Global tourism summit an ‘extraordinary opportunity for Malta’ – MTA CEO 

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said that this week’s World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Malta provides an “extraordinary opportunity” for the country to join the global conversation about the future of tourism. 

"Through our vision for the future we are not seeking to welcome more visitors only,” Mr Micallef told a press conference to launch the summit. 

"We want to create greater value, not only economic, but also social and environmental. We want tourism that is sustainable and resilient.”

“Tourism that embraces innovation while remaining rooted in our identity. Tourism that creates meaningful experiences for visitors while delivering tangible benefits for the communities that welcome them. And above all, tourism that remains a force for good.”

“Hosting this Summit gives us an extraordinary opportunity to place that ambition within a global conversation." 

Over 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading travel & tourism CEOs as well as leading politicians, are set to gather in Valletta for WTTC’s flagship events. 

Attendees include former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and US Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams.

Discussions will focus on themes such as investment, connectivity, AI, workforce development, destination competitiveness and sustainable growth.

WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said the Maltese Government has shown strong leadership and commitment to the tourism sector, making it an ideal host for the summit. 

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara pointed out that, despite significant geopolitical turmoil, travel and tourism continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. 

“Globally, the sector contributed US$11.6 trillion to the economy last year, representing 9.8 per cent of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs – nearly one in every nine jobs worldwide,” she said. 

“Despite significant geopolitical challenges, we expect the sector to grow 2.5 per cent this year, outpacing the global economy. In Europe, the outlook is even stronger, with Travel & Tourism forecast to grow 3.1 per cent in 2026.”

“This is a sector that is ready to invest and innovate, but governments must create the right conditions – enabling seamless travel, strengthening connectivity, developing talent and supporting sustainable growth. The choices made today will determine how much of this opportunity Europe captures.”