New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border 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.
The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers
from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, found that if
travellers face regular border waits of three to four hours when entering the
Schengen Area, around one-third would become much less likely to travel to
Schengen or would choose not to visit at all.
Applying these findings to 2026 visitor forecasts suggests
that up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending could be at risk
should significant delays become a persistent feature of the traveller
experience.
The 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. This
underscores 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.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “The
introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising 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.
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.
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.”
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.
However, 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.
To support a successful rollout, WTTC is calling for three
priority actions:
The research demonstrates that travellers want EES to
succeed. Most respondents favour adopting and improving implementation if
disruption occurs, rather than abandoning the system altogether.
The findings suggest that with the right combination of technology, communication and operational preparedness, Europe can realise the benefits of modern digital borders while maintaining a positive visitor experience. -TradeArabia News Service
