IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced that the industry in Europe is set to recover, but support and assistance is required to drive the recovery.

IAAPA EMEA has developed a new resource, which highlights the importance of the attractions industry across Europe and how it has long created jobs, supported tourism and driven revenue.  The resource is designed to encourage government leaders to support full recovery of the attractions, hospitality and tourism sectors.

IAAPA EMEA has partnered with European-based industry members to create a list of critical actions that are required for a swift recovery of the industry. These actions include extended employment support, financial aid to help operators deal with business costs, vaccination passport standards, harmonised travel restrictions, defining parks and location-based leisure activities as part of the tourism industry, including tourism in national recovery plans, and improving infrastructure and mobility throughout the region.

The IAAPA EMEA ‘Restarting and Returning to Growth’ guidelines also reinforce the industry’s commitment to prioritising the safety of employees and guests.

Jakob Wahl, executive director and vice president, IAAPA EMEA, said: “We understand all business sectors have been impacted by COVID-19.

“However, the attractions industry has been overlooked as governments address support for business sectors as they prepare to reopen. We are ready to return to business, while operating with enhanced public health measures in place. Our members encourage local ministers to visit attractions and amusement parks to see for themselves the many steps we have taken as we ready to rehire, return to business and once again, provide leisure activities for guests throughout Europe,” Wahl continued.