Interview with MEP Daniel Attard

1. As a member of the European Parliament’s Tourism Task Force, how do you see the role of the hospitality sector in strengthening Europe’s tourism economy and local communities?

Tourism is not a side industry. It is a strategic driver of economic growth, which directly supports national priorities. In countries like Malta, tourism sustains thousands of jobs and injects millions into the economy. However, its impact goes further. It funds healthcare, improves pensions, supports education, enables housing projects, and builds better infrastructure. Everything is interconnected. When tourism thrives, communities thrive. The European Parliament’s Tourism Task Force must push this reality to the forefront. Tourism cannot remain a policy vacuum in EU circles. We need to embed it into the EU’s economic and social agenda. That means mainstreaming tourism across funding, planning, and investment decisions. My vision is clear – build a European model of tourism that is economically powerful, socially grounded, and future-proof.

2. Sustainability remains a key challenge for the hospitality industry. What EU policies or initiatives do you believe can best support our small and medium-sized businesses in their green transition while ensuring competitiveness?

Malta stands as a clear example of how to move past outdated models and lead with resilience. We have overcome the challenge of seasonality, and the focus now is on managing growth in the right direction. Energy-efficient hotels, circular waste systems, and EU-backed green projects are already delivering real results. The EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Tourism Strategy provide strong guidance. Programmes like Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund must stay accessible to SMEs. But access alone is not enough. We need to cut bureaucracy, introduce clear tax incentives, and invest in skills and digital tools. Growth is not the problem. The problem is growth without direction. With the right leadership, we can make competitiveness and sustainability work hand in hand.

3. What is your message to the European hospitality sector as it navigates challenges in 2025 and beyond?

Be ambitious and act decisively. The future depends on sustainability, digital readiness, and a strong, well-trained workforce. These are not optional upgrades. They are essential tools for survival and growth. The EU will continue to provide support, but the real change must happen on the ground. Promoting off-peak tourism is one of the most effective strategies. Malta recorded a 26 percent increase in off-season tourism in 2024. This approach stabilises demand, supports year-round operations, and strengthens local economies. The way forward is clear. Europe must continue to lead with purpose, with resilience, and with a clear focus on long-term value.