EU ministers to discuss the effects of the coronavirus on tourism

EU tourism ministers will hold an informal video conference on 27 April 2020 on the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak on tourism. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will represent Finland at the meeting.

Tourism is one of the sectors most heavily affected by the coronavirus crisis. In the EU, tourism accounts for almost ten per cent of GDP. The decline in travel and tourism has a major impact on many other economic sectors.

“The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the tourism industry in the EU Member States is a cause for serious concern. Member States whose economy and GDP strongly depend on international tourism have been hit hardest by the crisis,” Minister Lintilä says.

“A smooth transition is now required at the EU level from maintaining situation awareness and taking quick support measures to exploring longer term actions for the recovery of the economy, travel and tourism included. Discussions on coordinated recovery measures will take time, which is why discussions regarding the tourism sector should be launched shortly,” Minister Lintilä continues.

Ministers will exchange views on the current situation and discuss future actions. The following areas will be addressed:

• Measures to support tourism in the EU Member States and their adequacy
• EU actions to support the tourism sector

The informal meeting of ministers of tourism will be held at the initiative of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Inquiries:

Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU and International Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. 029 504 7171
Sanna Kyyrä, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7012