Tourexpi
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.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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