Local and regional leaders, national politicians, academics, and experts from across Europe convened in Malta for an EPP Local Dialogue and external seminar to discuss innovative solutions and sustainable strategies for transport and tourism. Under the theme "Driving Sustainability Forward: Rethinking Transport and Tourism to Ensure Competitive Cities and Regions," the seminar brought together a diverse range of perspectives to tackle these pressing challenges. The event was hosted by Anthony Chircop, President of Eastern Region and Partit Nazzjonalista.
Opening Session
The event was moderated by Jelena Drenjanin, 1st Vice-President of the EPP-CoR Group, who kicked off the session by emphasising the importance of addressing sustainability within transport and tourism.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of West Pomerania and President of the EPP-CoR Group, opened the session by addressing the critical interconnection between tourism and transport. In his speech, Geblewicz noted, "Tourism and transport are two sides of the same coin, both presenting challenges that must be effectively managed to ensure sustainable growth for our cities and regions." He highlighted the importance of a multi-level approach to tackle the increasing pressures of tourism. "We must prioritise sustainable transport solutions that balance the needs of both local residents and visitors. As we adopt the Malta Declaration today, I trust that the new European Commission will support these vital issues, especially since for the first time, these topics are brought together under one portfolio, overseen by our friend and former COR President, Apostolos Tzitzikostas."
Anthony Chircop, President of the Eastern Region and member of the EPP-CoR Group, emphasised the importance of balancing the needs of both local residents and tourists to create sustainable solutions. "Only through a holistic approach can we ensure our regions and cities remain competitive, sustainable, and resilient," he stated.
The keynote speech was delivered by Hon. Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition and of Partit Nazzjonalista, who focused on promoting green infrastructure and technologies. He spoke about the importance of tourism as a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, especially for Malta. He warned against the cost of success in tourism, including environmental degradation and stressed: "To sustain tourism for future generations, we must adopt a balanced model—one that respects the environment and supports local communities."
Panel 1: Addressing Traffic Challenges through Sustainable Transport
The panel featured contributions from a range of experts, all of whom provided their perspectives on the future of sustainable transport.
Alberto Cirio, President of the Piemonte Region, emphasized the role of technology in transforming the automotive sector. "The automotive industry must embrace ambitious tech goals, from AI and microchips to hydrogen fuels, balancing sustainability with economic growth and jobs. Let’s build value chains that enhance EU citizens' wellbeing," he urged.
Nikola Dobroslavić, Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, discussed the vulnerability of tourism to external threats like crises and environmental challenges, and the need to address these issues through sustainable transport solutions. "Tourism is a key economic driver but highly vulnerable to external threats like conflicts, crises, disasters, and internal issues like overcrowding, pollution, and poor connections. Let's champion sustainable tourism for future generations," he noted.
Sari Rautio, Member of Hämeenlinna City Council, shared her city's success in implementing sustainable traffic systems. "Hämeenlinna is Finland's first child-friendly city! We prioritise safe, sustainable traffic for families: eco-friendly buses are free for school groups, and we encourage cycling and walking to schools," she said, highlighting the importance of creating cities that support families and sustainability.
Hon. Mark Anthony Sammut, Member of Parliament, Malta, spoke about the challenges in improving public transport and adapting it to modern needs. "We need to improve public transport, adapt routes to new needs, and implement a mass transit system. Malta also needs holistic planning and to collaborate closely with local councils to ensure decisions reflect what communities need," he explained.
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, advocated for investment in competitive public transport and infrastructure to reduce reliance on cars and improve urban living conditions. "Competitive public transport and proper bike/pedestrian infrastructure are key to easing urban car reliance. This reduces emissions, noise, dust, accidents, and saves lives. Let’s build safer, cleaner cities!" she stated.
The panel's discussion highlighted the shared commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable transport future for Europe. As cities and regions face growing challenges in mobility, the need for integrated, innovative solutions is more urgent than ever.
Panel 2: Beyond Numbers: Elevating Tourism Through Quality and Sustainability
The second panel, "Beyond Numbers: Elevating Tourism Through Quality and Sustainability," focused on the growing need to shift the tourism narrative from quantity to quality. As tourism continues to expand, the panel emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainable practices that ensure long-term benefits for both visitors and local communities. The discussion explored how regions can create tourism models that balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility, promoting not just more visitors, but better, more meaningful experiences for all.
Hon. Mario de Marco, Member of Parliament and PN Spokesperson for Tourism, discussed how tourism has shifted from being a privilege to a more accessible experience for everyone. He emphasised, "We must find the right balance. We want the citizen to be the beneficiary of tourism and not the victim of its success." His statement underlined the importance of managing tourism in a way that supports local residents and preserves destinations’ appeal.
Andrew Agius Muscat, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, called for a shift in the tourism narrative. "Tourism today must go beyond mere numbers and focus on delivering meaningful, sustainable, and high-quality experiences," he said. He stressed the need for better-managed tourism that ensures economic, social, and environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning, innovation, and collaboration to create positive, lasting impacts.
Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz, Gozo, spoke about the local initiatives in his region that promote sustainable tourism. "We must preserve heritage, support local businesses, and engage the community to align growth with our values and environment," he stated, showcasing how local governance can contribute to balanced tourism development.
Prof. Micheal Briguglio, Coordinator of the Master’s degree in Social Impact Assessment at the University of Malta, argued for the inclusion of Social Impact Assessments in tourism policy. "These assessments should be mainstreamed to provide evidence and recommendations on the opportunities, risks, and challenges facing local communities and stakeholders," he explained, emphasising the need for a research-based approach to tourism planning.
The panel's discussion reinforced the idea that tourism should be sustainable and high-quality, focusing on long-term benefits for both local communities and the visitors themselves.
Anthony Chircop concluded the seminar by reflecting on the discussions and officially adopting the Malta Declaration: "Through today's discussions, it is clear that despite our geographical diversity, we face similar challenges in transport and tourism. The solutions lie in innovative, holistic approaches that emphasise multi-level governance and inclusive stakeholder dialogue."
Chircop thanked the speakers, participants, and EPP-CoR members, affirming Malta’s commitment to hosting further dialogues to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for Europe’s cities and regions.