WTTC Announces Right Honourable Justin Trudeau As Headline Speaker for Malta Global Summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada, will be a headline speaker at its 26th Global Summit taking place between 7–9 October 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, joining more than 1,000 delagates from over 100 countries and over 200 leading Travel & Tourism CEOs, senior executives and government leaders.

Held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET”, the Summit will bring together the global Travel & Tourism community to examine the forces reshaping the sector and explore how innovation, investment, collaboration and leadership can help build a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future.

Mr. Trudeau will join a high-level programme featuring influential voices from across the global Travel & Tourism sector, alongside senior government representatives from around the world. His experience leading a G7 nation and navigating major global challenges will bring a valuable international perspective to discussions around leadership, resilience and cooperation.

WTTC’s latest EIR data shows that global Travel & Tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025, growing by 8.5% year-on-year, as the whole sector outperformed the wider global economy and contributed a record $11.6 trillion to world GDP. The findings reinforce the importance of sustained capital investment in driving job creation, destination development, connectivity, and long-term economic growth. 

Across three days, leaders will explore some of the most pressing issues facing Travel & Tourism, including the impact of geopolitical change on global travel, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the future of aviation and connectivity, investment and destination development, and the changing expectations of travellers.

The programme will also examine how the sector can build greater resilience in an increasingly complex world, while continuing to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value for businesses, destinations and communities. Discussions will bring together leaders from across the public and private sectors, creating a unique platform for new ideas, partnerships and practical solutions.

With AI and technology, investment, sustainability, workforce development and the future traveller among the themes shaping the Summit agenda, the conversations taking place in Malta will look beyond the immediate challenges facing the industry to consider how Travel & Tourism can evolve over the coming decade.

The Summit will feature senior government participation from Malta and around the world, including Hon. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health of Malta, and Dr Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Tourism of Malta, alongside other government and destination leaders.

Malta was selected to host the 2026 WTTC Global Summit following interest from 21 destinations around the world. The selection recognises the country’s strong tourism leadership, it’s clear commitment to the sector and its growing reputation as a world-class tourism and business events destination. 

With more than 200 global Travel & Tourism leaders and government representatives, Malta will become the epicentre of the global Travel & Tourism sector during the Summit, placing the country at the heart of conversations that will help shape the industry’s next chapter. 

For Malta, the Summit provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase its tourism success story, hospitality, heritage, connectivity and diverse visitor offering to an international audience of influential decision-makers. For many of the delegates attending, it will also be their first opportunity to experience the Maltese Islands at first hand.

The presence of such a significant concentration of global business leaders also creates a unique opportunity for Malta to strengthen international relationships and attract future investment, while showcasing the excellence of its tourism sector. The benefits of hosting the Summit are intended to extend well beyond the three-day event, creating opportunities for future business, investment and partnerships and supporting Malta’s international reputation for years to come.

The Maltese Government has played a key role in supporting the development of the country’s Travel & Tourism sector and in bringing the WTTC Global Summit to Valletta. Its support, alongside that of the Malta Tourism Authority, has been instrumental in bringing this global gathering to Malta and will help create a lasting legacy from the event.

The strength of Malta’s tourism performance provides an important backdrop to the Summit. The country has experienced significant growth in international visitor arrivals in recent years, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading tourism destinations and demonstrating the importance of Travel & Tourism to its wider economy.

The Summit will also bring an international media delegation to Malta, giving journalists from around the world the opportunity to report on the global Travel & Tourism conversations taking place in Valletta while experiencing the destination, its heritage and its renowned Maltese hospitality first-hand.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau to Malta alongside more than 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders. His participation adds another powerful voice to a Summit that will bring together an extraordinary concentration of global leadership to discuss the future of our sector.

For three days, Malta will be at the centre of the global Travel & Tourism conversation. We are grateful to the Government of Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority for their tremendous support in bringing this global gathering to Valletta, and we look forward to showcasing Malta’s remarkable tourism story while working together to shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future for our sector.”

CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mr Carlo Micallef stated: “Hosting the WTTC Global Summit is an opportunity to present Malta not only as the destination we are today, but as the destination we are building for the future. Our focus is firmly on quality, to deliver better visitor experiences and creating long-term value, whilst protecting our communities, heritage and identity. The Summit will also create important opportunities for new partnerships, investment and innovation.”

Malta Tourism Authority Chairman, Dr Charles Mangion continued: “The theme of this year’s Summit, FUTU[RE]SET, is a call to rethink how we measure and shape the future of tourism. As an island destination, Malta understands the importance of balancing growth with quality and sustainability. Hosting this Summit gives us a unique opportunity to bring together global leaders, ideas and partnerships that can help create greater value for our communities and future generations.”

For senior executives looking to be part of this landmark gathering, WTTC is offering a limited number of Executive Access Passes to the 2026 Global Summit. For the first time, senior leaders from organisations outside the WTTC Membership community can join the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders in Valletta, with access to the full Summit agenda, exclusive networking opportunities and key social events. Executive Access Passes are limited and available now. Find out more and secure your Executive Access Pass