WTTC warns EU border delays could jeopardise $45bn in tourism spending

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued a warning that extended border delays caused by Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could threaten up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism revenue from four major source markets: the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Research based on a survey of over 2,500 travelers revealed that if delays of three to four hours become common when entering the Schengen Area, around one-third of travelers would reconsider or cancel trips altogether. Applying these findings to 2026 projections, WTTC estimates significant financial and visitor losses if delays persist. While travelers broadly support modernized border controls, the study highlights that lengthy and unpredictable queues directly harm the travel experience. Specifically, 39% of UK travelers, 33% from the US and Canada, and 27% from Australia said they would be much less likely to travel if delays exceeded three hours. WTTC’s President & CEO, Gloria Guevara, emphasized that EES is a necessary step for security but stressed the need for collaboration to ensure a smooth rollout. She noted that digital pre-registration tools, improved communication, and operational readiness at border points could mitigate disruptions. Despite concerns, 65% of respondents support EES after learning about it, with key benefits including stronger security (57%), faster future processing (52%), and greater confidence in border controls (43%). However, awareness remains low, with 55% of travelers having little to no knowledge of EES and 49% unsure of entry/exit requirements. To address these challenges, WTTC recommends three priority actions: accelerating adoption of the Travel to Europe app, launching a coordinated communication campaign across key markets, and ensuring operational readiness at all border crossing points, including adequate staffing and streamlined processing for travelers with pre-existing biometric data.