CLIA Europe urges the rapid adoption and implementation of the Visa Code revision
According to the European Commission, Europe lost more than six million potential tourists from third countries in just one year due to the complexity of visa procedures.
To mark European Shipping Week, CLIA Europe organized a successful roundtable discussion on visa facilitation and its impact on maritime and cruise tourism. This productive debate between cruise operators, European Union officials, and stakeholders in the tourism sector focused on the challenge of opening up EU maritime tourism to foster EU growth and job creation.
According to the World Tourism Organization, Europe has steadily lost market share in the global tourism industry, falling from 64% in 1980 to 51% in 2010. If this trend continues, this percentage is expected to continue declining, reaching 41% by 2030.
David Dingle, CLIA Europe vice president and president of Carnival UK, urged the European Union to act quickly:
“We need to maintain Europe as the world’s number one tourist destination by increasing the number of tourists from third countries. This would be good for Europe and its economy. CLIA Europe welcomes the reform process of the European Union Visa Code as an important starting point. But we need to act quickly; otherwise, the European Union risks losing significant contributions in terms of market share, investment, and jobs at a crucial time for economic recovery.”.
According to European Union forecasts, the new rules could lead to an increase in visitors of up to 60% and generate nearly €25 billion in additional revenue for the European Union each year.
The reform of the Visa Code, which will facilitate entry into Europe for more travelers, will not lead to a relaxation of security procedures in Europe. Visa issuance will remain rigorous, and a high level of control will continue to be maintained on ships, in ports, and at destinations.
Raphael von Heereman, Secretary General of CLIA Europe, highlighted:
“Seeing the efforts of other countries to increase their tourism flows, we need to promptly adopt a Smart Visa Code to boost the tourism sector in Europe and enable the tourism industry to contribute even more to the European economy and society. But to achieve this goal, we need the right support from policymakers. The key is to foster cooperation between the European Union institutions, Member States, and stakeholders in the tourism sector. We are closely monitoring the decision-making process and hope that substantial progress will have been made by summer.”.
