Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will headline the speaker lineup at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 26th Global Summit in Malta, bringing a high-profile international perspective to discussions on the future of the global travel industry. Justin Trudeau’s participation is expected to add greater attention to an event that will bring together senior figures from governments, tourism businesses and destinations worldwide.
The 26th WTTC Global Summit will be held from October 7-9, 2026, at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta. More than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries are expected to attend, including more than 200 Travel & Tourism CEOs, senior executives, government officials and other industry representatives who will gather to discuss the forces transforming the sector.
Trudeau To Bring Global Leadership Perspective
WTTC announced Justin Trudeau’s participation on September 10, highlighting his experience as Canada’s former prime minister and leader of a G7 nation. During his time in office, Justin Trudeau dealt with a range of major international issues, giving Justin Trudeau’s experience that WTTC says will add a broader perspective to discussions on leadership, resilience and cooperation. Justin Trudeau’s participation will bring a high-profile voice to conversations about how the global travel and tourism industry can respond to a rapidly changing international environment.
Justin Trudeau will join a high-level program featuring government representatives, tourism executives and destination leaders from across the world. The summit will be held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET,” with sessions examining how innovation, investment, collaboration and effective leadership can help the industry respond to emerging challenges. The discussions will also look at ways to strengthen the sector’s resilience while supporting more sustainable growth and long-term development.
Global Tourism Industry To Examine Major Changes
The three-day meeting will focus on major developments that are rapidly transforming the way people travel and how tourism businesses operate. Key discussions will cover geopolitical developments, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, aviation and connectivity, along with tourism investment, destination development and changing traveler expectations. Industry leaders will examine how these shifts are affecting destinations, businesses and travelers, while considering new approaches that could help the sector remain competitive and adaptable in the years ahead.
The economic importance of Travel & Tourism will also be a major focus during the gathering. WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows that global Travel & Tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025, rising 8.5% from the previous year, while the sector contributed a record $11.6 trillion to global GDP. The figures underline the industry’s broad economic impact, supporting job creation, destination development, connectivity and long-term growth across countries and communities.
Malta To Showcase Its Tourism Sector
Malta was selected to host the 2026 WTTC Global Summit after attracting interest from 21 destinations around the world, giving the island country an important opportunity to promote its tourism sector to an international audience of industry leaders and decision-makers. The event is expected to place Malta in the spotlight as delegates from more than 100 countries gather in Valletta. Along with participating in the summit, many visitors will have an opportunity to experience the country’s historic heritage, hospitality, cultural attractions and diverse tourism offerings firsthand.
The gathering is also expected to strengthen Malta’s position as a tourism and business events destination, while creating greater exposure for its hospitality and visitor economy. The Maltese government and the Malta Tourism Authority have played a key role in bringing the summit to Valletta and are supporting its organization. Officials expect the presence of major tourism companies, investors and government representatives to help build international relationships and generate opportunities for new partnerships, investment and innovation that could continue after the three-day summit concludes.
Summit To Shape The Future Of Travel
The gathering will provide a platform for public and private sector leaders to examine how the travel industry can continue expanding while responding to economic, technological and geopolitical pressures. Discussions will look beyond immediate concerns and consider the changes needed over the next decade, with technology, sustainability, investment, workforce development and the future traveler expected to remain important areas of focus.
The summit will also attract an international media delegation, giving journalists from around the world an opportunity to cover the industry discussions and experience Malta firsthand. With more than 200 global Travel & Tourism leaders and government representatives expected in Valletta, the event will place Malta at the center of international conversations about tourism growth, resilience, investment and the industry’s next phase.
