Malta. Photo: Shutterstock The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has joined the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Destination Partner, strengthening cooperation between the global tourism organization and one of Europe’s leading travel destinations.
The partnership comes as Malta prepares to host the WTTC Global Summit 2026 in Valletta from October 7 to 9, bringing together tourism leaders, government ministers, CEOs and investors from around the world.
The new collaboration is expected to give Malta a stronger platform within the international tourism industry while supporting discussions around sustainable growth, innovation and public-private cooperation.
Blue Lagoon, Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaThe Malta Tourism Authority is responsible for promoting Malta as a leading tourism destination and works with government bodies, tourism businesses, local communities and international stakeholders.
Its role includes supporting the development of Malta’s tourism industry, promoting quality standards, encouraging workforce development and helping protect the country’s cultural heritage.
The October summit will bring together senior figures from the global Travel & Tourism industry to discuss the sector’s future.
The event will also provide Malta with an opportunity to present its tourism development and sustainability efforts to international decision-makers.
For Malta, hosting the summit represents recognition of its growing position within the global tourism industry and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships between governments and private-sector tourism businesses.
Jo Etienne Abela, Malta’s Minister for Tourism, said the partnership will strengthen Malta’s engagement with international tourism leaders while providing opportunities to share the country's experience, learn from international partners and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Abela also emphasized Malta’s goal of remaining a destination focused on quality, authenticity and memorable visitor experiences while ensuring tourism continues to benefit the economy, local communities and future generations.
He described hosting the WTTC Global Summit as recognition of Malta’s growing international tourism role and an opportunity to showcase the Maltese Islands and their vision for the future of tourism.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, welcomed the Malta Tourism Authority as a Destination Partner, saying the partnership comes at an exciting time for Malta, particularly as the country prepares to host the WTTC Global Summit.
She highlighted Malta’s heritage, hospitality and approach to sustainable growth, saying the summit will give the destination an opportunity to showcase these strengths to tourism leaders from around the world.
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, described the Destination Partnership as a major step for the authority.