WTTC Warns of Potential Impact on U.S. Travelers Due to European Border Delays
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a report highlighting the potential impact of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) on international travel. The report, based on a survey of over 2,500 travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, warns that prolonged border delays could deter up to one-third of these travelers from visiting the Schengen Area. The EES, designed to modernize and secure European borders, could lead to delays of three to four hours, putting at risk up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending. The survey found that 33% of U.S. travelers would be less likely to visit Europe if faced with such delays. Despite the potential for disruption, there is strong support for the EES, with 65% of respondents favoring the system after learning about it. The WTTC emphasizes the need for digital pre-registration tools, improved traveler communication, and operational readiness at border points to mitigate these issues. 
