MTA holds LGBTQ+ Sensitivity and Awareness Workshop for the tourism industry trade partners

The Malta Tourism Authority organized an LGBTQ+ workshop to enhance knowledge, sensitivity and awareness of LGBTQ+ tourism ahead of the upcoming EuroPride Valletta 2023 this coming September. The workshop is aimed for the tourism industry, trade partners and stakeholders that will be the first to welcome EuroPride travelers to Malta and Gozo. The full day workshop will give insight of what will be expected during EuroPride, such as information regarding inclusive hospitality surrounding the LGBTQ+ traveler. In addition, the economic turnover to be expected will also be discussed during the workshop. This workshop is being organized with the support of Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC).

EuroPride is an annual event, held in different European cities for the LGBTQ+ community. The destination for EuroPride is usually chosen on the criteria where the presence of LGBTQ+ communities is strong and well-established. Each annual event features parades, concerts and human rights events across different location points within a chosen city.

Malta will be the next destination to host EuroPride 2023. In fact, Malta has once again scored first place on the ILGA Rainbow Europe Map and Index for the eighth consecutive year, with an overall score of 89% achieved for LGBTIQ+ protection and human rights. Such a high score places Malta on the map as an ideal destination for the LGBTQ+ traveler, a place where it is considered safe and inclusive to the community.

“By promoting and embracing the importance of diversity, LGBTIQ+ tourism not only enhances the travel experience but also fosters acceptance, understanding and unity across cultures and communities. As a celebration of these values, we are looking forward to hosting EuroPride this September to reaffirm Malta’s commitment as an open and diverse destination,” remarked Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism.

“By organizing these workshops, with the participation of international experts in the LGBTIQ+ segment, the Malta Tourism Authority is helping the tourism industry to be best prepared to welcome and accommodate the LGBTIQ+ traveler with the deserved sensitivity, inclusivity and awareness. These workshops will cover topics that will range from hospitality to operational values within the industry,” added Carlo Micallef, CEO of Malta Tourism Authority.

Michelle Buttigieg, MTA Representative in North America stated, “We are proud of MTA’s initiative to hold this LGBTQ+ Tourism Workshop, focusing on sensitivity and training to reinforce, and expand, the warm welcome these travelers already receive in Malta. This seminar is especially timely as the Malta Tourism Industry gears up for hosting EuroPride Valletta 2023, September 7–17. Even more important, this LGBTQ+ training seminar will take the Maltese Islands a step beyond EuroPride, and will likely ensure that Malta will continue topping the ILGA’s Rainbow Europe Map for many years to come.” Buttigieg added, “Malta has been a proud and active partner of IGLTA (The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) for many years and is very appreciative of their support and guidance in organizing this training initiative in Malta.”