The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has concluded the public consultations on the Draft Tourism Bill 2026, with strong focus placed on environmental protection and climate resilience measures outlined in the proposed law.
Under the Bill, environmental impact assessments remain a key requirement, stating that a person must not undertake a tourism development without an environmental impact assessment approved by the relevant authority.
The proposed legislation also highlights climate resilience requirements, noting that the Ministry must, in consultation with the Ministry responsible for climate change and the Ministry responsible for Infrastructure, ensure all tourism infrastructure and facilities must be designed, constructed and maintained to be resilient to climate-related hazards.
The draft Tourism Bill further outlines provisions relating to protected areas and sensitive sites.
The Bill states that tourism activities in or adjacent to protected areas, marine protected areas, heritage sites and culturally sensitive areas must be conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and management plans, guidelines issued by relevant authorities, and best practices for minimising impacts.
It also stresses that the Ministry may, in consultation with relevant authorities, establish specific requirements and conditions for tourism enterprises operating in or near protected or sensitive areas, and may establish buffer zones where tourism development is restricted or prohibited.
In relation to marine and nature-based tourism, the Bill states that such activities must be conducted in a manner that protects marine ecosystems and biodiversity, does not harm or disturb wildlife, respects traditional fishing grounds and customary rights, contributes to conservation efforts and aligns with blue economy principles.
