Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing 10% of GDP and the same percentage of the total workforce of the EU, the health of the tourism industry has major repercussions for the whole economy. As Europe slowly emerges from lockdown, nations are gradually opening their borders, their restaurants and their beaches, fully aware that without tourists, a wider economic recovery is in jeopardy.
Tourism
Holidays in the coronavirus-era
Spain foreign tourist arrivals fell 75% in July
Foreign tourist arrivals in Spain plummeted by 75% year-on-year in July despite the reopening of borders in the world's second-most popular tourist destination, official figures show
Europeans warned not to forget virus as temperatures soar
Sun-seekers flocked to beaches as parts of western Europe baked in a heatwave, but authorities urged people to avoid crowded areas and wear masks over concerns at rising numbers of coronavirus cases
Jobless and desperate: the post-lockdown reality for many
Many workers' lives have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic, as job losses in tourism, air travel, food and drink or other industries hit those both on fixed contracts and in the informal sector
Motorhomes come of age as Europe relaxes lockdowns
With social distancing the new norm across Europe there has been a shift in thinking about holidays, with one survey showing 83% of Spaniards planned to use their own car over public transport
Coronavirus praise as Greek PM completes first year in office
Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been praised for his government's response to COVID-19 but tackling the economic impact of the lockdown will be the true test of his leadership, analysts say
Bathing water quality in Europe
This graphic shows the quality of Europe’s coastal and inland waters.