The World Travel & Tourism Council announced its strengthened speaker line-up for the organisation’s 26th Global Summit in two stages, on 10 and 14 September 2026. The event will take place from 7 to 9 October at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta and will bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including around 200 leaders and executives from the global travel and tourism sector.
A high-profile political line-up
Justin Trudeau, who led Canada from 2015 to 2025, was announced as the summit’s first headline speaker. His experience leading a G7 nation, including managing major international crises, is expected, according to WTTC, to bring insight into the leadership and international cooperation issues addressed during the three-day conference.
Four days later, the organisation confirmed the participation of José María Aznar, Prime Minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004, as well as Ambassador Nick Adams, the first special presidential envoy for tourism appointed by the United States. According to WTTC, the latter’s presence reflects the growing strategic importance governments are placing on the travel and tourism sector. In a message released ahead of his address, Ambassador Adams summed up his agenda: “Tourism is diplomacy with a suitcase. I’m proud to bring America’s voice to Valletta and help lead the partnerships that will define the next decade of travel.”
Investment and resilience take centre stage
The event’s agenda draws on WTTC’s latest data, which shows that global Travel & Tourism investment topped €866 billion in 2025, up 8.5% year-on-year, while the sector contributed a record €10,046 billion to global GDP. These figures will form the backdrop to discussions on destination development, air connectivity and the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.
The programme will also address the impact of geopolitical tensions on global tourism flows, changing traveller expectations and the conditions for sustainable growth capable of creating value for businesses, destinations and local communities. Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, said that the participation of Aznar and Adams “will bring considerable value to the global debate taking place in Valletta,” adding that the FUTU[RE]SET theme invites the sector to “look beyond immediate challenges to examine the leadership, collaboration and investment needed for the decade ahead.”
Malta, temporary heart of the global industry
Malta was selected from among 21 candidate destinations to host this 26th edition, a choice WTTC attributes to the archipelago’s tourism positioning and the involvement of its authorities. The archipelago, which recently saw Hard Rock International open its first hotel there, is counting on the event to raise its visibility among international industry decision-makers.
The summit will benefit from high-level local government participation, with Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health of Malta, and Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Tourism. Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, described the event as an opportunity to “present Malta not only as the destination it is today, but as the one it is building for the future,” emphasising the quality of the visitor experience and the preservation of local heritage. Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, linked the summit’s theme to Malta’s island strategy, “which recognises the importance of balancing growth and sustainability.”
Wider access for non-member executives
For this edition, WTTC is opening a limited number of Executive Access Passes to executives outside its membership community for the first time. This scheme will allow senior executives to access the full summit programme, networking sessions and events held alongside the plenary sessions.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
WTTC Global Summit 2026 – Valletta, Malta
Dates: 7-9 October 2026, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Scale: 1,000+ delegates from 100+ countries, 200+ Travel & Tourism CEOs and senior executives
Headline speakers: Justin Trudeau, José María Aznar, Ambassador Nick Adams (US Tourism Minister)
Sector data: global Travel & Tourism investment topped $1 trillion in 2025 (+8.5% YoY), contributing a record $11.6 trillion to world GDP
Selection: Malta chosen among 21 candidate destinations
Access: limited Executive Access Passes opened to non-WTTC-member executives for the first time
