WTTC Warns of Potential $45.4 Billion Loss Due to EES Border Delays Impacting U.S. Travelers
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a report highlighting the potential economic impact of prolonged border delays associated with the new Entry/Exit System (EES) in Europe. The study, which surveyed over 2,500 travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, suggests that delays of three to four hours could deter up to one-third of these travelers from visiting the Schengen Area. This could result in a loss of up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending. The EES aims to modernize border controls with digital and biometric systems, but the prospect of lengthy queues is causing concern among potential visitors.