Valletta has retained its place among the world’s most highly regarded cities, ranking fifth in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, as Malta continues to strengthen its position in the international tourism market.

The annual ranking placed Valletta fifth worldwide with a score of 95.76, following Bangkok, Paris, Istanbul and Rome. The result marks a change from 2025, when the Maltese capital claimed first place, but keeps Valletta firmly within the top tier of global city destinations.

The recognition provides a further boost to Malta’s tourism profile at a time when the sector is recording record visitor numbers and expenditure, with potential implications for hospitality, property investment and the wider services economy.

According to Condé Nast Traveller, Valletta’s appeal lies in its combination of historic architecture, boutique hospitality and an increasingly prominent creative scene. The capital’s historic streets, restored palazzos and Mediterranean setting continue to distinguish it from larger international destinations.

The ranking comes amid a strong performance for Malta’s tourism industry.

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), Malta welcomed 4,022,310 inbound tourists in 2025, representing an increase of 12.9 per cent compared with the previous year. Total tourist expenditure reached approximately €3.9 billion, up 18.6 per cent year-on-year, while guest nights increased by 11 per cent to 25.4 million.

Malta’s latest tourism figures also reinforce the importance of attracting visitors who contribute more to the local economy.

The government has identified higher-value tourism, environmental sustainability and stronger off-peak demand as priorities for the sector. The 2025 results provide encouraging evidence, with tourist expenditure growing faster than arrivals and visitor numbers increasing during traditionally quieter months.

Valletta is well positioned to support this approach. Its museums, historic sites, restaurants and cultural programme provide reasons to visit throughout the year, potentially helping businesses reduce their dependence on the peak summer season.

Valletta’s fifth-place finish in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards confirms that Malta remains visible on the international tourism stage, even as the global competition for visitors intensifies.

With tourist expenditure nearing €4 billion and arrivals exceeding four million in 2025, the wider economic opportunity is significant.