WTTC Announces High Profile Speakers for 2026 Global Summit

Image: Aerial view of Valletta, Malta. (Photo Credit: Malta Tourism Authority)
Image: Aerial view of Valletta, Malta. (Photo Credit: Malta Tourism Authority)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 8:45 AM ET, Mon September 14, 2026

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced more high-profile speakers set to attend its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta next month.

The highly anticipated 2026 iteration will be held from October 7-9 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre and will feature insights from former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar and the first-ever Special Presidential Envoy for U.S. Tourism, Nick Adams.

The duo will join more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including 200 of the world's leading travel and tourism CEOs, senior executives and government leaders, WTTC said.

"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," said Adams.

"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," WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said in a statement. "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," she added. "Bringing political and business leaders together in Malta gives us a unique opportunity to challenge conventional thinking, share ideas and turn ambition into action."

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef 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," Micallef concluded.

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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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