The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced two further speakers for its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta. The event takes place from 7–9 October 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, and His Excellency Ambassador Nick Adams, U.S. Tourism Minister, will join more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries.
The summit is also expected to bring together 200 Travel & Tourism CEOs, senior executives and government leaders.
José María Aznar and Nick Adams join summit programme
Aznar served as Prime Minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004. He will bring his experience of leading a major European economy and navigating periods of geopolitical and economic change.
His participation will add to discussions on leadership, Europe’s future competitiveness and global cooperation. It will also address the role of Travel & Tourism in connecting economies, cultures and people.
Ambassador Nick Adams is the first U.S. Tourism Minister. He said his keynote speech will focus on the international role of tourism:
“Tourism is diplomacy with a suitcase. I’m proud to bring America’s voice to Valletta and help lead the partnerships that will define the next decade of travel.”
The United States represents the world’s largest Travel & Tourism market. According to WTTC, Adams’ participation reflects growing attention to tourism. The sector is a source of economic growth, investment, jobs and international engagement.
Adams has also made public-private collaboration a central part of his international engagement. His focus includes investment, reducing barriers to growth and strengthening the long-term resilience of Travel & Tourism.
Summit to focus on future of Travel & Tourism
The 2026 WTTC Global Summit will be held under the theme “FUTU[RE]SET”.
The programme will examine forces affecting the Travel & Tourism sector. It will also consider how governments and businesses can work together on investment, competitiveness and resilience.
Topics will include geopolitical change, global competitiveness, investment, technology, connectivity and changing traveller behaviour.
The programme will also consider how Travel & Tourism can continue to create jobs, attract investment and generate economic opportunities while responding to changes in the global environment.
WTTC said the summit will provide a platform for government and industry leaders to discuss leadership and cooperation in the decade ahead.
Malta to host global Travel & Tourism leaders
More than 200 CEOs and senior leaders, government representatives and international media are expected to gather in Valletta.
For Malta, the event will provide an opportunity to present its tourism industry, hospitality, heritage, connectivity and visitor offering to an international audience.
The 2026 Global Summit follows WTTC’s efforts to bring government and private-sector leaders together to discuss issues affecting Travel & Tourism.
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said:
“We are delighted to welcome two leaders of such distinction to our Global Summit in Malta. José María Aznar brings decades of experience at the highest level of government, while Ambassador Nick Adams represents a new era of U.S. leadership in Travel & Tourism. Their perspectives will add tremendous value to the global conversation taking place in Valletta.
FUTU[RE]SET is about looking beyond today and asking what leadership, collaboration and investment are needed to build the future of our sector. Bringing political and business leaders together in Malta gives us a unique opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, share ideas and turn ambition into action.”
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, said:
“We are proud to welcome the WTTC Global Summit to Malta and to host some of the most influential voices shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. The participation of José María Aznar and Ambassador Nick Adams further strengthens an exceptional programme that will bring together global leaders from business and government. This Summit offers a unique opportunity to showcase Malta’s hospitality, heritage and connectivity, while fostering the dialogue and collaboration needed to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the sector.”
WTTC offers Executive Access Passes
WTTC is offering a limited number of Executive Access Passes for the 2026 Global Summit.
For the first time, senior leaders from organisations outside the WTTC Membership community can attend alongside Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders.
The passes include access to the full summit agenda, exclusive networking opportunities and key social events. WTTC said the Executive Access Passes are limited and available now.
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