The European Tourism Manifesto alliance recently published a statement urging the European Commission and national governments to adopt supportive measures to limit the COVID-19 outbreak’s impact on the European tourism sector.

As a member organisation of the alliance, IGCAT supports the Manifesto’s call for mitigating measures which span from temporary state aids, easy access to loans, fiscal relief and protection of workers, to support actions for the wider field of culture, including arts and heritage.

The statement acknowledges tourism and travel as a sector that is being exceptionally hit by the general downturn of the global economy due to the spread of the virus. Particular concerns are raised for the precarious situation of small and medium enterprises that form the basis of the European tourism system and risk closing their business.

Therefore, the European Tourism Manifesto advocates for the tourism sector to be a priority in European and national policies addressing the current crisis and its aftermath, with the aim to increase the resilience of the sector in the long run.

Read the European Tourism Manifesto statement here.

About the European Tourism Manifesto

We are an alliance of more than 50 European public and private organisations, covering the whole tourism value chain and beyond. Together we call on the European Union for action on key policy priorities for the sector.

About IGCAT

IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.

IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.

IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.