Valletta - Malta
The Maltese capital is preparing to host an exceptional tourism event that puts the Mediterranean island at the heart of the global debate, as the World Travel and Tourism Council brings together more than 200 senior CEOs and sector leaders in its twenty-sixth annual summit, during the period from 7 to 9 October 2026, in a scene that reflects the growing confidence in Malta as a leading destination.

"FUTU[RE]SET"... Resetting the future of travel

This year, the summit carries an ambitious slogan that reflects the major transformations that the world is witnessing, as the topics of artificial intelligence, geopolitical changes, and the development of travelers’ expectations top the agenda of discussions, amid a consensus on the necessity of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to keep pace with this rapid change.

Sector leaders are in an exceptional scene

The high-level attendance confirms the importance of the event, as the list includes the most prominent names in the world of hospitality and travel, such as Christopher J. Nassetta, President of Hilton, Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG, Alejandro Reynal, President of Four Seasons, Tony Fernandez from Capital A, Jin Sun from Trip.com, and Pierfrancesco Vago from MSC Group. Officials from major international companies such as Marriott, Accor, and Expedia will also participate, in addition to representatives of leading tourism and investment destinations.

An official statement reflects the importance of the event

In this context, Carlo Micale, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, said in a comment: “Hosting the WTTC World Summit in Malta is not just an international endorsement of the island as a destination, but an exceptional opportunity to put our country, our people, and our vision for the future of tourism directly in front of those who help shape that future. The relationships that will be built during these three days can extend beyond the summit, and have the potential to create meaningful opportunities for Malta for years to come.”

Malta...the destination and investment opportunity

For the Arab investor, the summit provides a golden platform for direct communication with decision-makers in major international companies, which opens horizons for partnerships in the hospitality, hotels and travel technology sectors, especially in the Gulf region, which is witnessing an unprecedented tourism boom. As for the Arab tourist, he will find in Malta a destination that combines ancient history and charming beaches, with advanced infrastructure, and expectations indicate that the travel and tourism sector will contribute about $4.9 billion to its economy in 2026, equivalent to 16.9% of the gross domestic product, and supporting more than 72 thousand jobs. The presence of this number of sector leaders represents a rare opportunity to explore investment possibilities in one of the fastest growing destinations in the Mediterranean.