Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has been presented with the Global Leadership Award by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), as Malta hosts some of the industry's most prominent international figures for the organisation's 26th Global Summit.

Dr Borg, who currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, received the recognition on Wednesday evening (yesterday), having previously held responsibility for Malta's tourism portfolio between November 2024 and June 2026.

Announcing the recognition on social media, Dr Borg dedicated the award to those working within Malta's tourism industry.

"I share this recognition with everyone contributing to Malta's success in tourism, especially those whose dedication makes our country such a welcoming destination," he wrote.

"Thank you to WTTC for this honour and for bringing global tourism leaders together in Malta."

Valletta is currently hosting the WTTC's 26th Global Summit, bringing together executives, policymakers and representatives from across the international travel and tourism industry.

Among those attending are Hilton Worldwide President and CEO Christopher Nassetta, IHG Hotels & Resorts Global CEO Elie Maalouf, MSC Group Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun, Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal, American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley and Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar and Special Presidential Envoy for US Tourism Nick Adams are also among the summit's headline speakers.

Held under the theme FUTU[RE]SET, the summit is examining the challenges and opportunities facing the global tourism industry, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital identities, technological developments and changing traveller expectations.

Discussions also cover luxury and wellness tourism, investment trends, Europe's competitiveness and the emergence of new tourism markets.

The WTTC represents the private sector of the global travel and tourism industry, with its annual summit bringing together senior public and private sector representatives.