Photo: Shutterstock New research from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) raises concerns that the implementation of the new European Union Entry and Exit System (EES) could harm demand for tourism in Europe if it causes prolonged delays at border crossings.
The study, which was based on a survey of more than 2,500 travelers from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, found that three- to four-hour queues at border checkpoints in Europe (the Schengen area) could cause about a third of travelers to reduce their willingness to visit Europe or even forgo the trip altogether.
This could put at risk up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourist spending from four key European source markets, according to forecasts for the rest of the year. Of those surveyed, 39% of Britons said they would be less likely to fly to the Schengen area if they had to wait three hours or more at the border. In the United States and Canada, the figure was 33%, and in Australia, it was 27%.
However, the study found that there is broad support for the new system. Some 65% of respondents expressed support for the EES after receiving an explanation of its goals, and only 6% expressed strong opposition to the use of biometrics in border control.
Among the main benefits mentioned by the participants: strengthening border security, shortening processing times in the future, and improving trust in control systems.
WTTC calls on EU member states to expand the use of digital advance registration, launch a broad awareness campaign, and ensure full operational readiness at border crossings, with the aim of reducing congestion and maintaining a positive travel experience for visitors.