India has been selected to host the 2027 World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Delhi, the organization announced at the closing ceremony in Valletta, Malta. The decision, made by WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre, follows India’s successful bid out of 20 proposals and positions the country at the center of global tourism discussions. Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara joined the announcement, highlighting India’s growing prominence in the sector.
The summit, expected to draw at least five thousand attendees, will bring together government leaders, industry executives, and investors to discuss pressing issues in travel and tourism. Suman Billa, India’s Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, outlined plans to leverage the event as a platform for infrastructure upgrades and enhanced international visibility. The gathering is tentatively scheduled for October 2027.
Economic Momentum and Tourism Goals
India’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with Travel & Tourism contributing USD 263.6 billion to the economy in 2025 and supporting 46.2 million jobs, according to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research. The sector is projected to grow by 8.5% in 2026, reaching USD 286.1 billion and creating 48.1 million jobs. By 2036, contributions from tourism are expected to exceed USD 527 billion, aligning with India’s ambition to increase the sector’s economic share to around 10%.
Shekhawat emphasized India’s vision of building tourism through partnerships between government and industry, combining public investment with private innovation and technology. “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,” he stated, highlighting the country’s commitment to shaping a shared global vision.
Global Platform for Tourism Leadership
The Indian delegation in Malta included key officials who engaged with global tourism leaders to explore collaborative opportunities. Billa reiterated the strategy to position India as an attractive investment destination through structured engagement and early partnerships, with the summit serving as a catalyst for finalizing deals.
The venue city, as announced, is Delhi and other details of the 2027 Summit will be closely watched. 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.