The European Parliament has recently adopted by a strong majority a report by Maltese MEP Daniel Attard that will help shape the foundations of Europe’s first Sustainable Tourism Strategy, the Labour Party said in a statement on Monday.
The report was approved with 439 votes in favour, 42 against and 129 abstentions, sending a clear message to the European Commission on the direction a modern European tourism policy should take, the PL said.
As the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on tourism policy, Attard spearheaded the work that resulted in a new vision for a more sustainable tourism sector, built around five key pillars: stronger connectivity, the protection and promotion of cultural identity, improved destination management, investment in workers, and greater environmental sustainability.
“This is an important moment not only for European tourism, but also for Malta and Gozo. For the first time, the European Parliament is stating clearly that tourism must be built on quality, sustainability and tangible benefits for local communities,” said Attard.
The PL said that among the most significant proposals endorsed by Parliament is a call for greater investment in connectivity, particularly for islands, peripheral regions and emerging destinations. The report recognises that reliable and affordable transport is essential for countries such as Malta to remain competitive and continue attracting investment and high value visitors.
The report also includes measures aimed at addressing the challenges created by inadequately regulated short term tourist accommodation. Parliament is calling for a new European framework that equips Member States with stronger tools to protect local communities and safeguard access to affordable housing.
Another area where Attard secured broad support is tourism employment and skills, the PL said. The report calls for the introduction of a European Tourism Skills Card to improve the recognition of workers’ qualifications and competences across Europe, while creating greater opportunities for training, upskilling and labour mobility.
Parliament also endorsed proposals to place cultural heritage at the heart of European tourism policy, while strengthening efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the sector and promote more sustainable practices.
“Europe should not compete on numbers alone. It should lead the world in quality and sustainability. This report sets that direction, and it is now up to the European Commission to build upon it through a comprehensive European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism,” Attard concluded.