Malta joins International Code for Protection of Tourists and hosts landmark tourism law conference

International

Country becomes 29th globally and 6th in Europe to adopt UN Tourism’s international framework for tourist protection

Malta has formally adhered to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), becoming the 29th country worldwide and the 6th in Europe to do so. The signing took place on 18 September during the first-ever European Tourism Law Conference, hosted in Malta, marking a significant step towards strengthening international legal standards for travellers’ rights and consumer protection.

Commitment to travellers’ rights

In his address to participants, Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, underlined the importance of tourism law as a critical yet often overlooked area. He stressed that Malta’s adherence to the ICPT reflects both the country’s commitment to enhancing legal security for tourists and its growing role in UN Tourism initiatives.

Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, highlighted the landmark nature of the event: “Challenges like overtourism or digital platforms require swift regulatory responses. This is not just legal technicality, it’s about protecting communities, consumers, and the environment, while ensuring tourism remains a driver of sustainable development.”

The first European Tourism Law Conference

Organised by the University of Malta with support from the Malta Tourism Authority and UN Tourism, the conference brought together policymakers, academics, and legal experts to examine pressing legal challenges in tourism. Discussions centred on four urgent pillars: sustainability, overtourism, regulation of short-term rentals, and consumer protection.

Delegates from Malta, Croatia, and Andorra presented national legislative initiatives as models for harmonised frameworks, while UN Tourism provided a global overview of its work in tourism law. A key milestone was the signing of memoranda of understanding between UN Tourism and the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA), reinforcing long-term cooperation in using legal tools to advance sustainable and responsible tourism.

About the ICPT

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists establishes minimum international standards for safeguarding tourists, particularly in emergency situations, and for upholding consumer rights. Adopted by UN Tourism’s General Assembly (Resolution 732, XXIV), the ICPT provides practical guidance for governments, businesses, and travellers alike, aiming to restore consumer confidence, strengthen contractual relationships, and embed safety and sustainability across the tourism value chain.