TUI Appeals to EU for Tourism Overhaul: Less Bureaucracy, Fairer Competition

Europe's tourism sector is in urgent need of regulatory reform, faster visa processes, and greater infrastructure investment, according to a new appeal from TUI Group. The European travel giant argues that the industry, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the EU's GDP and employs 25 million people, is being weakened by excessive bureaucracy, infrastructure deficits, and unfair competitive conditions.

TUI highlights that while traditional tour operators face stringent regulations concerning customer protection, financial security, and emergency evacuations, many global online platforms offering similar travel products operate with fewer obligations. The company advocates for a level playing field, demanding that short-term rental providers also adhere to the same regulations and tax requirements as hotels and tour operators.

Streamlining visa procedures is another key demand. TUI points out that lengthy waiting times, sometimes up to six weeks, for visa applications from tourists in markets like China and India put Europe at a disadvantage compared to competitors such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Thailand, which issue visas within days. Faster processing is seen as crucial for maintaining Europe's competitiveness in attracting global travelers.

Furthermore, TUI is pushing for increased investment in infrastructure that supports the green transition. This includes upgrades to seaports, energy grids, charging stations for commercial vehicles, and European waterways. The company also notes challenges with the implementation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), suggesting that current EU mandates place a greater burden on European carriers than their non-EU counterparts, compounded by limited availability at many tourist airports.