in this twin transition. Commissioner Breton, Europe can and must do more. Union support should not be limited to two or three Union instruments. There is an urgent need to support Member States considering those that have suffered the greatest impact. It is necessary to prolong moratoria, to create direct support. In Portugal, in my country, the industry is crying out for support that has not yet arrived. It is necessary to prolong SURE and to incentivise a fall in the intermediate VAT rate. I will end, Commissioner, with an appeal: Tourism is made by and for people. There is an urgent need to comply with the obligations of passenger rights, for which many complaints are ongoing. We cannot demand more from some than from others.