The alarm cry of tourism is getting louder and louder: they are needed 750 million euro non-repayable. A behavior completely crushed by the pandemic. For over a month the trade associations, together with the companies in the sector, have sounded the alarm in every way, but incisive measures have not yet been taken by the government.
The stakes are much, too high. The collapse of a sector, which produces a turnover of over 20 billion euros a year, could have a knock-on effect on the economy. First, for employment. Only in June, in the absence of targeted measures, 50 job losses are expected.
There is no other industry where they have been lost 9 months of annual turnover: tour operators, travel agencies in May, normally, have already developed 70% of the annual turnover. Due to the cancellations for 2020, however, the turnover dropped to zero.
Not to mention all the canceled events, missed spring bridges and the start of the summer season lost.
The Italian government has not yet given any response to the request for an extraordinary fund that could contribute to the survival of the sector, the driving force of the economy. The need for immediate government intervention is increasingly evident: concrete facts and actions are needed to avoid disaster.
The proposal is based on the establishment of an extraordinary fund dedicated to supporting the loss of income for all organized tourism companies, through non-repayable loans together with the extension of layoffs.
When Phase 2 starts and many productive sectors will be able to reopen their doors, their coffers will begin to fill up. While for organized tourism, the story is different. If the sector does not receive serious aid by June, it will not be able to guarantee a restart, but above all employment.
The initiative of Manifesto for Italian Tourism #ripartiamodallitalia, has so far been signed by over 35 citizens, companies and the main trade associations: ASTOI Confindustria Viaggi (represents 90% of tour operating in Italy), FTO-Confcommerio (collects the world of tourist distribution with networks and independent agencies and other segments of the sector) and important operators in the sector and organized tourism.
In addition, Confcommercio, Federturismo, Confindustria, Confesercenti, the Alliance of Italian Tourism Cooperatives, the Club of Events and Live Communication and Assoviaggi, the Italian Association of Confindustria Hotels, GIST, the Italian Tourist Press Group, also joined. Together with leading exponents of Italian entrepreneurship, sport and culture.
Unlike Italy, many governments of other European countries have already taken targeted measures to save this sector. In the worst case scenario, all sectors related to tourism would be forced to take the path of instability.
This would leave the door open to foreign operators in the Italian market. Leading to economic losses, loss of management capacity of the tourism chain, but above all the identity of Made in Italy as we know it.
