Europe’s Tourism Sector to Outpace Broader Economy with 3.1% Growth in 2026: WTTC Summit
Europe’s travel and tourism sector is poised to surpass the wider economy in 2026, boasting a projected growth of 3.1%, an increase from 2.6% in the previous year. This forecast is based on the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The data was revealed at the inaugural press conference of the 26th WTTC Global Summit, currently taking place in Valletta, Malta, from October 7–9 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
The summit has attracted more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 eminent tourism CEOs and government officials, in addition to more than 100 speakers. The theme of the summit is “FUTU[RE]SET.” Notable attendees include former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commissioner for Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and Nick Adams, the inaugural U.S. Presidential Envoy for Tourism.
According to the WTTC data, international visitor spending in Europe is projected to increase by 5.8%, with leisure travel spending rising by 3.1% and business travel by 4.2%. On a global scale, the travel and tourism sector is anticipated to grow by 2.5% in 2026, outstripping the global economy. Malta, the host of the summit, is a standout performer in this sector. The country’s tourism contribution to GDP is predicted to hit US$4.9 billion, or 16.9% of GDP, in 2026.
Source: WTTC.org — WTTC Global Summit Opens in Malta