Visa Boost for European Cruise Industry

Brussels - CLIA Europe, the association representing Europe’s multi-billion euro cruise industry, warmly welcomes the proposal for a revision of the Visa Code announced today by the European Commission. The proposed revision aims at shortening and simplifying the procedures for those wanting to come to the EU for short stays, with the objective of boosting economic activity and job creation, especially in the European tourism sector, whilst maintaining the current high level of security. A recent study from the Commission shows that a smarter visa policy could lead to a significant increase in trips from emerging countries such as China, India and Russia, which are important potential source markets for the European cruise industry. This could mean a significant boost for our industry, which already generates 327,000 jobs and €37.9 billion of economic benefits annually in Europe.

CLIA Europe welcomes in particular the shortening of the deadline for the examination of applications, the possibility of lodging a visa application up to six month in advance, and the establishment of a clearer set of procedural rules, including a simpler and exhaustive list of supporting documents. The suggested temporary issuing of short-term visas at external borders could also greatly favour the cruise industry, which is ready to support the Commission in their aim to clearly define categories of beneficiaries and the geographical scope. The cruise industry will closely follow the developments regarding multiple entry visa, consular cooperation and the concept of ‘mandatory representation’, which have potential positive implications for both tourists and seafarers.