The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is calling for a coordinated approach to the introduction of Europe’s new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), saying the technology has the potential to improve both border security and the travel experience if implemented effectively.
The global tourism body is urging European authorities to ensure airports and border crossings are fully prepared ahead of the rollout by investing in staffing, reliable technology and clear communication for travellers.
WTTC is also encouraging wider use of digital pre-registration tools, including the Travel to Europe app, to help speed up border processing and reduce waiting times.
Research was taken out by the organisation and found that lengthy delays at border crossings could discourage some travellers from visiting Europe, underlining the importance of a smooth and efficient launch.
The call comes as Europe continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, with the Travel & Tourism sector contributing around $3 trillion to the European economy and supporting more than 40 million jobs.
