Minister to push for social tourism in Malta

During the launch of the website Accessible Culture for All, Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella announced the setting up of a working group that will be focusing on recommendations on how to make the island more accessible to tourists.

In collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, the Ministry for Tourism wants to tap into initiatives which would increase accessibility in the tourism sector, especially those related to social tourism.

"Tourism should be an experience accessible to anyone, where age, physical abilities, financial income, status and social conditions shouldn't be a barrier," Vella said.

He added that the travelling experience should be facilitated through investment by both the public and private sector to increase accessibility.

"Our tourism recognises the opportunities that exist within this sector and this government is committed to work with all stakeholders to improve the concept of accessibility to everyone," Vella said.

The minister also spoke about a European Union project which the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disability and Finland and Croatia will see the development of cultures that facilitate the concept of social tourism. This project will mainly be targeting persons with disability.

Vella said the European Commission has already announced it will be financially supporting the project - Facilitating Low Season Exchanges in Europe through the Development of Social Tourism.

The minister added that on a European level, Malta will be making a recommendation to the European Council to discuss and look into the possibility of exchanges of residents between member states.