What's Happening?
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised concerns about the implementation of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), following an open letter from Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and IATA. The WTTC acknowledges
the importance of modernizing border systems and enhancing security across Europe. However, it warns that issues such as insufficient flexibility, unreliable equipment, inadequate staffing, and poor communication with travelers could lead to operational bottlenecks. These challenges may negatively impact the visitor experience and reduce Europe's competitiveness as a travel destination. Recent WTTC analysis indicates that consistent border waits of three or more hours could deter demand, with about one-third of surveyed travelers stating they would be less likely to visit the Schengen area under such conditions.
Why It's Important?
The implementation of the Schengen Entry/Exit System is crucial for modernizing border controls and enhancing security in Europe. However, the potential operational challenges highlighted by the WTTC could have significant economic implications. If not addressed, these issues could deter travelers, potentially risking up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending in Europe. The travel and tourism sector is a major contributor to the European economy, adding $3 trillion and supporting 40.7 million jobs in 2025. Ensuring a smooth rollout of the EES is vital to maintaining Europe's attractiveness as a travel destination and safeguarding the economic benefits derived from tourism.
What's Next?
To facilitate a smooth implementation of the EES, the WTTC recommends several measures. These include accelerating the adoption of the Travel to Europe app for digital EES pre-registration, launching a coordinated communication campaign in key source markets to inform travelers of new border requirements, and ensuring full operational readiness at borders. This involves adequate staffing, reliable equipment, and streamlined processes for travelers who have already submitted biometric and pre-registration data. These steps are aimed at minimizing delays and maintaining Europe's competitiveness as a travel destination.
