WTTC Global Summit Opens in Malta as European Travel and Tourism Set to Outpace Wider Economy
WTTC Forecasts Strong Growth for Europe’s Travel & Tourism Sector in 2026
Europe Expected to Outperform Global Economy
- The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts 3.1% growth for Europe’s Travel & Tourism sector in 2026, exceeding the 2.6% growth recorded in 2025.
- Global Travel & Tourism is expected to grow 2.5%, with Europe projected to outperform this average.
Growth in Visitor Spending
- International visitor spending in Europe is forecast to increase by 5.8%.
- Leisure travel spending is expected to grow by 3.1%.
- Business travel spending is projected to rise by 4.2%.
WTTC Global Summit Opens in Malta
- More than 1,000 delegates are attending WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta.
- The event includes over 200 Travel & Tourism CEOs, government leaders, and more than 100 speakers.
Industry Leadership Calls for Action
- Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said the sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite geopolitical and economic challenges.
- She emphasized the need for governments to support seamless travel, connectivity, talent development, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Key Topics at the Summit
- Investment and connectivity
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Workforce development
- Destination competitiveness
- Sustainable tourism growth
Malta’s Tourism Performance
- WTTC forecasts Travel & Tourism will contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta’s economy in 2026, accounting for 16.9% of GDP.
- The sector is expected to support more than one in five jobs in the country.
- In 2025, Malta recorded the highest annual increase in Travel & Tourism GDP contribution in Europe, growing by 16.8%, compared with the European average of 2.6%.
Key Takeaway
WTTC’s latest outlook highlights the continued strength of Europe’s Travel & Tourism sector, with robust growth in visitor spending and travel demand, while industry leaders focus on investment, innovation, connectivity, and sustainability to maintain long-term competitiveness.
