• by Ray Schultz , September 25, 2020

European travel marketers have been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis, according to European Cities Marketing (ECM), an association of travel marketers.  

Of the 67 Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMOs) polled, 75% had their 2020 budgets cut, and almost a third have been cut by more than 50%. 

That means fewer ads and emails to customers who have given their consent. 

The association is calling on European politicians to remedy the situation with funds. 

Failure to act means DMOs “won’t be able to deliver on their crucial role of coordinating, facilitating and executing on the reboot of Europe’s travel and tourism sector,” states ECM President Petra Stusek.

On a positive note, 89% of DMOs believe the crisis will lead to a more sustainable future, and most feel the situation has strengthened their political capital.