As the summer season kicks off and the tourist flow to our shores increases, we can visibly note the importance of this sector to our economy. Europe remains the most visited region in the world and concerns in this field have also reached the echelons of the European Commission in recent years.

Two years ago, a Tourism Sustainability Group (TSG) established by the Commission, started working on various initiatives to ensure, as its name implies, that this economic sector remains viable. The group itself is comprised of various industry representatives and experts, including a representative from Malta. Last February, it published a report entitled Action for More Sustainable European Tourism. This identified eight challenges that need to be overcome.

A concern that seems to be also shared by the local industry is that of reducing seasonal demand and spreading it throughout the year. Such a situation would reduce the pressure on the infrastructure for a relatively short timespan while contributing to a better economic environment for the operators and stable employment in the sector. Other challenges listed include addressing the impact of tourism transport, improving the quality of tourism-related work, maintaining and ensuring the prosperity of the community in view of changing times, reducing waste and the use of resources and protecting and giving value to the natural and cultural heritage.

The report also lists as a challenge the idea of making it possible for everyone to have holidays. It states that around 40 per cent of European citizens do not take holidays, mostly due to deprivation or disability. Working towards more equality could indirectly contribute to the tourism industry. At a time when developing countries are also in focus, it also indicates that tourism may be used as a tool in global sustainable development, particularly as outbound tourists spend significant amounts in countries that depend on few sources of foreign income.

Various actions need to be taken to overcome the challenges ahead. The report does not shy away from indicating some ideas and indicative levels that should be reached.

All stakeholders, including European Union member states, local authorities and destination management authorities, the industry and other entities, have an important role to play. Thus, there are proposals to establish structures that would facilitate collaboration between the various partners involved. The ultimate aim in this regard, according to the TSG report, is to create sustainable destinations and business, while cultivating responsible tourists.

The European Commission is planning to present proposals that show the way to make tourism both sustainable and competitive. The target timeframe is for this coming September and, of course, discussion would then be expected to ensue in the European institutions. Prior to this, all stakeholders are being given the opportunity to take part in an online public consultation.

Ideas and comments, both on the report and on any new initiatives that may be taken at EU-level, are being accepted until 14 June. More information may be found on http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/services/tourism/sustainability_public_consultation.htm or by by contacting Forum Malta fl-Ewropa on [email protected]

Julian Micallef is Consultation Coordinator at Forum Malta

fl-Ewropa