Malta has become the 29th country globally and the sixth in Europe to adhere to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). This significant milestone reinforces global efforts to safeguard travellers’ rights and elevate consumer protection standards.
The signing ceremony took place during the inaugural First Tourism Law Conference in Europe, hosted in Malta, underscoring the nation’s dedication to improving legal certainty for tourists.
Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, emphasised the vital, yet often underappreciated, role of tourism law. He noted that Malta's adherence to the ICPT demonstrates the nation's commitment to deepening its collaboration with UN Tourism.
Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, welcomed Malta's decision, calling it a key step toward building safe and resilient destinations. She highlighted that the milestone, achieved during the first European conference dedicated to tourism law, emphasises the urgency of creating legal frameworks that address contemporary challenges such as overtourism and digital platforms. Gomez stressed that this is "not merely a legal formality. It's about protecting communities, consumers, and the environment while ensuring tourism remains a force for sustainable development."
The conference, organised by the University of Malta with support from the Malta Tourism Authority and UN Tourism, brought together policymakers, legal experts, and academics. Discussions focused on four priority areas: sustainability, overtourism, regulation of short-term rentals, and consumer protection in tourism. Delegates from Malta, Croatia, and Andorra shared insights on innovative legislative frameworks, offering practical guidance for optimising tourism-related laws.
The event also included the signing of memoranda of understanding between UN Tourism and the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA), reinforcing long-term cooperation to promote responsible tourism through effective legal mechanisms. The conference was commended for strengthening professional collaboration and advancing the dialogue on tourism law across Europe.