Robert Abela Receives Leadership In Tourism Award During Global Summit In Malta

Prime Minister Robert Abela has received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Leadership in Tourism Award in recognition of Malta’s performance and leadership in the tourism sector.

The award was presented by WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio during the WTTC Global Summit being held in Malta, which brought together around 1,000 delegates and almost 200 journalists from across the world.

Addressing the summit, Abela said the next step for Malta’s tourism sector should move beyond simply increasing visitor numbers and focus on quality, greater value and sustainability.

He highlighted the strong performance of the industry, noting that Malta welcomed more than four million tourists last year for the first time, generating over €3.9 billion in total expenditure. This positive trend continued during the first eight months of this year, with more than 3.1 million visitors arriving in Malta and spending almost €3 billion.

The Prime Minister said that while Malta’s Mediterranean summer holiday offering remains an important part of the country’s tourism product, the island is increasingly becoming a year-round destination through areas including cultural tourism, conferences, business travel, weddings, gastronomy, diving, wellness and language learning.

Abela also stressed the importance of maintaining higher standards throughout the sector, including improved infrastructure, skills, quality employment, technology and sustainable practices.

He said Malta’s future tourism strategy is focused on attracting visitors who appreciate the country’s culture, heritage and local businesses, while ensuring that tourism continues to benefit communities and the wider economy.