Daniel Attard to lead European Parliament negotiations on sustainable tourism
Aim to have concrete strategy that addresses common challenges - MEP
Labour MEP Daniel Attard has been appointed as the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on the vison for sustainable tourism in Europe.
The tourism policy will address structural challenges faced by various regions in the bloc.
The appointment comes at a decisive moment as the European Commission is drafting its strategy against the backdrop of growing challenges in the tourism sector, including those related to infrastructure, workforce, accommodation, and energy.
Attard said tourism should be considered within the context of all the sectors it impacts including transport, energy, sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic competitiveness.
“Tourism should be an economic force, an employment opportunity, and a driver of social mobility. The aim is to have a concrete strategy that addresses common challenges, protects cultural heritage, and offers a better future for everyone,” Attard said.
He added that he wanted to ensure that Malta and Gozo form part of a European vision that places small regions and islands at the forefront of sustainable tourism development.