1. Smart Tourism: Innovation, partnerships & sustainability
Emma La Ferla
Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU

2. Tourism: Maritime Perspective
Tourism is a significant sector of Malta’s economy – about 27% of our GDP
Dependent on the sea
Malta supports the Integrated Maritime Policy
Maritime sector set as a priority area for the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU

3. 2012 EU Blue Growth Strategy
Coastal Tourism identified as one of the five key sectors with high growth and jobs potential

4. 1. Nautical Tourism Huge potential of the sector
Important sub-sector of tourism
Over one third of the maritime economy
Need to develop innovative strategies

5. Challenges of Nautical Tourism
Lack of innovation and diversification
International competition
Volatility of demand and seasonality
Mismatch of skills
Growing environmental pressures
Skippers Licence
Promote mobility of workers within the nautical tourism sector

6. 2. Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy Initiative for the Western Mediterranean
Improve maritime governance in the region
Fostering growth and jobs
Improving safety and security
Sustainable approach
Tourism features prominently for a smart & resilient Blue Economy

7. 3. International Ocean Governance
What can we do to protect our oceans?
Council Conclusions on International Ocean Governance
Addressing marine ecosystems, impacts of climate change, marine litter amongst others
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Sustainable Development Goal 14

8. 4. Cruise Tourism
Recent trends indicate a fast-growing cruise industry
Ports also need to adapt at a fast rate
World-first mass evacuation drill exercise on board a cruise ship
MALTEX-EVAC 2017

9. Declaration of the European Ministers Responsible for IMP on Blue Growth
Acknowledges the importance of all relevant sectors of the blue economy
Effective and efficient investment environment
Quality of skills formation
Importance of embracing digitalisation
Research and innovation
Business cooperation

10. Thank you for your attention