The WTTC Global Summit has opened in Valletta, Malta as new research shows strong growth
for European Travel and Tourism during 2026. The sector is expected to grow by 3.1 percent
across Europe during the year and remain ahead of wider economic growth.More than 1,000
delegates have gathered in Valletta for the 26th WTTC Global Summit. The participants include
more than 200 leading Travel and Tourism executives and government representatives from
around the world.The Summit is also bringing together more than 100 speakers who will discuss
important issues affecting the future of global tourism. The event provides a platform for leaders
to share ideas and explore new opportunities.Several well-known international leaders are
participating in the Summit in Malta. They include former Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau and former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas is also
attending the event. Nick Adams who serves as the first U.S. Presidential Envoy for Tourism is
another important participant.WTTC research shows that global travel and Tourism is expected
to grow by 2.5 percent during 2026. This growth is expected despite continuing economic
pressure and geopolitical uncertainty around the world.Europe is expected to perform even
better than the global average during the year. International visitor spending across Europe is
forecast to increase by 5.8 percent in 2026.

Leisure travel spending is expected to increase by 3.1 percent while business travel spending
could rise by 4.2 percent. These figures show the continued importance of tourism for European
economies and communities.Travel and Tourism currently supports around one in every ten jobs
across Europe. The sector also provides income and opportunities for businesses and
communities in many destinations.

WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre praised Malta for hosting the important international
gathering. He said Malta had shown strong commitment to the Travel and Tourism
sector.Lefebvre said the Summit would help leaders develop stronger partnerships and new
initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of tourism for future growth investment and
opportunities.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the strong performance of the global
tourism industry. She said Travel and Tourism contributed US$11.6 trillion to the global economy
last year.The sector represented 9.8 percent of global GDP and supported around 366 million
jobs worldwide. Guevara said the industry had remained resilient despite major challenges
facing the global economy.

Malta has a special position in this year’s Summit because of its strong tourism performance.
WTTC expects Travel and Tourism to contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta’s economy during
2026.This contribution is expected to represent 16.9 percent of Malta’s GDP. The sector is also
forecast to support more than one in five jobs across the country.Malta recorded strong growth
in its Travel and Tourism contribution during 2025. Its tourism economy grew by 16.8 percent
which was the highest annual increase among European economies.The European average
was 2.6 percent during the same period. Malta’s performance has strengthened its position as
an important tourism destination within Europe.

The Summit gives Malta an opportunity to share its tourism experience with international
leaders. It also allows the country to discuss future investment innovation and sustainable
development.The event is expected to encourage stronger cooperation between governments
and private businesses. Such cooperation can help the industry respond to changing traveller
needs and global economic conditions.The WTTC Global Summit therefore comes at an
important time for the tourism industry. Its discussions could influence future policies and
partnerships that support responsible growth across the global Travel and Tourism sector.

Source: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

Razia khan