US, Oct. 10 -- Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela called for tourism growth that improves residents' quality of life, protects national heritage, and delivers greater value during his address to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Valletta on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Despite record tourism performance, Abela argued that visitor numbers alone cannot define success. Malta welcomed more than four million tourists in 2025, generating over 3.9 billion in spending, according to figures he presented.

Linking tourism to Malta Vision 2050, he urged investment in better infrastructure, employment, authentic experiences and sustainability. His address became personal when he considered the country his daughter would inherit...