Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural crossroads for millennia, will host the 26th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in 2026. The announcement was made in London during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Global Summit, which gathered travel and tourism leaders from around the world.

The summit will be organized in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Government of Malta. It will bring together public and private sector leaders to discuss the future of travel and tourism with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, resilience, and long-term growth.

For three days, Valletta —often called the “Jewel of the Mediterranean”— will become the global epicenter of tourism. The historic Maltese capital will provide an exceptional setting for high-level discussions, strategic networking, and knowledge exchange sessions that will shape the industry's global agenda.

Interim WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo stated: “We are thrilled to bring the WTTC Global Summit to Valletta, one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Malta will provide an extraordinary stage for global leaders to shape the future of travel and tourism.” She highlighted that tourism is a cornerstone of Malta’s economy, with 2025 expected to see a 43.5% increase compared to 2019 levels, contributing €3.6 billion to the national economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Ian Borg said the announcement marks a proud moment for Malta. “Hosting the Global Summit confirms our growing role as a global tourism leader and offers a unique opportunity to showcase Malta’s heritage, innovation, and hospitality.”

Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, emphasized that hosting the summit is a powerful statement of Malta’s role in the global tourism stage: “Beyond the immediate economic impact, this event will strengthen Malta’s reputation as a center of excellence in tourism.”

WTTC President Manfredi Lefebvre added: “This summit will allow Malta to showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality. It’s a unique opportunity to drive innovation, sustainability, and investment in the sector.”

Further details regarding dates, program, speakers, and registration will be announced in 2026. The 2025 Global Summit held in Rome was hailed as a great success, with record participation and strong commitments from public and private stakeholders.