WTTC warns that EES delays could be costly

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is warning that prolonged delays linked to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe’s most important source markets.

In a survey of over 2,500 travellers from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, the WTTC found that those travellers would be much less likely to travel to the Schengen area or would choose not to visit at all if they faced regular border waits of three to four hours at entry.

The WTTC’s findings highlight a critical challenge for European destinations as they introduce EES. While travellers broadly support stronger, more modern border controls, their willingness to visit Europe declines sharply when faced with the prospect of lengthy and unpredictable queues; underscoring how ineffective queue management at border crossing points can have a direct negative impact on the overall traveller experience.

Among respondents, 39% of UK travellers said they would be much less likely to travel with a three hour or greater delay scenario, followed by 33% of travellers from both the United States and Canada, and 27% from Australia.

Commenting on the findings, Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernizing Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.”

Guevara continued: “As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.  “

However, Guevara added: “The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect.”

And while the scenario analysis highlights the potential consequences of disruption, the research also found strong underlying support for EES. Sixty-five per cent of respondents support the system after learning about it, and only 6% are very negative towards the use of biometric border controls.

Travellers identified stronger border security (57%), quicker processing on future trips (52%) and greater confidence in border controls (43%) as the system’s most important benefits.

On the other hand, awareness remains low. More than half of travellers (55%) have heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% do not know what will be required of them when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.

As a result, the WTTC is calling for three priority actions:

• Member States should accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe app for digital pre-registration.
• A coordinated communication campaign is needed across key source markets particularly the UK, US, Australia and Canada. Clear step by step guidance should be provided to airlines, airports, travel agents, tour operators and destination partners so that travellers understand exactly what is required before they travel.
• Member States must ensure operational readiness across all border crossing points. This includes fully functioning equipment, sufficient staffing levels and measures to streamline processing wherever possible, including for travellers who have already provided biometric data through visa procedures.

To access the WTTC’s full report, go to https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/eu-entry-exit-system-ees-consumer-research—summary .