Malta is now the 29th nation globally, and the 6th in Europe, to officially adopt the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), representing worldwide efforts to safeguard consumer protection and travelers’ rights.
The official signing took place on 18 September 2025, during the I Tourism Law Conference in Europe, hosted in Malta. The event was the first of its kind in Europe to focus exclusively on tourism law, with participation from policymakers, scholars, and legal professionals.
Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, emphasized the need to reinforce legal frameworks within the tourism sector. He highlighted that Malta’s adoption of the ICPT demonstrates its dedication to ensuring legal protection for tourists and its stronger alignment with UN Tourism efforts.
Alicia Gomez, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, highlighted that the ICPT offers practical tools to tackle pressing issues like overtourism and the growing influence of digital platforms. She emphasized that the Code goes beyond being a legal document—serving as a framework to safeguard communities, consumers, and the environment, while supporting tourism’s contribution to sustainable development.
The I Tourism Law Conference in Europe, organized by the University of Malta with support from the Malta Tourism Authority, centered on four key legal challenges: sustainability in tourism law, overtourism and destination management, regulation of short-term rentals, and consumer protection for travellers.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of memoranda of understanding between UN Tourism and the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA), strengthening long-term collaboration to advance sustainable and responsible tourism through legal mechanisms.
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