The European Committee for Standardisation (CEC) today launched the European Tourism Covid-19 Safety Seal; albeit after almost a year. We welcome that the idea of a European Tourism Seal developed by the Socialists & Democrats has now become a reality.

S&D vice-president responsible for tourism, Ismail Ertug, said:

“We are happy to see that our initial idea of a Covid-free Seal for tourism has now been put in place. The Safety Seal will apply to the entire tourism value chain, from hotels to rental cars, museums to restaurants. It defines standards on how to prevent the spread of Covid-19, protect the health of workers and offer safer tourism services and products to travellers and residents. Only businesses that meet all standards are allowed to carry the Seal. Member states are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Covid-19 compliant measures.

“We must now look forward while ensuring the health and safety of travellers and workers in the tourism industry. After countless lockdowns, border closures, cancelled flights and trips, the Seal may help restore some normality. Millions of jobs depend on the confidence of travellers. Many small and medium-sized enterprises are pinning their hopes on this summer, when vaccinated and recovered people can travel again without quarantine.”

The first vice-chair of the transport committee and S&D spokesperson on tourism, István Ujhelyi MEP, added:

“This protocol and Seal were an integral part of the S&D Group’s position paper on tourism. This Seal will facilitate the safe reopening of tourism in time for the summer season and highlight the EU’s reputation for quality as a tourist destination.

“This new health and safety protocol consists of requirements and recommendations for tourism businesses and attractions in various sub-sectors, such as accommodation and heritage sites to name but a few. This is an important step to get tourism ‘Back on Track’.”