Malta Adheres to International Tourist Protection Code, Boosting Legal Security
Malta, the legal zoom of the tourism world, has made headlines by adhering to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). This significant event took place on 18 September 2025, during the I Tourism Law Conference in Europe, hosted in Malta. The conference and the signing ceremony were attended by representatives from Malta, Croatia, and Andorra, who shared insights into their legislative initiatives.
The conference, organised by the University of Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA), focused on key legal trends and harmonized tourism legislation in Europe. Sustainability, overtourism, short-term rentals, and consumer protection were among the key topics discussed.
Dr. Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, emphasized the importance of tourism law and Malta's commitment to enhancing legal security for tourists. Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, highlighted the landmark nature of Malta's adherence to the ICPT. The signing of the memorandum of understanding between UN Tourism and IFTTA was a major milestone, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism using legal tools.
The I Tourism Law Conference in Europe concluded with a shared commitment to harmonizing legal frameworks that support sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices across the tourism sector. Participants praised the hospitality and support of the Malta Tourism Authority and the University of Malta for strengthening professional networking and advancing dialogue on tourism law in Europe.
