WTTC Brings Together More Than 100 Global Speakers for the World's Most Influential Travel and Tourism Event
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the full programme for its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, themed FUTU[RE]SET. This event is positioned as the most influential gathering of public and private sector leaders in global Travel & Tourism, bringing together more than 100 speakers including CEOs, Ministers, policymakers, and former Heads of State.
Summit Focus
The programme is built around WTTC’s eight strategic priorities:
- Safe and seamless travel
- Destination stewardship
- Advancing sustainability
- Harnessing emerging technologies & AI
- Crisis preparedness
- Expanding connectivity
- Workforce development
- Unlocking investment & growth
Key Features
- Global Leaders Dialogue: Interactive panels with Ministers and CEOs discussing competitiveness and future resilience.
- WTTC Youth Movement: A new initiative engaging 90 students and 10 professors from 16 institutions, culminating in a youth-led Malta Declaration.
- Together in Travel Initiative: Supporting SMEs (which make up ~85% of the sector) with tools, networking, and stronger representation in global policy.
- Thematic Discussions: Topics include AI in travel, digital identity, resilience in disruption, destination stewardship, future mobility, accessibility, and investment opportunities.
Leadership Perspectives
- Gloria Guevara (WTTC CEO): Highlighted AI, technology, geopolitics, and new investment patterns as forces reshaping tourism.
- Carlo Micallef (Malta Tourism Authority CEO): Emphasized the diversity of perspectives across airlines, hotels, cruise operators, governments, and tech firms.
- Jo Etienne Abela (Malta’s Tourism Minister): Stressed sustainable tourism that adds value to local communities.
Notable Speakers
- Former leaders: Justin Trudeau (Canada), José María Aznar (Spain).
- Ministers from Spain, Italy, South Africa, Greece, Croatia, Türkiye, India, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, US, Mexico.
- Industry CEOs: Hilton, IHG, Accor, Four Seasons, MSC Group, Trip.com, Marriott, Dubai Airports, Indian Hotels Company, Visit California, Virtuoso, Intrepid Travel, Microsoft, Google, Amadeus, among others.
Why It Matters
This summit is a strategic platform for shaping the next decade of tourism, blending government policy with private sector innovation. It highlights how AI, sustainability, and investment will define future competitiveness, while also giving youth and SMEs a stronger voice in the industry.
