Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be one of the headline speakers at the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, taking place from October 7 to 9, 2026, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta.

The global gathering is expected to bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including more than 200 CEOs, senior executives and government leaders from across the international Travel & Tourism sector.

Held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET”, the summit will examine the forces reshaping global travel and tourism and explore how innovation, investment, technology, sustainability and stronger public-private cooperation can help build a more resilient and competitive industry.

Trudeau will join a high-level programme featuring influential political and business figures from around the world. His experience leading a G7 nation and navigating major international challenges will bring a perspective focused on leadership, resilience and global cooperation.

The WTTC has also confirmed the participation of José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, and Nick Adams, U.S. Ambassador and Minister of Tourism. Their presence will add further perspectives on global competitiveness, economic transformation, investment and the growing strategic importance of tourism.

According to the WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), global Travel & Tourism investment surpassed US$1 trillion in 2025, increasing 8.5% year-on-year. The sector also contributed a record US$11.6 trillion to global GDP, highlighting its growing importance to economies around the world.

Global challenges shaping the future of tourism

Over three days, government and industry leaders will examine some of the most pressing issues facing Travel & Tourism, including geopolitical change, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the future of aviation and connectivity, destination development, investment and changing traveller expectations.

The summit will also explore how the sector can strengthen its resilience while continuing to generate sustainable growth and long-term value for businesses, destinations and local communities.

Technology, artificial intelligence, investment, sustainability, talent development and the traveller of the future will all feature prominently on the agenda, as industry leaders look beyond immediate challenges and consider how Travel & Tourism can evolve over the next decade.

Malta takes centre stage

Hosting the WTTC Global Summit 2026 represents a major international opportunity for Malta. The Mediterranean destination was selected after interest from 21 destinations worldwide and will use the event to showcase its tourism success, heritage, hospitality, connectivity and growing position as a destination for international business and events.

The summit is also expected to generate opportunities beyond the three-day gathering, including new business relationships, investment and international partnerships that could strengthen Malta's position within the global tourism industry.

The Government of Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority have played a key role in bringing the summit to Valletta. Among the government representatives expected to participate are Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, and Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said the gathering will provide an opportunity to bring political and business leaders together to challenge conventional thinking, exchange ideas and help shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future for Travel & Tourism.

With Trudeau, Aznar and Adams among its headline speakers, the WTTC Global Summit 2026 will place Malta at the centre of the international conversation about the future of one of the world's most important economic sectors.