The European Commission will tell member countries of the European Union to provide state guarantees for travel vouchers during the coronavirus pandemic, if they prefer people accept the vouchers instead of cash refunds, according to a strategy document seen by Reuters.

The EU executive is due on Wednesday to present guidance and recommendations for member states on gradually lifting internal border restrictions, restarting travel and reviving the ailing tourism sector.

Germany and other EU member states have called for a suspension of EU rules that force cash-drained airlines and the hospitality industry to offer full refunds for cancelled flights and visits instead of vouchers for future travel.

The Commission will tell member states to make vouchers more attractive to encourage customers to accept them.

"To provide incentives for passengers and travelers to accept vouchers instead of reimbursement, vouchers should be protected against insolvency of the issuer and remain refundable by the end of their validity if not redeemed," the draft document said.

"Insolvency protection needs to be assured at the national level and secured vouchers need to be accessible to all passengers and travelers," it said.

The document also said vouchers should be more flexible and widely transferable to other services available.

The virus that has infected 3.9 million people worldwide overshadowed one of the most important dates on the European calendar – the anniversary of the end of World War II on the continent.

According to its statement, the 27-nation bloc extend its ban on the non-essential entry of visitors until June 15.

"The situation remains fragile both in Europe and in the world," the statement read.