WTTC gears up for landmark global summit in Malta

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is gearing up for its Global Summit in Malta that will see over 200 of the world’s leading travel and tourism CEOs and senior executives gather in Valletta to consider a range of issues.

Set for Oct. 7 to Oct. 9, 2026, momentum for the 26th WTTC Global Summit continues to build, with the growing delegation reflecting the breadth and influence of WTTC’s global membership.

WTTC’s annual Global Summit remains the premier gathering of Travel & Tourism CEOs and C-suite executives, providing a unique platform for private sector leaders, governments and international organizations to exchange ideas and shape the future of the sector.

The event will gather senior decision-makers from across the Travel & Tourism ecosystem, spanning hospitality, aviation, cruise, travel technology, financial services, destination investment and travel distribution. Their presence will offer Malta an unparalleled opportunity to showcase its tourism offering, business environment and investment potential to some of the sector’s most influential figures.

For Malta, the Summit represents a landmark opportunity. Never before has the island welcomed such a significant concentration of global travel and tourism leadership, placing the destination at the centre of conversations that will influence the industry’s future direction.

For many of the delegates, the Summit will also provide their first opportunity to experience Malta first-hand. Bringing this calibre of global business leadership to Valletta will create a valuable platform for the island to build new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, and showcase Malta as both a world-class tourism destination and an attractive place to invest.

Delegates will have the opportunity to experience the hospitality, connectivity and tourism infrastructure that underpin the destination’s success, while gaining a deeper understanding of the role Malta can play in the future of global Travel & Tourism.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research underlines the importance of travel and tourism to Malta. The sector is forecast to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy in 2026, reinforcing the importance of the industry to Malta’s continued economic growth and employment.

The theme of the 2026 Summit, “FUTU[RE]SET: Shaping the Future of Travel & Tourism”, reflects the profound changes reshaping the world today. As technology, artificial intelligence, evolving consumer expectations and geopolitical shifts transform the way people live, work and travel, the Summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers and international organizations to explore what comes next and how travel and tourism can adapt, innovate and thrive in an increasingly complex global environment.

At a time of accelerating global change, the Summit will provide a platform to challenge conventional thinking and examine the forces shaping the future of travel and tourism. Discussions will focus on how the sector can navigate disruption, unlock new opportunities for growth and investment, and build greater resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.

A central focus of FUTU[RE]SET will be the role of stronger public-private collaboration in helping travel and tourism respond to rapid change, accelerate investment and unlock sustainable growth. Throughout the three-day program, leaders from business and government will explore how partnerships across sectors can address shared challenges, strengthen competitiveness and create long-term value for destinations, businesses and local communities.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “Bringing more than 200 of the world’s leading travel and tourism CEOs and senior executives to Malta is a powerful demonstration of the strength and global importance of our sector. For many, this will be their first opportunity to experience Malta, and we are delighted to bring them together in Valletta for this landmark gathering.

Guevara continued: “Travel & Tourism is entering a new era, and the Summit will give leaders the opportunity to address the forces reshaping our sector, share ideas and strengthen collaboration. Together, we can help build a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future for Travel & Tourism.”

Carlo Micallef, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority, said: “Hosting the WTTC Global Summit in Malta is a moment of tremendous significance for our country and our tourism industry. To welcome more than 200 of the world’s most influential Travel & Tourism leaders to our shores is not simply an international endorsement of Malta as a destination, but an exceptional opportunity to place our country, our people and our vision for the future of tourism directly in front of those helping to shape that future.”

Go to www.wttc.org for more.