India wins bid to host WTTC Global Summit in 2027; the event in Delhi expected to see 5000 attendees

This was announced by WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre, in presence of Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Govt of India, WTTC President and CEO, Gloria Guevara, Suman Billa, AS & DG, Ministry of Tourism, while the council rolled down the curtains on its Summit in Valletta today.

India will host the next World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in 2027. The announcement made in Malta today marks a significant vote of confidence in India’s tourism sector as the country simultaneously seeks to strengthen its position as a global tourism powerhouse.

The announcement, made during the closing ceremony of the WTTC Global Summit in Malta by WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre, puts India at the centre of the global Travel & Tourism conversation at a time when the country is starting to talk inbound now and moving towards its 2047 set goals. He said the India won the bit out of 20 propositions. 

The Tourism Minister said, "India offers the world an experience that is both timeless and also constantly evolving. We believe that the future of tourism must be built through sharing partnerships between government and industry. Combining public investment and enabling policies with private capital, innovation, technology and the creativity of our people. As we look towards 2027, India stands ready to welcome the global tourism community, not merely to showcase its extraordinary destinations, but to advance a shared vision of tourism that is inclusive, sustainable, innovative and accessible." 

The significance of the Summit extends well beyond hosting a three-day industry gathering. The WTTC Summit brings together heads of government, tourism ministers, CEOs of some of the world’s largest travel and hospitality companies, investors and senior industry stakeholders. Hosting it gives India a powerful platform to present its tourism priorities, investment opportunities and destination story directly to the global travel industry.

The announcement also comes against the backdrop of India’s stated ambition to substantially increase the contribution of tourism to its economy at about 10% and position the sector as a key driver of employment, investment and development.

WTTC's previous editions have brought together senior policymakers and industry leaders around subjects including investment, sustainability, resilience, technology, connectivity, and the changing traveller.

India’s hosting of the 2027 edition will therefore give the country an opportunity to shape that global agenda from its own backyard.

The Indian delegation at the Malta Summit was led by Union Minister Shekhawat, along with Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and DG, Ministry of Tourism, who also participated in discussions with global tourism leaders.

"The strategy is to position India as a viable investment destination by engaging states and securing investment decisions at an upcoming summit. The plan involves structured engagement, early conversations, and facilitating investments, with a target of at least five thousand attendees for the conference," said Billa. 

The venue city, as announced, is Delhi and other details of the 2027 Summit will be closely watched. The tentative summit month is October. Additionally, this Summit could also serve as a catalyst for infrastructure upgrades, better international visibility and stronger public-private partnerships in the eventual host destination.