[WATCH] ‘Cheaper tourism trends’ still require regulation, minister warns

Edward Zammit Lewis addresses tourism conference • Video by Raphael Farrugia

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis has warned about the possible effects of the new tourism trend of using peer-to-peer platforms, such as AirBnB and Uber.

Speaking at the Tourism Studies Association’s annual conference on opportunities and threats for Malta’s tourism industry, Zammit Lewis described the new trend in tourism whereby tourists and locals communicate directly and share assets, such as accommodation and cars.

“Tourists are now no longer just seeing the places but meeting the faces of the locals,” he said.

He explained that as this trend was becoming more popular due to lower costs, yet there were also downsides, mostly because of lack of regulations.

“We will be on the forefront to make sure our tourism economy follows consumer trends,” Zammit Lewis added.

The seminar focused on the recent revolution to hit global economies and tourism industries – “sharing economy”.

“Sharing economy is the evolution of a model which always existed but is now facilitated through media and technology. It is triggered by the desire to travel and experience a country like a local not a tourist. Platforms such as AirBnB and Uber are examples of tools for sharing economy,” according to Tourism Studies Association president Anna Vella.

The minister argued that, to safeguard the thriving industry, Malta had to keep ahead to adapt to this new economic model.

“The concept of sharing assets is facilitated by the low costs that come with it, due to the lack of overhead costs from the service providers’ side. However, the downside to this is the lack of regulations which safeguard consumer rights,” Zammit Lewis said.

“At a governmental level, we are gathering precise data. In recognition of new models, new regulations will be in place by the end of 2016. Initiatives to clamp down on irregular accommodation are being set in place. We will be in the forefront to make sure our tourism economy follows consumer trends.”

The conference also saw the intervention of shadow tourism minister Antoine Borg, who reiterated that investment in human resources was the biggest issue.

“It is about making the tourism industry enjoyable and giving the people who work in this industry a sense of passion, reinforcing the concept of a career not just an in-between job. The concept of shared economy does this beautifully as it that shows us that tourism belongs to all of us. Our communities are involved in the development of our tourism,” Borg said.

He went on to add that in order for tourism to be sustainable, the industry must evolve around respect for outside development zones, areas of natural beauty, and the community.