Will Easing Lockdown Extenuate Anarchy in the European Tourism Industry?

With plans to re-spin the halted economic wheel and save the sinking tourism industry, most European countries are bracing themselves to reduce restrictions on the ongoing lockdown. Experts in Spain, Italy, Germany and France are concerned about a second-wave of the virus after the restrictions are removed. As per the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control — Dr. Andrea Ammon, a second wave of infection is quite possible, “the question is when and how big, that is the question in my view”.

Airlines are taking all sanitisation measures and prepping to restart operations as soon as possible. A detailed guideline of hygiene measures to be followed by airports has been published by the German Airport Association too. The guidelines focus on reducing risk for passengers as well as the cabin crew. However, the ultimate aim is “the gradual normalisation of air travel”. Considering the welfare of the European tourism industry and the hospitality sector, restaurants in Berlin are now permitted to welcome guests from 6 am to 10 pm.

France has also eased the lockdown restrictions, allowing shops and markets to open. In the green zone areas, parks, gardens and small museums have also been granted permission. As per data analysis revealed by French Health Minister — Oliver Veran, there has been no indication yet that easing the lockdown has boosted the coronavirus outbreak. Although clear analysis can be made only after at least 14 days of opening the lockdown, this news by Veran is somewhat relaxing.

As the third most visited country in the world, Spain is a major contributor of revenues for the European tourism industry. Despite the innumerable hurdles, the Transport Minister of Spain — Jose Luis Abalos has announced the country’s plan to welcome back tourism in late July. As for those British tourists, who are planning to spend summers in Spain, experts are expecting more rush in the hotels of Mallorca and Ibiza than the streets of Barcelona.

To prepare for the post Covid-19 world and kick start the European tourism industry, the European Tourism Manifesto alliance is requesting the national governments to consider the guidelines by the EU. The package proposed by the alliance is an initial step to recover the travel sector from this virus.

Although struggling to stay on the brim, the European tourism industry might make a comeback soon. Despite the hike in airlines costs and other transportation facilities, reports reveal that 60 percent people claim that their 2020 travel budgets will not budge much post the pandemic. This is a clear reflection of the fact that people are eagerly waiting for summer tourism to begin in Europe.

It remains to be seen if opening the economy in the middle of an escalating pandemic is a wise decision in the long run or not.