Website encourages safe EU tourism

Thierry Breton, Commissioner said: “EU internal borders are reopening. The Re-open EU website will provide travellers with easy access to information to help them confidently make their travel plans and stay safe during their trip. It will also help small restaurant and hotel owners, as well as towns across Europe, draw inspiration from innovative solutions developed by others.”

The Re-open EU platform is part of the European Commission’s tourism package of to rebuild confidence among travellers in the EU and help European tourism resume safely, in line the necessary health precautions.

The new platform also comes with a mobile friendly version (a web-based app).

It acts as a key point of reference for anyone travelling in or to the EU as it centralises up-to-date information from the European Commission and EU countries in one place.

It allows people to browse country-specific information, updates, and advice for each EU country through an interactive map. It is easily accessible via app or website, and available in the 24 official EU languages.

The platform includes information on patronage voucher schemes that allow consumers to show support for their favourite hotels or restaurants by buying vouchers for a future stay or meal once they reopen, to help the European hospitality industry as restrictions are lifted and borders reopen. Patronage vouchers help businesses to overcome cash-flow bottlenecks, with services provided later. The amount paid by the customer goes directly to the service provider. By setting up the dedicated page, the European Commission intends to help better link participating businesses and interested customers, especially when travelling abroad.

The countries listed are:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden