The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has awarded Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg the organisation’s Global Leadership Award for his role in boosting tourism growth through close government-private sector collaboration. The award comes as the WTTC Global Summit kicks off in Valletta, attracting more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading travel & tourism company executives, CEOs and government representatives from across the globe. Delegates are expected to discuss emerging opportunities, industry challenges as well as strategies for growing a more competitive and sustainable travel industry.
WTTC Recognises Tourism Leadership
The WTTC Global Leadership award recognises influential leaders from countries hosting its global summits who have shown a strong commitment to enhancing tourism through innovative approaches, engaging with key stakeholders and driving business investment to meet industry needs.
Deputy Prime Minister Borg was recognised for his role in facilitating closer government-private sector collaboration to enhance Malta’s tourism industry. In his preparations for the global summit, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg facilitated extensive discussion between the Maltese government and international tourism leaders.
Moreover, his advocacy for closer government-private sector partnerships reflected a strong commitment to engaging with the private sector to create a conducive investment environment; boost industry competitiveness; and promote sustainable economic growth.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara noted that Ian Borg had shown a strong commitment to private sector collaboration saying that successful tourism economies were a result of effective government-private sector partnerships. In her comments, Ms Guevara highlighted that Mr Borg’s leadership had enhanced Malta’s appeal as a tourism destination while at the same time uniting the international travel & tourism community in Valletta.
Global Summit Boosts Malta’s Profile
The hosting of the WTTC Global Summit is an opportunity for Malta to present its tourism offerings, international connectivity, business environment and cultural heritage to some of the most influential decision-makers in the global travel industry. In addition, the summit creates a networking platform, an exchange of ideas and opportunities for collaborations and investment discussions.
Malta’s hosting of the WTTC Global Summit is more than an international industry event as it provides an opportunity to enhance the country’s tourism credentials; strengthen government-business relationships; and demonstrate its ability to attract international visitors and investment. In addition, recognition of the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg is a fitting testimony to the importance of government-private sector partnerships in supporting the country’s tourism industry.
Tourism Foreseen To Grow To US$4.9 Billion Contribution To Malta’s Economy
According to the latest WTTC Economic Impact Research, the travel & tourism sector is set to contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta’s economy in 2026, representing 16.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Furthermore, the sector is expected to support over a fifth of Malta’s total employment, highlighting its significant contribution to the country’s overall economy.
Malta’s tourism performance has also been stellar in the European market with the country posting the highest annual tourism GDP growth of 16.8% in 2025 – well above the 2.6% average for the wider European region. These positive trends are expected to continue with Malta set to benefit significantly from enhanced business investment, improved government-private sector partnerships and an enhanced competitiveness in attracting international visitors. By hosting the WTTC Global Summit, Malta is set to leverage this growing momentum to continue to enhance its appeal in this competitive market.
