Sector voicing alarming worries about potential hike in ETIAS fees within travel and tourism industry
The European travel and tourism sector is facing a significant challenge with the proposed increase in the ETIAS travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20 by the European Commission. The nearly threefold rise is seen as disproportionate and unfair, especially amid ongoing economic pressures such as high inflation, geopolitical instability, and rising operational costs in the sector.
The associations, including key players in the travel and tourism industry, argue that while the fee per traveller may seem modest, the cumulative impact on families and frequent travellers is significant, particularly when combined with other rising travel-related costs like overnight taxes.
The groups are concerned about the impact of the proposed fee increase on the competitiveness of the European travel and tourism sector. They believe that the proposed ETIAS fee is not proportionate and are demanding a clear and transparent impact assessment from the European Commission, including a detailed cost breakdown and confirmation of whether alternative pricing models were considered.
The associations accuse the Commission of reneging on the spirit of the initial 2018 agreement, which proposed a "modest and reasonable fee" for ETIAS. They criticize the lack of transparency and insufficient justification for the proposed fee hike, stating that the Commission has not provided a thorough impact assessment or detailed cost breakdown to demonstrate why such a high increase is needed.
The lobby wants legislators to reject the proposed €20 ETIAS fee and request a more evidence-based fee instead. They stress the need for secure, smart, and efficient borders but argue that the sector's financial and administrative burdens on visitors could threaten Europe’s position as a global travel destination.
The travel and tourism bodies are urging that any surplus ETIAS revenue be ringfenced to support tourism infrastructure, staff training, and sustainable development. They believe that the sector delivers valuable export revenue to the EU and should not be threatened by financial and administrative burdens on visitors.
In summary, the European travel and tourism industry is urging the European Commission to reconsider the ETIAS fee hike to avoid deterring travellers, harming Europe’s competitiveness as a destination, and placing unnecessary financial burdens on travellers and families. The associations are calling on Europe's legislators to review the proposed fee with evidence-based considerations and potentially revise the pricing to a fairer level.
- The concerns of travel and tourism associations are rooted in the belief that the proposed increase in the ETIAS travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20 by the European Commission is disproportionate and unfair, especially amid ongoing economic pressures.
- The cumulative impact on families and frequent travellers of the proposed ETIAS fee hike is significant, considering the additional travel-related costs like overnight taxes.
- The travel and tourism bodies are advocating for a more evidence-based fee for ETIAS, urging legislators to reject the proposed €20 fee and instead ringfence any surplus ETIAS revenue to support tourism infrastructure, staff training, and sustainable development.
- The associations accuse the European Commission of reneging on the spirit of the initial 2018 agreement, which proposed a "modest and reasonable fee" for ETIAS, and criticize the lack of transparency and insufficient justification for the proposed fee hike.
