Malta has been selected as the host destination for the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, one of the most influential gatherings in the global tourism industry. The summit will take place in Valletta, Malta, from 7–9 October 2026, bringing together leading figures from the public and private sectors to discuss the future of travel and tourism.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 25th WTTC Global Summit in Rome, where tourism leaders from around the world gathered to address key challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Hosted in partnership with Malta’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Government of Malta, the 2026 summit is expected to be the largest tourism event ever held in the Maltese Islands.
Recognized as the premier annual meeting of global tourism leaders, the WTTC Global Summit will bring together CEOs, government ministers, investors, destination management organizations, academics and international media representatives. Discussions will focus on critical issues shaping the future of the sector, including innovation, sustainability, resilience, investment and long-term growth.
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city often described as the “Jewel of the Mediterranean,” was chosen for its rich cultural heritage, strategic location and growing reputation as a tourism leader. Organizers believe the city will provide an inspiring setting for high-level dialogue, networking and collaboration among tourism stakeholders from across the globe.
According to WTTC, the summit will serve as a platform for forging international partnerships, encouraging sustainable investment and strengthening cooperation between governments and the private sector. The organization also highlighted Malta’s growing importance in global tourism, noting that travel and tourism continue to play a vital role in the country’s economy and employment.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara described Malta as an ideal host destination, emphasizing that Valletta offers a unique combination of history, culture and hospitality. Maltese officials welcomed the announcement, stating that the summit will provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism achievements, innovation and commitment to sustainable development while positioning Malta at the center of global tourism discussions.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of senior decision-makers from airlines, hotels, cruise companies, tourism boards, technology firms and government institutions. Beyond its economic impact, the summit is anticipated to enhance Malta’s international profile and reinforce its position as a destination committed to quality tourism, innovation and resilience.
Conference at a Glance
Event: 26th WTTC Global Summit
Organizer: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Dates: 7–9 October 2026
Location: Valletta, Malta
Hosts: Malta Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Malta Tourism Authority, Government of Malta
Focus Areas: Innovation, sustainability, resilience, investment, destination development and the future of global tourism
Participants: Tourism CEOs, government ministers, investors, destination leaders, academics and international media representatives
