Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calls upon governments across Europe to ramp up the rollout of vaccines following regulators giving their approval for the safe use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“We welcome the support from The European Medicines Agency (EMA) which should now allow governments throughout Europe to recommence distribution of the much-needed vaccine.
“They now need to dramatically increase the rollout so that we can revive international travel in time for the crucial summer season, so countless businesses through the embattled Travel & Tourism sector can be saved and holidaymakers can finally enjoy a break in the sun.
“We are very pleased that countries such as the UK and Israel have led the way with the rollout of vaccines, while in Europe, Serbia, Norway, Malta and Denmark have made tremendous strides in vaccinating their populations.
“This positive news comes just a day after the European Commission signalled its adoption of the Digital Green Certificate for member states across the EU, enabling them to welcome travellers with proof of vaccination, a negative test, or a positive antibody test.
“Once member states and the European Parliament embrace the Digital Green Certificate, which we hope will be in time for the busy summer period, and travellers and holidaymakers follow health and hygiene measures and adopt mandatory mask wearing, consumers can book their trips in confidence.”
