Malta's tourism GDP growth tops Europe as WTTC summit opens in Valletta

Malta's tourism sector grew faster than any other European economy last year, and the global travel industry is now in Valletta to talk about what comes next.

The WTTC Global Summit 2026 opened today at Teatru Manoel, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates including over 200 CEOs and government leaders. The three-day event, held under the theme FUTU[RE]SET, features more than 100 speakers.

WTTC's latest economic forecasts show Travel & Tourism will grow by 3.1% across Europe in 2026, outperforming the wider economy and exceeding last year's 2.6% growth. Globally, the sector is expected to grow by 2.5%.

For Malta, the numbers are even sharper. The WTTC projects Travel & Tourism will contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta's economy in 2026, representing 16.9% of GDP and supporting more than one in five jobs.

In 2025, Malta recorded the highest annual increase in Travel & Tourism's GDP contribution among all European economies, growing by 16.8%. The European average was 2.6%.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said the sector contributed US$11.6 trillion to the global economy last year, nearly one in every nine jobs worldwide. She said governments must create the right conditions for seamless travel, connectivity, talent development, and sustainable growth.

MTA CEO Carlo Micallef made clear Malta is not chasing volume. He said the country wants greater economic, social, and environmental value, not just more visitors. The summit gives Malta a platform to place that ambition within a global conversation.

MTA Chairman Charles Mangion called the gathering a moment of pride and recognition of Malta's role in international tourism. He stressed that community well-being must remain at the heart of progress.

High-profile 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 the first U.S. Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams.

WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said Malta's government showed strong leadership and commitment, making it an ideal host.

The summit will cover investment, connectivity, technology, artificial intelligence, workforce development, destination competitiveness, and sustainable growth. For the MTA, the focus is on quality tourism, year-round travel, and ensuring benefits reach local businesses and communities.

International visitor spending in Europe is forecast to increase by 5.8% in 2026. Leisure travel spending is expected to grow by 3.1%, and business travel by 4.2%.

With the global travel community in Valletta, Malta has a rare chance to showcase its heritage, culture, and hospitality while shaping the conversation on a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.