Malta is set to welcome some major names in the global tourism industry as the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 26th global summit kicks off in Valletta. 

Some of the biggest names include Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, Elie Maalouf, Global CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group, Jane Sun, CEO of the Trip.com Group, Alejandro Reynal, President & Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons, and Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, 

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be a headline speaker, as will former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar and Special Presidential Envoy for US Tourism Nick Adams. 

Several tourism ministers, secretaries and high-ranking officials from around the world will also attend, including representatives from Spain, Italy, South Africa, Greece, Croatia, Türkiye, India, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, Mexico, and of course Malta.

The WTTC is the global body representing the private sector of travel and tourism and its annual summit is described as the most influential gathering of public and private travel leaders anywhere in the world.

Taking place under the theme FUTU[RE]SET, they are expected to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry as a result of AI, digital identities and other technological advancements at the Valletta summit.

Other topics on the agenda include an examination of the future traveller, the growth of luxury and wellness tourism, the emergence of new tourism powerhouses such as India, the changing investment landscape, Europe's future competitiveness, next-generation leadership and the growing importance of accessibility and impact-driven travel.

“The programme for FUTU[RE]SET reflects the extraordinary breadth of issues shaping the future of Travel & Tourism,” MTA CEO Carlo Micallef said. 

“Over the summit, leaders from across our global industry will address some of the most important questions facing our sector.”

“What makes this programme particularly valuable is the diversity of perspectives it brings together. Airlines, airports, hotels, cruise operators, technology companies, governments, tourism authorities and international organisations will all have a seat at the table, creating an important platform for sharing experience, challenging established thinking and identifying opportunities for collaboration.”