国际英语新闻：EU says volcanic ash costs tourism industry 1 billion euros

Tajani said while the effects were still unclear on hotels and other accommodation services due to the combined effect of non- arrivals and tourists waiting to leave, tour operators and travel agents suffered considerably as a result of the situation.

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.