The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has entered into a new Destination Partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), strengthening cooperation between the global tourism body and Malta as the Mediterranean destination prepares to host the WTTC Global Summit 2026 in Valletta. The partnership is expected to give Malta greater engagement with international tourism leaders while creating opportunities to exchange expertise, promote sustainable tourism development and strengthen cooperation between governments and the private sector.
Partnership Strengthens Malta’s Role in Global Tourism
The Malta Tourism Authority is responsible for promoting, regulating and developing tourism across the Maltese Islands. Through its work with government institutions, businesses, communities and international partners, the authority seeks to support tourism-led economic development while preserving Malta’s cultural and environmental assets.
The MTA also works to improve standards across the tourism industry, support tourism professionals and strengthen Malta’s position as a competitive international destination. Its responsibilities extend from destination promotion and quality initiatives to tourism licensing, compliance, research, visitor information and destination development. Malta’s tourism offering is built around its historic heritage, Mediterranean character, hospitality and diverse visitor experiences. The new WTTC partnership is expected to help further showcase these strengths to a global audience while supporting the country’s efforts to develop a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry.
Valletta to Host WTTC Global Summit in October
The partnership comes ahead of one of its most significant international tourism events. Valletta will host the WTTC Global Summit from October 7 to 9, 2026, bringing together senior executives from the travel industry, government ministers, investors and tourism policymakers from different parts of the world.
The summit will provide Malta with an opportunity to present its tourism achievements and future plans to influential international stakeholders. Discussions are expected to focus on the future direction of Travel & Tourism, including sustainable development, innovation and stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors. For Malta, hosting the summit is also an opportunity to reinforce its visibility in the international tourism market and demonstrate how the country is balancing tourism growth with the protection of its heritage and local communities.
Malta Se Focus on Quality and Sustainable Growth
Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the partnership arrives at an important stage for Malta as the country prepares to welcome global tourism leaders to Valletta. He highlighted the opportunity to share its tourism experience with international partners, learn from other destinations, and identify new avenues for sustainable growth.
According to Abela, Malta aims to preserve its reputation for quality, authenticity and memorable visitor experiences while ensuring tourism continues to generate benefits for the economy, local communities and future generations. WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara also welcomed the partnership, saying its upcoming role as summit host would allow the destination to present its heritage, hospitality and approach to sustainable tourism before leading figures from the global industry.
MTA Highlights Global Industry Engagement
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, described the Destination Partnership as an important development for the organisation and its tourism sector. He said the agreement will provide Malta with a stronger platform to engage directly with influential decision-makers across the international travel industry. Micallef added that cooperation with WTTC ahead of the Valletta summit reflects its intention to build a tourism sector that is sustainable, resilient and competitive while capitalising on the distinctive heritage and experiences of the Maltese Islands.
The WTTC represents the private sector of the global Travel & Tourism industry and brings together senior leaders from areas including accommodation, aviation, airports, cruises, tour operations, technology and destinations. Through industry-government collaboration, policy engagement and research, the council promotes the economic and social importance of tourism and advocates for sustainable sector growth. With the new partnership and the upcoming Global Summit, Malta is set to gain an expanded international platform to promote its tourism strengths, strengthen industry relationships and advance its vision for sustainable tourism development.
