ABTA urges action to address EES rollout challenges
ABTA has written to the European Commission, calling for action to address ‘inconsistent’ rollout contingency measures for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
ABTA CEO, Mark Tanzer again called for consistent communication across the Eurozone so border staff and travellers have all the information required to avoid ongoing border point delays.
“The ambition of a project like EES means it was never going to go completely smoothly,” Tanzer said in a letter to Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner this week.
Tanzer added that ABTA member feedback so far has been mixed across different countries.
In some cases, EES contingency measures have been non-existent.
“It is frustrating is that border authorities have it within their power to ease queues and deal with issues as they arise – but that doesn’t seem to be happening across the board,” Tanzer wrote.
“As the rollout expands and we head towards peak travel periods, we’re urging border authorities to plan for busy periods and use the contingency measures available. It’s critical the Commission keeps a close eye on this throughout the rollout and beyond.”
An EU spokesperson said the contingency measures in place until the official start date will be available throughout the summer period if required.
ABTA has reported contrasting experiences with EES, from easy and quick processing to major delays and technical issues.
Tanzer reiterated EES will become fully operational from 9 April, reports suggesting it is being pushed back again until after the summer travel peak period.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025