Member of the European Parliament Josianne Cutajar has called for a European platform for jobs in tourism that matches employers with employees.
This can ensure high-quality employment, the MEP said.
"The pandemic has pushed many workers in tourism to other sectors," Cutajar added. "This is a matter of serious concern," she said.
The European Commission should act quickly to find a solution, the MEP noted. It should ensure that micro enterprises that are less politically connected and digitally included are still reached, Cutajar said.
"Across Europe, the tourism sector has meant that a lot of talent has been lost," she said.
"Now more than ever is the time to defend our businesses and SMEs, and extend funding schemes," Cutajar added.
The tourism sector was hard-hit because of the pandemic. Eurostat figures show Malta's tourism industry suffered the hardest blow during the pandemic when compared to the previous year. Malta's tourism industry decreased by 80%.
Overall, European tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic crashed by a staggering 61%, according to 2019 statistics. Apart from Malta, other high decreases were observed in Spain, where tourism dropped by 78% and Greece where tourism dropped by 74%. In Portugal, tourism shrank by 70% while Hungary's was down by 66%.
Despite the decrease in travel because of Covid-19, Cutajar said the summer has seen several positive signs for the tourism sector.
"Air travel has actually increased, and EU Digital Certificates have undoubtedly played a role in this," she noted.
"Businesses have adapted, and even continued to make important investments, also in compliance with established hygiene protocols. EU and national government financial support measures have helped small and medium-sized enterprises stay in the winter and plan for summer," she said.
"However, we do not want to get the wrong impression despite these positive signs. Several problems remain (and the sector won't recover instantly). Even in a scenario where there is no return to travel restrictions, European tourism will still need continued support," Cutajar added.
This article forms part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. These articles reflect only the authors' views.The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information these articles contain.
