TUI calls for post-coronavirus roadmap for European travel
TUI Group CEO Fritz Joussen has called for the European Union to develop a ‘roadmap for travel within Europe’ once the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
He said interest in travelling among European customers is still high.
"The traffic on our booking websites is 90 per cent compared to the previous year, although travel is currently not possible," Joussen said.
"Bookings for 2021 are also at a favourable level. We must now emerge well from the crisis.
"Tourism within Europe needs a clear perspective. The EU and the member states should develop a roadmap for travel within Europe and make holidays possible in 2020.
"This includes opening up with tourism and air travel to countries and regions of Europe that have made good progress and are actively promoting the return of holidaymakers, such as Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, the Balearic Islands, Austria or Bulgaria.
"Holidays at home are an offer, but should not be the only answer for Europe and Europeans."
His comments come after TUI China announced it is resuming business operations for domestic holidaymakers and is now offering mainly short trips to the mountains and Chinese beach resorts under the product name TUI Selection.
"Our offices in Beijing and Shanghai were also in operation during the crisis, but holidays could not be sold. Now we see a clear backlog demand for holiday travel. TUI China will gradually increase its range of offers in the next few weeks," Joussen added.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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