In a Communication released this month titled “A common path to safe and sustained re-opening”, the Commission called on Member States to adopt a coordinated approach to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions when the situation allows it.

The communication includes a series of recommendations to achieve that goal. These include: the deployment of the proposed Digital Green Certificate; a framework developed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to help Member States take decisions on implementing restrictions; guidance on testing strategies; investment in treatments; measures to help tourism and culture sectors; and strengthening global resilience through the EU Vaccine Sharing Mechanism.

EU Tourism Health Seal

As an element of this strategy, the Commission will develop a so-called EU Tourism Health Seal. Businesses will be able to display this to prove that they are complying with health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The aim is to build consumer confidence for the restart of tourism in time for the summer season. The basis for the EU Tourism Health Seal is being developed by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) through a PAS (Publicly Available Specification) on “Tourism and related services — Measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the tourism industry”.

The resulting ISO deliverable will then be taken up by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) for implementation as the EU Tourism Health Seal by the Commission. The ISO PAS includes activities grouped as “Yacht harbours and nautical activities”, which includes marinas, rental of boats, boat schools, training centres and complementary activities. EBI has been invited to participate in the ISO committee as expert, representing the interests of marinas, charter companies and other businesses from the boating industry. EBI will also be involved in the CEN work on the EU Tourism Health Seal.