WTTC Global Summit Opens in Malta as European Travel & Tourism Set to Outpace Wider Economy

Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow 3.1% across Europe in 2026, continuing to outperform the wider economy and exceeding the sector's 2.6% growth recorded last year, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), released today at the opening press conference of WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Malta.

The findings come as more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders, gather in Valletta for WTTC's flagship annual event, with more than 100 speakers participating across the programme.

The Summit is attracting an exceptional concentration of global leadership, including the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada; José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism; and Nick Adams, the first U.S. Presidential Envoy for Tourism.

WTTC's latest outlook shows that, despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty, global Travel & Tourism is expected to grow by 2.5% in 2026, outpacing the wider global economy. Europe is forecast to perform even more strongly, with international visitor spending projected to increase by 5.8%, while leisure and business travel spending are expected to grow by 3.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

Travel & Tourism remains one of Europe's most important economic sectors, supporting around one in ten jobs across the region and creating opportunities for communities, businesses and destinations.

The WTTC Global Summit brings together the leaders shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. Malta’s Government has shown strong leadership and commitment to our sector, making it an ideal host for these important discussions. Over the coming days, we will strengthen partnerships, advance new initiatives and help ensure Travel & Tourism continues to drive growth, investment and opportunity around the world.

Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman, WTTC

Travel & Tourism continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Globally, the sector contributed US$11.6 trillion to the economy last year, representing 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs – nearly one in every nine jobs worldwide. Despite significant geopolitical challenges, we expect the sector to grow 2.5% this year, outpacing the global economy.

In Europe, the outlook is even stronger, with Travel & Tourism forecast to grow 3.1% 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.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC

Through our vision for the future we are not seeking to welcome more visitors only. 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.

Mr Carlo Micallef, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority

For Malta, hosting a gathering of this significance is a moment of great pride. To welcome more than 200 of the world’s leading voices in Travel and Tourism is a recognition not only of Malta’s achievements as a tourism destination, but also of the role we aspire to play within the wider international tourism community. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to grow and strengthen our tourism sector while remaining mindful of our responsibilities to the people and communities that make Malta what it is. Above all, we must ensure that the well-being of our communities remains at the heart of this progress, so that the benefits of growth are shared and our development remains sustainable for generations to come.

Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman, Malta Tourism Authority

The findings set the scene for discussions at WTTC's FUTU[RE]SET Global Summit, where government and business leaders will examine the policies, partnerships and innovations needed to strengthen the competitiveness of Travel & Tourism in the years ahead.

Key themes include investment, connectivity, technology and artificial intelligence, workforce development, destination competitiveness and sustainable growth, all of which will play a critical role in determining how the sector responds to evolving traveller demand and global economic change.

The decision to bring the WTTC Global Summit to Malta reflects the country’s strong commitment to Travel & Tourism and the support of the Maltese Government and tourism authorities in positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth and international engagement.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows that Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta’s economy in 2026, representing 16.9% of the country’s GDP and supporting more than one in five jobs across the country.

The latest data also highlights Malta as one of Europe’s strongest tourism performers. In 2025, the country recorded the highest annual increase in Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution among all European economies, growing by 16.8%, compared with the European average of 2.6%. 

WTTC is using the Summit to bring governments and businesses together around practical solutions to the challenges facing the sector – from strengthening investment and connectivity to embracing technology and AI, developing talent and ensuring sustainable destination growth.

Malta provides an exceptional platform for that conversation, bringing together the people with the influence and ability to turn those discussions into action.