Confusion about European border policies is dimming hopes
for a resumption of inbound tourism and river cruising before fall.
While some river lines and tour operators have already
suspended operations until at least September, AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique
River Cruises and Amadeus River Cruises are among those that have been hoping to
start sailing earlier.
Those plans appeared to be scuttled Wednesday by reports
Germany would keep its border closed to Americans until the end of August,
which would impact most sailings along the Rhine and Danube, two of the most
popular rivers for cruising.
Later news reports indicated Germany had only extended
travel warnings to its citizens, not bans on inbound tourism. But the confusion
underscored just how fluid and scattered border policies are across Europe, and
how difficult it is for travel companies to plan a return to Europe.
“We are waiting, seeing,” said AmaWaterways president and
co-founder Rudi Schreiner. “Every day it is different news.”
In Portugal, for instance, it remains unclear whether
Americans will be allowed in if the United States fails to lift its ban on
inbound European tourism, which currently is in effect until June 15. Portugal’s
visas require reciprocity.
Portugal has said it will join Italy and Greece in reopening
to international tourism this summer.
Also unclear is what kind of restrictions will be imposed on
Americans returning from Europe.
Even policies for travel among European countries remain
fragmented and fluid.
While the European Commission has recommended that all countries
in the Schengen Area adopt uniform border policies in reopening to tourism, the
recommendations have not been adopted, said European Tourism Association CEO Tom
Jenkins.
“There is no doubt that the current situation is uniquely
gray and unprecedented,” he said.
Asked if he had a guess as to when the European Union would
open to Americans, Jenkins said, “You’re guess is as good as mine. … All I can
say is I’m sure in 2021 we’ll see a return.”