The Advantage Travel Partnership CEO on EES delay

Friday, Oct 11, 2024 0

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said:

“The confirmed delay by the EU of the infamous EES launch will inevitably give the travel industry a huge sigh of relief as there was significant concern at the preparedness throughout the EU bloc that would inevitably have caused delay and setbacks for so many non-EU passport holder at the borders.

An inordinate amount of work has already been undertaken across the UK Outbound Travel industry in preparing for these new digital border systems and the numerous delays to the introduction of the scheme are not conducive to good public awareness and this further delay whilst it gives more time to prepare remains another point of confusion.

Right now, there is very limited public awareness of what this means for anyone expecting to travel to Europe from outside the EU and as we get closer to launch date and key travel periods clear and transparent communication will be vital.

When a new launch date is announced and the EU are considering the roll out of the system, they should be confident that it remains fit for purpose for the number of non-EU’s traveling through the bloc and not simply another burden for travellers.

Safety and security are of course paramount, but it is crucial that the government and the travel industry work together to make sure that Brits have a thorough understanding of the new systems, when they come into effect and how they will impact travel.

We consistently recommend that consumers book through their local travel agent who will be able to ensure they are fully compliant with all travel requirements when they do come into effect, as well receive the best value for flights and accommodation, using their expert knowledge.”