Accessible tourism must move from rhetoric to reality, minister says

Malta’s tourism industry must do more to remove barriers, invest in inclusive training and create equal opportunities if it is to become a truly accessible destination, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg said at the launch of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance Mediterranean Forum.

Addressing industry leaders, policymakers and tourism stakeholders at the inaugural forum, organised by the Accessible Hospitality Alliance in partnership with VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings, Borg called on the sector to accelerate efforts to make travel and hospitality more inclusive.

The forum brought together hospitality leaders, tourism organisations and accessibility advocates from across the Mediterranean to discuss practical ways to improve physical accessibility, expand inclusive training programmes and share best practices for visitors with diverse access needs.

Borg described accessible tourism as both a social responsibility and a major economic opportunity. He noted that the accessible tourism market in Europe includes an estimated 135 million people, while more than 70% of the EU’s 80 million people with disabilities are able to travel. Across the EU, accessible tourism already generates more than €350 billion in tourism turnover.

“Accessible tourism is increasingly recognised globally as a game-changer for tourism destinations everywhere,” Borg said, adding that businesses investing in accessibility can strengthen their workforce, improve customer satisfaction and enhance their reputation.

He also stressed the need to ensure that people with disabilities are supported into meaningful employment within the tourism and hospitality sector. Borg said inclusive employment can help businesses build more diverse, innovative and creative teams while also helping to bridge skills gaps.

Among the initiatives highlighted at the forum was a collaboration between the Institute of Tourism Studies and the Malta Trust Foundation to develop a disability-inclusive training centre, including a fully operational training restaurant and cafeteria offering structured programmes in hospitality, catering and essential industry skills.

Borg said Malta has taken steps to improve accessibility through initiatives led by the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability. More information is now available to visitors on accessible attractions, beaches, accommodation, restaurants, transport and airport facilities.

He underlined that a truly inclusive tourism experience goes beyond physical infrastructure and requires awareness and training across the hospitality workforce. “We also look at accessibility in terms of mobility as a right and not a favour,” he said.

Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia said accessible hospitality must become a core standard in Malta’s tourism sector rather than an optional extra. She said that with around 10% of Malta’s population living with some form of disability, continued investment in inclusive infrastructure, services and employment initiatives would strengthen Malta’s position as an accessible destination.

Former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, delivering the keynote address, described accessibility as a strategic driver of economic growth and social inclusion. “Accessibility is not charity. Accessibility is smart economics,” she said, urging businesses to embed accessibility into physical spaces, digital platforms, recruitment and customer experience.

Shawn Pisani, Vice-President of HelmsBriscoe and Accessible Hospitality Alliance Malta Lead, said the strong turnout showed a growing willingness across industries to collaborate on an issue that can make a meaningful difference in both tourism and wider society.

 

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