EEIA DEMANDS SPECIAL FOCUS ON BUSINESS TRAVEL
The Digital Green Certificate is planned to be common, interoperable and mutually recognised within the EU, proving that a person has been vaccinated, tested or recovered from a Covid-19 infection. It will be free of charge, non-discriminatory and shall ensure minimum restrictions to travel.
Additionally, the communication on a coordinated approach for lifting restrictions once the pandemic situation and vaccination coverage allow for it encourages the European exhibition industry. The conditions for harmonised re-opening must be set now, to allow for social and economic activity to resume. The framework to be developed by ECDC will be the basis to stop fragmentation and achieve aligned action. We also appreciate the special help mentioned to the tourism and culture sectors.
“Attending trade fairs and professional events must be recognised as essential travel”
The exhibition and business events industry needs a clear perspective – the industry’s lead time is 4-6 months. Surveys show that companies, especially SMEs, miss the professional marketplaces for business, their platforms for innovation, knowledge transfer and scientific exchange. The industry is ready to re-open business events under strict and proven health and safety conditions. Prior to the pandemic, Europe hosted most of the leading international trade fairs. This is why the pandemic hit this sector particularly hard. In 2020, the exhibition industry in Europe has lost 68% of its usual revenue. Safe and smooth travel is a prerequisite for preserving the sector’s position on the global scene and avoid losing market share to other regions in the world where exhibitions can already take place without restrictions.
After one year of shutdown in the industry – with a small window of opening during last autumn – it is clear that digital solutions may work temporarily and as a complement but can never replace personal contacts that builds trust for business transactions. Empowering exhibitions and business events means empowering every industry, every sector. On top, it boosts economic activity and trade in general and generates considerable benefits for the travel and tourism sector
