Malta to host more than 200 global tourism leaders at WTTC Summit

International

CEOs and senior executives from the world’s leading travel companies will gather in Valletta from 7 to 9 October to discuss technology, investment and the future of tourism

More than 200 CEOs and senior executives from the global travel and tourism industry will meet in Malta next month for the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit. Taking place in Valletta from 7 to 9 October 2026, the event will bring together decision-makers from hospitality, aviation, cruise, travel technology, finance, destination investment and distribution.

For Malta, the summit represents more than a high-profile industry gathering. Many delegates will experience the destination for the first time, giving the country an opportunity to present its tourism infrastructure, connectivity and investment potential to executives responsible for some of the world's largest travel businesses.

Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons and Trip.com CEOs among participants

The list of confirmed participants includes Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton; Elie Maalouf, Global CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts; Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO of Four Seasons; Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A; Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division at MSC Group.

Executives from American Express Travel, Accor, Marriott International, Expedia Group, Iberostar, JPMorganChase/Chase Travel, JTB Corp, Technogym, VFS Global and Virtuoso will also attend. The extensive representation gives Malta unusual direct access to companies operating across virtually every major segment of international tourism.

Technology and AI reshape the summit agenda

The 2026 summit will take place under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET: Shaping the Future of Travel & Tourism”. Discussions will examine how artificial intelligence, new technologies, changing consumer expectations and geopolitical developments are transforming the way people travel and how tourism companies operate.

Growth and investment will be another focus, alongside the industry's ability to withstand disruption. WTTC also intends to place stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector at the centre of the three-day programme, examining how such partnerships can strengthen competitiveness and create sustainable long-term value for destinations and local communities.

WTTC sees tourism entering a new era

“Bringing more than 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and senior executives to Malta is a powerful demonstration of the strength and global importance of our sector,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC.

She described tourism as entering “a new era” in which industry leaders need to address the forces reshaping the sector and strengthen cooperation to create a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future.

Malta seeks investment and long-term partnerships

The host country intends to use the gathering to present itself not only as a Mediterranean destination but also as a location for tourism investment and international business partnerships.

“Hosting the WTTC Global Summit in Malta is a moment of tremendous significance for our country and for our tourism industry,” said Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority. Bringing more than 200 influential industry leaders to the country was an opportunity to put Malta and its vision for tourism directly before the people helping to determine the sector’s future.

Micallef said delegates would have an opportunity to discover Malta’s heritage, hospitality, connectivity and tourism offering as well as its potential for investment. Relationships established during the three-day gathering, he added, could generate opportunities for the country long after the summit itself.

Valletta follows Rome as global summit host

The Malta gathering follows the 25th WTTC Global Summit held in Rome in 2025. Previous editions have addressed issues ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation to destination management, investment, workforce development and emerging tourism segments.

With more than 200 senior industry figures expected in Valletta, the 2026 edition will put Malta at the centre of discussions over how tourism responds to technological change, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting traveller expectations – while giving the island an opportunity to turn three days of international attention into longer-term business relationships.