Malta has concluding the three-day UN Tourism events programme with a high-level conference titled “Driving tourism towards the future we want: a Dialogue on policies to balance growth, people and planet”.
The conference was jointly organised by UN Tourism, the Government of Malta and t-Forum Malta, bringing together ministers, tourism officials, academics and tourism industry leaders for discussions on the future of global tourism.
The programme featured a high-level ministerial panel alongside an interactive multidisciplinary session involving representatives from academia, aviation, hospitality, travel intermediaries and local communities.
The conference was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Dr Ian Borg together with UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais.
Addressing delegates, Dr Borg stressed the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing within the tourism sector.
“Tourism continues to evolve rapidly and the challenges we face require countries, businesses and institutions to work more closely together than ever before,” said Dr Borg.
“UN Tourism provides an essential platform for dialogue, cooperation and collective action. We must continue bridging tourism theory and practice by thinking globally while acting locally.”
"Tourism Requires Collaboration," Said Mr Carlo Micallef
The conference also featured renowned tourism academic Professor Jafar Jafari, founder of t-Forum, who presented copies of the first issue of t-Forum Malta’s Hospitality and Tourism Intelligence Digest ‘The Bridge’ to delegates attending the conference.
Professor Jafari previously donated his personal academic library to the Malta Tourism Observatory.
Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Charles Mangion highlighted the value of research and knowledge within the tourism sector.
“Tourism must continue evolving in a way which balances economic growth with social wellbeing and environmental responsibility,” said Dr Mangion.
“Conferences such as these allow destinations to exchange ideas, learn from each other and collectively shape better tourism policies for future generations.”
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Mr Carlo Micallef described the conference as another important step in positioning Malta as a destination actively contributing towards international tourism thought leadership.
“Malta is proud to host meaningful discussions which focus not only on tourism growth, but also on sustainability, resident wellbeing and long-term resilience,” said Micallef.
“The dialogue held over these past days demonstrates the importance of collaboration between governments, academia and industry stakeholders in shaping the future of tourism.”
Malta Expands International Diplomatic Tourism Relations
During the three-day programme, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ian Borg, Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar, Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Charles Mangion, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef and Malta Focal Point to UN Tourism Leslie Vella also held bilateral meetings with UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais and various international delegates attending the events, notably, bilateral meetings with Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Montenegro and Israel.
The Secretary-General also held several bilateral meetings during her stay in Malta, including a courtesy visit to H.E. the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono.
Malta is represented within UN Tourism through its Focal Point Leslie Vella, who also serves as an elected member of the Organisation’s Tourism and Competitiveness Committee.
Malta’s ongoing collaboration with UN Tourism spans a wide range of activities, including participation in the General Assembly, the Commission for Europe and the Committee for Tourism and Competitiveness, as well as hosting international conferences and initiatives related to tourism sustainability and tourism law.
International Delegates with whom Bilateral Meetings were held:
- UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais
Ukraine:
- Ms. Natalya Tabaka: Chairperson of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine
- H.E. Ms. Yuliia Sokolovska: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Spain, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to UN Tourism
- Ms. Anastasiya Hryhlevych: Head of the International Cooperation and Protocol Sector of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine
- Ms. Valentyna Vilchynska: Head of the Tourism and Resorts Sector of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
Uzbekistan:
- Mr Abdulaziz Akkulov: Chairperson of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee
- Mr Kudratilla Lutfullaev: Executive Assistant to the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Mr Ahror Validjanov: Director of the Silk Road Office at the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Montenegro:
- Ms Simonida Kordié: Minister of Tourism
- Mr Andrej Orlandié: Acting Director General for Normative Policy and International Cooperation
- Ms Dina Pepié: Associate at the Directorate for International Cooperation
- Ms Sara Niköevié: Associate at the Directorate for EU Integration, International Funds and Digitalisation
Israel:
- H.E. Haim Katz: Israel Minister of Tourism