A group of seven frontline EU countries have called for funding from the bloc’s proposed €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to support their tourism sectors in regions affected by their proximity to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
In a letter to European Commissioners for Tourism and Cohesion, Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Raffaele Fitto, the tourism and finance ministers of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia outlined how their tourism sectors have been affected by “geopolitical developments and security concerns” linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, among other factors.
"Tourism flows have declined considerably in most of these regions," the letter states.
"Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing reduced investor confidence, increased operational uncertainty and limited access to finance at a time when seasonal revenues are crucial for their year-round viability."
The ministers also added in the letter that they stand ready to engage in a "constructive dialogue" regarding the development of the upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism.
