WTTC Global Summit to Spotlight Malta’s Growing Tourism Success - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Malta will welcome some of the world's most influential travel and tourism leaders this October when the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) stages its Global Summit in Valletta from 7 to 9 October 2026. The event will bring together CEOs, government ministers, investors and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of global travel, investment opportunities and sustainable growth.

The summit comes at a time when Malta's tourism sector continues to expand. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute US$4.9 billion to the country's economy in 2026, representing 16.9% of GDP and supporting 72,200 jobs – more than one in every five jobs nationwide.

Tourism Remains a Key Economic Driver

The latest figures underline Malta's position as one of Europe's most tourism-dependent and dynamic economies. Travel & Tourism continues to play a major role in driving investment, employment and economic growth across the island nation.

Over the past decade, Malta has experienced strong and sustained growth in visitor numbers. International arrivals increased from 2.75 million in 2019 to four million in 2025, reflecting the destination's growing appeal in international markets.

The United Kingdom remained Malta's largest source market in 2025, accounting for 21% of international visitors. Italy followed with 15%, while Poland contributed 10%. France and Germany each represented 7% of arrivals.

Visitor Spending Continues to Rise

International visitor spending is forecast to exceed US$4 billion in 2026, compared with US$3.9 billion in 2025. Last year, international travellers accounted for 91% of total tourism expenditure in Malta.

The upward trend is expected to continue over the next decade, with international visitor spending projected to reach US$5 billion by 2036. Domestic tourism expenditure is also forecast to grow, reaching US$378.5 million this year.

Looking further ahead, WTTC expects Travel & Tourism to contribute US$6.5 billion to Malta's economy by 2036 while supporting more than 90,000 jobs, equivalent to almost one-quarter of all employment in the country.

Valletta to Become Global Tourism Meeting Point

For three days in October, Valletta will serve as a global platform for discussions on the future of Travel & Tourism. Industry leaders will examine issues ranging from investment and innovation to sustainability and public-private cooperation.

“Valletta provides an extraordinary setting for the conversations that will define the future of global Travel & Tourism,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC. “As one of Europe's most historic and vibrant capitals, it offers the ideal backdrop for leaders to come together and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector's future and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The event is being organised in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority and the Government of Malta.

Malta Showcases Its Tourism Model

Malta's government views the summit as an opportunity to highlight the country's long-term tourism strategy and its approach to balancing growth with sustainability and quality.

“When Malta committed to hosting WTTC's Global Summit, it reflected our confidence in the strength of our tourism sector and our belief in its importance to our country's future prosperity,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg. “The remarkable growth highlighted in WTTC's latest numbers demonstrates the success of Malta's long-term vision and the strong collaboration between government and industry.”

Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela described Travel & Tourism as one of Malta's major economic success stories and emphasised the sector's contribution to jobs, investment and opportunities across the islands.

As global tourism leaders gather in Valletta this autumn, Malta will not only host one of the industry's most important events but also present itself as a destination that combines strong tourism performance with a long-term vision for sustainable development.

Image Credit: © WTTC