EU tourism ministers discuss the recovery of tourism from the coronavirus crisis
In their video conference on 28 September 2020, EU tourism ministers will discuss ways of promoting the recovery of tourism from the coronavirus pandemic. State Secretary Kimmo Tiilikainen will represent Finland at the meeting on behalf of Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.
The informal meeting will be held at the initiative of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU.
“The need to build new operating models and tourism services is growing. To support the recovery of the tourism sector, it is important that focus in decisions made at the EU level is on actions that support the sector’s recovery in the longer term,” Tiilikainen emphasises.
“The pandemic has transformed our values, needs and behaviours, which in turn affect our expectations on tourism. It seems that security, focus on experiences, and environmental awareness are rising trends,” State Secretary Tiilikainen notes.
In their discussions, the ministers will pay special attention to ways of minimising the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on tourism and supporting the recovery of tourism, all the while ensuring health security. Ministers will also exchange views on travel restrictions in their countries.
Tourism is one of the sectors most severely affected by the coronavirus. The livelihood of more than 12% of Europeans is linked to tourism. In Finland, the tourism sector employs more than 140,000 people.
Inquiries:
Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU and International Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7171
Sanna Kyyrä, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7012