Malta. Photo: Shutterstock The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced a collective commitment of $2 billion in new investment in Malta, with members citing confidence in the country's tourism industry and its long-term growth prospects.
The announcement was made during the WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Valletta, which brought together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading travel and tourism CEOs and government representatives.
The investment is expected to support several areas of Malta's visitor economy, including infrastructure, accommodation, connectivity and tourism experiences.
The commitment comes as tourism continues to play a significant role in Malta's economy. According to the WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research, travel and tourism is forecast to contribute US$4.9 billion to the country's economy in 2026, equivalent to 16.9% of gross domestic product (GDP), while supporting more than one in five jobs.
The country's travel and tourism contribution to GDP increased by 16.8%, the highest annual rise among European economies, compared with a European average of 2.6%, according to the WTTC.
International visitor spending also grew. Malta recorded a 16.1% annual increase in visitor exports in 2025, the highest growth among EU economies and the second highest across Europe. The corresponding growth rates were 2.4% for the EU and 1.3% for Europe overall.
WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said the investment commitment reflected members' confidence in Malta's government and its potential as a tourism destination. He added that investment in infrastructure, connectivity and the visitor experience could help the country build on its tourism growth while creating economic opportunities for residents.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the Maltese government's approach to public-private collaboration, saying sustained investment could support employment, innovation, infrastructure development and destination competitiveness.
The summit, held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET,” focused on the forces reshaping the travel and tourism industry and the steps governments and businesses can take to encourage investment and support long-term growth.
With executives from aviation, hospitality, travel technology, tourism investment and destination management attending, the event also gave Malta an opportunity to present its investment prospects to international industry leaders.
The $2 billion commitment signals private-sector interest in Malta's tourism economy, although the impact will depend on how the investment is allocated and which projects move forward.