Malta’s tourism industry is being told, loud and clear, to step up its game on accessibility.Speaking at the launch of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance Mediterranean Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg didn’t hold back: the future of tourism is inclusive, and businesses that ignore this are missing out.Addressing industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders, Borg called for urgent action to remove barriers, invest in inclusive training and create real opportunities for people with disabilities. His message was simple, accessible tourism isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s a serious economic opportunity.Across Europe, around 135 million people fall within the accessible tourism market, with more than 70% of the EU’s 80 million people with disabilities able to travel. That demand already generates over €350 billion in tourism turnover, making it one of the most overlooked growth areas in the sector.Malta has already started taking steps in that direction. Through initiatives led by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, more information is now available on accessible beaches, accommodation, transport and attractions. At the same time, a collaboration between the Institute of Tourism Studies (Malta) and the Malta Trust Foundation is developing a disability-inclusive training centre, complete with a fully operational restaurant and cafeteria to prepare people for careers in hospitality.Borg stressed that accessibility goes beyond infrastructure and must include proper training and awareness across the workforce. He also highlighted the importance of employment, saying that people with disabilities must be supported into meaningful roles within the tourism sector, not sidelined.Minister for Inclusion Julia Farrugia echoed the message, insisting that accessible hospitality must become a standard rather than an optional extra. She noted that around 10% of Malta’s population lives with some form of disability, while globally over one billion people are directly affected, rising to two billion when including families and caregivers.Former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca delivered one of the strongest statements of the event, making it clear that accessibility should no longer be viewed as charity. Backed by research from organisations like the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, she pointed out that inclusive businesses consistently perform better, innovate more and access wider markets.She urged companies to embed accessibility into everyday decisions, from physical spaces to hiring and customer experience, positioning it as a competitive advantage rather than a compliance issue.She also shared real-life examples from the Malta Trust Foundation, highlighting how inclusive initiatives can unlock potential and transform lives.The event, supported by partners including HelmsBriscoe, brought together stakeholders from across the Mediterranean, showing growing momentum behind accessible tourism.Borg closed with a clear message: accessible tourism is about creating equal opportunities and a safe, inclusive environment for everyone, both employees and visitors. And if Malta wants to stay competitive, it needs to move faster.•