The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will bring together more than 200 leading CEOs and senior Travel & Tourism executives in Malta, as Valletta prepares to host the organization's 26th Global Summit from October 7 to 9, 2026. The annual gathering remains the most important meeting of Travel & Tourism CEOs and senior executives worldwide, offering a platform for private sector leaders, governments and international bodies to shape the industry's future direction.

A global showcase for Malta

The Summit will draw high-level decision-makers from hospitality, aviation, cruise, travel technology, financial services and destination investment. For Malta, the event marks a historic opportunity: never before has the island hosted such a significant concentration of global Travel & Tourism leadership, placing the destination at the center of conversations shaping the sector's future. For many delegates, it will also be their first visit to Malta — a chance, organizers say, to build new relationships and position the country as an investment destination.

Confirmed attendees

Confirmed leaders include Christopher J. Nassetta (Hilton), Elie Maalouf (IHG Hotels & Resorts), Alejandro Reynal (Four Seasons), Tony Fernandes (Capital A), Jane Sun (Trip.com Group) and Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Group), alongside senior executives from American Express Travel, Accor, Marriott International, Expedia Group, JPMorganChase/Chase Travel, Meliá Hotels International, Barceló Hotel Group and dozens of other companies across the global travel ecosystem.

Theme: FUTU[RE]SET

Under the theme "FUTU[RE]SET: Shaping the Future of Travel & Tourism," the three-day program will examine how technology, artificial intelligence, shifting consumer expectations and geopolitical change are reshaping the sector. A central focus will be strengthening public-private collaboration to drive investment and unlock sustainable growth.

What organizers are saying

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said bringing more than 200 leaders together in Malta "is a powerful demonstration of the strength and global importance" of the sector, adding that the industry "is entering a new era." Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, called the hosting role "a moment of enormous significance" for the country, noting that relationships built over the three days "can extend well beyond the Summit itself" and generate long-term opportunities for the destination.

Economic context

According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism is expected to make a significant contribution to Malta's economy in 2026, reinforcing the sector's role in the country's growth and employment. The 2026 edition follows the 25th Global Summit held in Rome in 2025, and builds on previous summits that addressed responsible destination management, artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation and talent development.

Limited access for new participants

For the first time, WTTC will offer a limited number of Executive Access Passes allowing senior leaders from organizations outside its Membership community to join the Global Summit, with access to the full agenda, exclusive networking opportunities and key social events. Passes are now available.