Tourism ministry pledges to address climate change focussing on travel industry

Published by
Manfredi Bertelli

The Maltese Ministry for Tourism has agreed with SUNx (Strong Universal Network) to launch a set of actions and opportunities to address the threat of climate change from the travel industry perspective, according to a press statement issued by the government’s Department of Information (DOI).

The ministry with SUNx are aiming to take the lead in a global effort aimed at converting the threat of global climate change into an opportunity. The Global Centre for Climate Friendly Travel will launch measures accordingly. Malta will aim to deliver a number of initiatives designed to support the sector in its transformation, in collaboration with SUNx.

These initiatives and transformations include an annual review of the “Sector Climate Friendly Travel”, which will be published within the context of the United Nations General Assembly alongside the United Nation’s Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit in September and will be circulated widely amongst industry players, as the DOI press statement says.

In addition, an annual Malta Think Tank and a Climate Friendly travel summit are planned, as well as a public/private collaboration to engage graduate trainees to help deliver transformation in the front line, entitled Plan for Our Kids to put 100,000 STRONG Climate Champions across all United Nations states by 2030

“There is a growing international consensus for a strong shift from talk to action. This is amply evidenced by the political action of the European Union in raising the stakes these past few weeks by announcing the allocation of 1 in every 4 euro of the next budget to climate resilience,” said Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi. “This initiative will put Malta at the forefront of this change in creating more climate-friendly travel. We will become the home of SUNx — the Strong Universal Network — a global centre for Climate Friendly Travel following the targets of the Paris Agreement set in 2015.”

SUNx Co-founder Professor Geoffrey Lipman noted that “The reality is that we have a Climate Crisis and that the scientists, the governments, and the next generation are demanding an increased ambition. Travel and Tourism is a pivotal part of human activity and has to be at the leading edge of change.”

“Our collaboration with the government of Malta will provide a new impetus through Climate Friendly Travel, Measured, Green, and 2050-proof: a pathway to the New Climate Economy and 100,000 STRONG Climate Champions by 2030 to help the transformation. This is carrying on the vision of Maurice Strong, the father of Sustainable Development, who believed that Travel and Tourism could be a catalyst for positive change,” Mr Lipman added.

Manfredi Bertelli

Manfredi used to be a junior journalist working with Business Malta, the predecessor of Malta Business Weekly's online platform. He enjoys putting his creativity into his writing and is committed to learning new styles to strengthen his skills and embellish his flair.

Recent Posts

Cruise passenger traffic hits record 176,812 in Q4 2024, driven by increased cruise calls and US visitors

Cruise passenger traffic during Q4 2024 totaled 176,812, marking a 4.6% increase over the same…

44 seconds ago

Trump returns to power after unprecedented comeback, emboldened to reshape American institutions

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president Monday, returning to power with a…

22 mins ago

MBB EU-project to support manufacturers improve energy management and sustainability

The Malta Business Bureau, together with its partners from eight other EU member states, has…

7 hours ago

APS Bank and Malta Development Bank renew partnership for SME financing

APS Bank and the Malta Development Bank (MDB) have extended their collaboration on two flagship…

8 hours ago

Frasers Group acquires 41.G8% shareholding in Malta-based Hudson Holdings Ltd

Hudson Holdings Limited (HHL), Malta’s leading retail company are pleased to announce that Frasers Group…

8 hours ago

GO is main partner of Big Brother Malta

Exclusive channel launched on GO Plus to offer Live 24/7 coverage As the main partner…

8 hours ago