Tourism leaders advocate for streamlined EU Entry-Exit System.
- Pressing need for Eurostar service return to Ashford and Ebbsfleet.
- Potential £75 million impact on Kent’s economy by 2040 if unresolved.
- Calls for investment in shoreside clean power at Dover for ferry sustainability.
- Lords committee highlights risk of travel disruption due to new border systems.
Tourism leaders from Kent have intensified efforts to ensure the seamless roll-out of the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), expressing concern over its potential impact on regional connectivity. During a reception at the House of Commons, organised by Visit Kent, calls were made for the ‘urgent’ return of Eurostar services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet, two critical connectivity points left dormant since March 2020. Such disruptions, if unresolved until 2040, could potentially cost the Kent economy £75 million, threaten 30,000 jobs, and result in an estimated £16.5 million in unnecessary travel expenditures annually.
Research from Kent County Council underscores the economic significance of reinstating international rail services. Deirdre Wells, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, urged concerted efforts from both the present and future government administrations in collaboration with Eurostar to enhance the resilience of Kent’s transport infrastructure. She emphasised the importance of a world-class port, road, and rail system in maintaining and growing the Garden of England’s prosperity.
In a broader environmental context, tourism and transport authorities are advocating for regulatory and financial backing to establish substantial shoreside clean power supplies. This initiative is aimed at decarbonising the ferry routes between Dover, England, and continental Europe. Doug Bannister, CEO of The Port of Dover, acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the EES and climate change, stating, ‘With the right collaboration, we can ensure smart, seamless, and sustainable travel long into the future, supporting the Kent and national economy.’
Further, the push for digitisation in travel systems is expected to improve traffic flow in the region. John Keefe of Eurotunnel’s parent company, Getlink Group, assured that major investments in border technology would facilitate rapid and efficient transit through terminals, promising minimal delays.
The reception came against the backdrop of concern from a House of Lords committee, which warned of potential ‘major travel disruption’ if the UK government failed to swiftly implement concurrent border systems, including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) alongside the EU’s EES and ETIAS initiatives.
Effective collaboration between industry and government is essential for resolving these complex travel and economic challenges.
