It was estimated that tour operators and travel agents have up to now spent more than 388 million euros (513.9 million U.S. dollars) to provide care and assistance to their stranded customers as well as for their repatriation.
The commission said the ministers discussed about the opportunity of action at European level as well as the need to coordinate their efforts to take into consideration tourism industry in the discussion on the economic impact of the airspace shutdown.
"Apart from the crisis, I will ensure that tourism is adequately coordinated and supported at European level," Tajani said.