Malta proposes safe corridors between countries that successfully managed Covid-19 crisis

Malta has put forward a number of proposals to revive the tourism industry, including the designation of safe corridors between countries which have managed the Covid-19 crisis well.

Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli put forward six proposals during a meeting of EU tourism ministers on Monday.

Farrugia Portelli emphasised that despite the fact we have not turned around the Covid-19 crisis, it is imperative the EU launch robust and ambitious plans to revive the tourism industry as soon as possible.

She highlighted the measures Malta has undertaken to manage this crisis and to mitigate the impact on the tourism sector. She further explained that Malta depends heavily on international tourism to the tune of 25% to 30% of its GDP.

Minister Farrugia Portelli put forward six proposals concerning EU-wide actions:

The first was that a strong commitment is needed regarding the re-opening of the tourism sector. “There are risks which need to be managed. However, new protocols are needed to manage these risks effectively particularly concerning flights, accommodation, and entertainment.”

The second, is that safe corridors should be designated between territories and regions which, like Malta, received praise for its successful management of the problem .

The third is that EU assistance should not be limited to financial instruments that would burden operators with additional debt, but must also include the possibility of grants. “Tourism can be the enabler of a wider recovery of our economies. It will pay to invest in it.

The fourth proposal was that the recovery strategy must also take into consideration geographic disparities and differences. “For island member states such as Malta, the aviation sector is more than just an integral part of the tourism sector. It is the main bridge to the outside world and is vital for our connectivity. Airlines should be supported as they would be re-starting the economy.”

The fifth was that the EU needs to take a definite stand on the package travel directive and air passenger regulation. While acknowledging that consumer rights must remain protected at all times, there needs to be a proper balance regarding the voucher proposal to protect the travel sector. The EU needs to look at the unlevel playing field that has been created by individual national policies.”

The last proposal was that investment in the upskilling of the workforce and the upgrade of tourism product is needed “as this is an opportunity to start afresh by making the tourism industry more sustainable.”

Meanwhile, Malta, together with six other Member States, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Bulgaria presented a joint statement to the European Commission calling for strong financial allocation for tourism in its recovery plan that is being drafted.

The countries said it is imperative that this plan addresses national specificities, particularly island state economies like Malta, which are dependent on international tourism, and the introduction of new protocols so that tourism can be re-opened.

The statement calls for short and long-term measures to assist those tourism associated sectors in mitigating the Covid-19 effects. The statement also acknowledges that the countries situated on the EU periphery are the worst affected and underscores the importance of assisting airlines securing their connectivity.