In its Quarterly Report 3/2020 released yesterday, the European Travel Commission (ETC) warned of the unlikelihood of a quick recovery of European tourism because of a second wave of COVID-19 infections and resultant lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Hardest-hit destinations include Cyprus, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey, Portugal, Serbia, Iceland and Malta, all of which have seen 70%+ declines in arrivals.

ETC Executive Director Eduardo Santander said:

“As the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic grips Europe and in advance of the winter season, it is now more important than ever that European nations join forces to agree on common solutions, not only to curb the spread of the virus but also to support tourism’s sustainable recovery, restore travellers’ confidence, and most importantly protect the millions of businesses, jobs, and enterprises that are at risk, so they can survive the economic fallout."

ETC forecasts that domestic travel in Europe will surpass 2019 levels by 2022, but that overall travel volumes won't return to pre-pandemic levels before 2024.