We offer our solidarity and support to China and the Chinese people during an exceptionally challenging time and commit to working with our partners in Europe and Asia to that end.
From higher education to retail, hospitality to transportation, the social and economic impact of Coronavirus crisis on travel and tourism illustrates the importance of Europe’s relationship with China.
The strong mutual interest in both cultural and commercial exchange between China and Europe was shown by the EU-China Year of Tourism in 2018. We must draw on its legacy in this difficult time to ensure that Chinese visitors are welcome and respected throughout Europe. From expedited visa facilitation to attractive offers, public and private sectors must collaborate to enable and support a strong recovery.
Public safety is the prime concern of governments, and we recognize the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation, with the strong support of the UNWTO. Travel restrictions that exceed such recommendations may cause unnecessary alarm, disruption and adverse economic impact across all sectors.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the European Tourism Manifesto alliance
- offers a message of solidarity and support to China and the Chinese people
- reaffirms the importance of respect and welcome among the European travel and tourism community
- recognizes the scope of the impact of the crisis across all sectors
- urges an evidence-based approach to travel restrictions, while taking the necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the protection of public health
- encourages a cross-sectoral strategic plan for recovery.
List of European Tourism Manifesto Supporting Organisations
- ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International)
- A4E (Airlines for Europe)
- Amadeus (Multinational IT Provider for the Global Travel and Tourism Industry)
- CLIA EUROPE (Cruise Lines International Association)
- Confturismo Confcommercio (Unified Grouping of Italian National Organisations Representing
Enterprises and Professions in Tourism)
- EAAM (European Association for Aquatic Mammals)
- EARTH (European Alliance for Responsible Tourism and Hospitality)
- ECF (European Cyclists’ Federation)
- ECTAA (The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association)
- ECTN (European Cultural Tourism Network)
- EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence)
- EFA (European Festivals Association)
- EFCO & HPA (European Federation of Camping site Organisations and Holiday Park Associations)
- EFFAT (European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions)
- EGWA (European Greenways Association)
- EHTTA (European Historic Thermal Towns Association)
- ENAT (European Network for Accessible Tourism)
- ERA (European Ramblers’ Association)
- ERF (European Union Road Federation)
- ERRIN (European Regions Research and Innovation Network)
- ESPA (European Spas Association)
- ETC (European Travel Commission)
- ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation)
- ETLC (European Trade Union Liaison Committee on Tourism)
- ETOA (European Tourism Association)
- eu travel tech (EU association representing global distribution systems and travel distributors)
- EUFED (European Union Federation of Youth Hostel Associations)
- Eurail BV (The Organization Marketing and Managing the Eurail Pass)
- EuroGites (European Federation of Rural Tourism)
- Europa Nostra (The Voice of Cultural Heritage in Europe)
- European Boating Industry (The voice of the recreational boating industry in Europe)
- Federturismo Confindustria (National Travel and Tourism Federation)
- FEG (European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations)
- FEST (Foundation for European Sustainable Tourism)
- Global Blue (Tourism Shopping Tax Refund Company)
- HOTREC (Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés in Europe)
- HTI PARTNER Ltd. (Health Tourism Industry)
- IAAPA (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry)
- IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism)
- IRU (International Road Transport Union)
- ISTO (International Social Tourism Organisation)
- Mad’in Europe (The European portal of Craftsmen and Cultural Heritage Restorers)
- Mirabilia European Network of Chambers of Commerce (to promote UNESCO sites)
- NECSTouR (Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism)
- OTIE (Observatory on Tourism in the European Islands)
- Pearle*-Live Performance Europe (European federation in the Performing Arts and Music Sector)
- spiritsEUROPE (represents Spirits Producers)
- Startup Turismo (Italian Tourism Startup Association)
- TUI GROUP (The world’s leading tourism group)
- Tourism Society Europa (Membership Body for People Working in all Sectors of the Visitor
Economy)
- Travelport (Technology Company)
- UNI Europa (European Trade Union Federation for Service Workers)
- WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council)
