MADRID — The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is warning that lengthy border delays tied to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put billions in visitor spending at risk and deter millions of travellers from visiting the Schengen Area.

According to new research commissioned by WTTC, as many as 41 million visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia could be at risk if travellers regularly face border waits of three hours or more when entering Schengen countries.

The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers across the four source markets, found that approximately one-third of respondents would be much less likely to visit the Schengen Area – or would choose not to visit at all – if lengthy border queues became a regular part of the travel experience.

WTTC estimates that up to US$45.4 billion in visitor spending could be at risk should significant delays become a persistent issue.

The findings come as European destinations prepare for the implementation of EES, a new digital border management system designed to strengthen security through biometric and digital traveller data collection.

“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC.

“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.”

While the report highlights the potential consequences of prolonged delays, travellers generally expressed support for the new system once they understood its purpose. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said they support EES after learning more about it, while only 6% reported being very negative toward biometric border controls.

Travellers cited stronger border security (57%), quicker processing on future trips (52%) and greater confidence in border controls (43%) as the key benefits of the system.

However, awareness remains relatively low. More than half of respondents (55%) said they had heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% said they do not know what will be required of them when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.

To help ensure a smooth rollout, WTTC is calling on European member states to accelerate adoption of the Travel to Europe app for digital pre-registration, launch coordinated communication campaigns in key source markets including Canada, and ensure border crossing points are fully prepared with adequate staffing, functioning equipment and streamlined processing procedures.

“The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect,” said Guevara.

The report also found that 87% of travellers are willing to accept some disruption during implementation if it ultimately leads to a smoother travel experience in the future.

According to WTTC, the research suggests that travellers want EES to succeed and would prefer to see implementation improved rather than abandoned altogether.