Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
23 November 2023
It is a great pleasure to be once again here with you at this year’s edition of the Mediterranean Tourism Gala Awards. From the outset I want to take this opportunity to commend the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation for organising this event – whose vision is set on dialogue and mutually beneficial exchange. This is something the Mediterranean region lacks and needs more of.
As a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, devoid of natural resources except for the enterprising people that populate it, Malta has consistently promoted tolerance and cooperation in the Mediterranean, advancing an agenda of dialogue and people to people exchanges.
Beyond our Mediterranean vocation, I should also note that Tourism is a major contributor to the Maltese economy, rendering directly or indirectly approximately 30% of the country’s GDP and employing a significant number of people on the island.
In this regard, I am very pleased that such a prestigious and relevant event is being held here in Malta.
From a regional perspective, tourism in the Mediterranean remains to this day a powerful driver that has the ability to help us overcome the various challenges that we are facing in the region.
Dear friends,
The Mediterranean is one of the busiest seas in the world and continues to be an important arena that has a very strong bearing on international affairs and is in turn influenced by what is happening all around us.
Our region has, throughout history, been a place of vulnerability and insecurity. Situated geographically on the route of all big powers, its history is replete with invasions, attacks and wars.
Regrettably, it is to be noted that a great number of the world’s crises and insecurities have had their origin in this basin, with violent conflict, the spread of terrorism, illegal arms and drugs shipments and flow of refugees, to name a few.
Despite the presence of these threats in our region, I continue to firmly believe in the need to change the narrative on the Mediterranean.
In my view, the repeated association with instability and insecurity continues to take the spotlight away from all the positive things and attributes that enrich our region. Things that properly used, have the potential to bring us closer together.
Indeed, the Mediterranean is the cradle of philosophy, art, and scientific discovery with a rich history of cultural heritage, and vibrant people to people exchanges.
This is why to this day, the Mediterranean region remains a central tourist destination globally – not only because of its pleasant climate, but also for providing access to historical venues, and to cultural riches beyond expectations.
In this regard, I strongly welcome the theme of this year’s forum that focuses on Mediterranean Life.
The Forum is taking the perspective that the underlying reason behind our gathering today is ultimately the celebration of life itself. Tourism activity revolves around the genuine experience and enjoyment of the natural environment of any destination, including natural landmarks such as the sea, sun, forests, mountains, desert as well as the various traditions, food, folklore and culture in general.
All of these elements tell a story of our lives.
Tourism continues to play a principal role in the economic development of the region, providing employment opportunities and therefore sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people from across the region.
In this light, the potential for tourism to be a force that can push human development as well as social and economic progress in the Mediterranean, remains substantial.
At the same time however, there are also adverse effects of Tourism that unless managed in a cooperative manner, could easily undermine the gains and benefits that Tourism can help us yield to our economies.
Whether Tourism in the Mediterranean translates into opportunity or disaster depends entirely on how we manage it. That is why efforts must be all concentrated at ensuring that as it continues to grow, Tourism in our region develops in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, for the benefit of all the people in the host countries.
Against this backdrop, I commend and share the vision of the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation as an organisation that aims to increase the potential for sustainable tourism growth across our region.
The vision of the Foundation is inspired by the shared will of both public and private tourism stakeholders to revitalise efforts to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, cooperation and prosperity.
I strongly believe in and support the prospects of doubling down on efforts to promote dialogue and nourish potential synergies through political and commercial initiatives that include stakeholders with an interest in Mediterranean tourism.
Without prolonging any further, I would like to congratulate all the winners of tonight’s awards. I finally conclude by thanking once again the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation for recognizing all those who contributed to sustainable and resilient tourism in the Mediterranean.
Thank you!