VALLETTA, Malta, Oct. 8, 2026 — The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has honoured Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, H.E. Ian Borg, with its Global Leadership Award for his support for Travel & Tourism and commitment to stronger government-private sector collaboration.
The award was presented during the WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Valletta, which has attracted more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government leaders from around the world.
The WTTC Global Leadership Award recognises exceptional leaders from host destinations who demonstrate a commitment to advancing Travel & Tourism through collaboration, innovation and close engagement with industry stakeholders.
Borg was recognised for his role in promoting cooperation between Malta’s government and the private sector, supporting dialogue with global industry leaders and helping to create an environment conducive to investment, tourism growth and long-term competitiveness.
The recognition comes as Malta showcases its growing influence in global tourism, with the hosting of the WTTC Global Summit providing the country an opportunity to promote its tourism attractions, connectivity, business environment and cultural heritage to some of the sector’s most influential decision-makers.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism is projected to contribute US$4.9 billion to Malta’s economy in 2026, equivalent to 16.9 per cent of the country’s GDP, while supporting more than one in five jobs.
Malta also recorded the strongest annual growth in Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP among European economies in 2025, with the sector’s economic contribution rising by 16.8 per cent, compared with the European average of 2.6 per cent.
WTTC President and CEO, Gloria Guevara, said Borg had demonstrated strong leadership by recognising the importance of government-business cooperation in building a resilient and competitive tourism economy.
“Deputy Prime Minister Borg has been a true champion of engagement with the private sector, recognising that the strongest tourism economies are built through close collaboration between governments and businesses,” she said.
Guevara added that Borg’s commitment to dialogue had helped strengthen Malta’s position as a leading tourism destination and played an important role in bringing the global Travel & Tourism community together in Valletta.
She said the award recognised his efforts to foster partnerships capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
