Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be a headline speaker at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 26th Global Summit, taking place in Valletta from Oct. 7-9, 2026.

Held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET,” the summit will bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including more than 200 Travel & Tourism CEOs, senior executives and government leaders.

Discussions will focus on the forces reshaping the sector and how innovation, investment, collaboration and leadership can build a more resilient, sustainable and competitive industry.

Trudeau’s experience leading a G7 country and responding to major global challenges is expected to add an international perspective to discussions on leadership, resilience and cooperation.

WTTC data shows global Travel & Tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025, increasing 8.5% year-on-year, while the sector contributed a record $11.6 trillion to global GDP. The figures underline the importance of continued investment in tourism infrastructure, connectivity, destinations and jobs.

The three-day summit will examine geopolitical changes affecting travel, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, aviation and connectivity, destination development, sustainability, workforce needs and changing traveller expectations.

Senior Maltese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg and Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela, will join international government and destination leaders.

Malta was selected to host the summit from 21 candidate destinations, reflecting its tourism performance and growing reputation as a destination for international business events.

The gathering is expected to showcase Malta’s heritage, hospitality and connectivity while creating opportunities for investment, partnerships and future business.

The event will also attract international media, offering journalists an opportunity to cover global tourism discussions while experiencing Malta and its visitor offering firsthand.

The Maltese government and Malta Tourism Authority have supported the summit, which is expected to leave a lasting economic and international profile beyond the three-day event.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau to Malta alongside more than 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders. His participation adds another powerful voice to a Summit that will bring together an extraordinary concentration of global leadership to discuss the future of our sector.

For three days, Malta will be at the centre of the global Travel & Tourism conversation. We are grateful to the Government of Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority for their tremendous support in bringing this global gathering to Valletta, and we look forward to showcasing Malta’s remarkable tourism story while working together to shape a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future for our sector.”

Ceo of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mr Carlo Micallef stated: “Hosting the WTTC Global Summit is an opportunity to present Malta not only as the destination we are today, but as the destination we are building for the future. Our focus is firmly on quality, to deliver better visitor experiences and creating long-term value, whilst protecting our communities, heritage and identity. The Summit will also create important opportunities for new partnerships, investment and innovation.”

Malta Tourism Authority Chairman, Dr Charles Mangion continued: “The theme of this year’s Summit, FUTU[RE]SET, is a call to rethink how we measure and shape the future of tourism. As an island destination, Malta understands the importance of balancing growth with quality and sustainability. Hosting this Summit gives us a unique opportunity to bring together global leaders, ideas and partnerships that can help create greater value for our communities and future generations.” -TradeArabia News Service