Under plans to be discussed, UK and EU citizens aged 18-30 would once again have the right to stay for up to four years to study, train or work.
The news was welcomed by Abta and Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT), which have both been lobbying Brussels and Westminster.
Research from ABTA and SBiT published last year found the number of UK nationals working in tourism roles across Europe had fallen by 69% since Brexit. The decline is related to post-Brexit requirements for UK nationals to obtain visas and work permits to undertake roles such as reps or hosts. The ban led to some ski operators axing entire catered chalet programmes.
Abta and SBiT said there were also reciprocal benefits for inbound and domestic tourism businesses operating within the UK if agreement was reached.
Abta’s director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “We strongly welcome today’s announcement and urge the UK government to be ready to begin negotiations should the Commission’s…