Malta Leads the Way in Accessible Hospitality

Published on December 13, 2025

Thanks to Malta’s services being accessible to blind tourists, Malta will be the first country in the world to achieve this. Malta’s Visual Non-Visual Network is training staff to support blind or partially sighted tourists. In collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, this training will be put into practice to bring theory to life.

VNVN’s Training Initiative

The VNVN, a voluntary organization focused on supporting people with vision impairments, offers a hands-on training program called “Meet and Greet Compliments.” This program is designed to teach hospitality workers to engage confidently and competently with guests who are blind or have low vision. Unlike traditional training models, this program emphasizes real-life experiences and interactions with those who have lived with vision loss. The training helps workers understand the needs of visually impaired guests and equips them with practical tools to improve service delivery.

Real-World Application of Training

The VNVN training program has already made an impact on Malta’s hospitality scene, with hotels like ME Melia in St Julian’s, The Preluna Hotel in Sliema, and Euro Club Hotel in Qawra stepping up to participate. The initiative involves guiding hotel staff to provide tangible, inclusive services such as using tactile maps, providing verbal descriptions, and offering room markers. These adaptations help blind and low-vision guests navigate spaces easily, ensuring their stay is as comfortable and dignified as possible.

Empowering Hospitality Staff

The collaboration between VNVN and the MTA is also a call to action for businesses across Malta. It highlights the importance of hospitality providers going beyond mere compliance to accessibility standards. Training participants learn to integrate accessibility into daily operations rather than treating it as an afterthought. With skills that include communicating effectively with visually impaired guests and making adjustments to the environment, the program instills the confidence necessary to provide quality, accessible service.

Malta’s Shift Towards Inclusive Hospitality

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has praised the initiative, stressing that the training’s success hinges on the collective commitment of Malta’s hospitality community. This shift signifies a broader change in the industry where accessibility is increasingly seen as a standard of excellence. It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements but about creating an inclusive environment where every guest feels welcomed and respected.

Inclusive Experiences for All

This training goes beyond accessibility in physical spaces. It tackles the nuances of service models that may unintentionally exclude people with disabilities. For example, self-service dining may not always be suitable for blind guests unless the appropriate accommodations are made. By addressing such issues, Malta’s hospitality industry is transforming into a model of inclusivity, where each guest’s needs are respected.

Bridging Gaps with Lived Experience

The training programs also foster mutual understanding between hospitality workers and people with lived experience. It’s not just about learning how to serve a customer but understanding the challenges visually impaired individuals face every day. This kind of interaction helps participants see accessibility as a continuous, evolving part of their work culture.

A Global Example

This initiative aligns closely with international efforts and future discussions, such as those at the upcoming aha Forum Malta. The forum will focus on inclusion, diversity, and sustainability in the hospitality industry. While distinct in their purposes, both the training program and the forum share the same goal: to ensure that accessibility is embedded within the operational framework of businesses, with a focus on listening to those who are directly affected.

Malta’s Growing Commitment to Inclusion

As Malta prepares to host the aha Forum, the success of the VNVN training program serves as a solid foundation for deeper discussions on inclusive hospitality practices. The event highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, NGOs, and individuals committed to advancing accessibility. Malta’s ongoing efforts show that meaningful progress doesn’t need to wait for large-scale initiatives; it can be realized on the ground through the actions of dedicated individuals and organizations.

A Call for Action from Travelers

For travelers with vision impairments, this training initiative offers a sense of comfort. Knowing that Malta’s hotels and hospitality services are actively working towards inclusivity means greater independence and freedom when exploring the island. As more businesses participate, the options for accessible travel expand, ensuring that every guest, regardless of their vision abilities, can enjoy their stay with dignity.

Conclusion

Having accessible hospitality service is helping Malta uplift service. Malta’s MTA and VNVN’s training program is helping Malta tourists and travelers. Malta is an inspiration of true inclusivity and service to offering all people. Malta service is inclusive and accessible to all people. Malta is inspiring people to uplift service in hospitality to people all across the globe. Malta is inspiring all hospitality services to uplift all peoples. Malta is inspiring inclusivity.