India will host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in 2027, bringing together leading travel and tourism executives, government representatives and industry decision-makers in Delhi as the country strengthens its position in the global tourism market.
The announcement was made at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, where Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, participated in discussions on the future of the industry. He was also honoured with a WTTC Global Champion Award in recognition of his leadership and contribution to travel and tourism.
India was selected to host the prestigious event following a competitive bidding process involving 22 destinations. The annual WTTC Global Summit is one of the industry’s foremost international gatherings, attracting senior representatives from governments and the private sector to discuss emerging trends, investment opportunities and strategies for sustainable growth.
The 2027 edition will provide India with an international platform to showcase its diverse tourism offerings, the strength of its domestic travel market and its growing appeal among international visitors. It will also bring public- and private-sector leaders together to explore opportunities and address challenges shaping the future of global travel and tourism.
India’s selection comes amid strong growth in its tourism economy. According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, the country’s travel and tourism sector contributed US$263.6 billion to the economy in 2025, registering growth of 7.3% and supporting 46.2 million jobs, equivalent to more than one in every ten jobs nationally.
The positive outlook is expected to continue into 2026, with WTTC forecasting an 8.5% increase in the sector’s economic contribution to US$286.1 billion. Employment supported by the industry is projected to rise to 48.1 million. Over the following decade, the sector’s economic contribution is expected to nearly double, reaching US$527 billion by 2036.
India’s vast domestic tourism market remains a key driver of this expansion. Domestic visitor spending reached US$203 billion in 2025, accounting for 86% of total travel and tourism expenditure. At the same time, rising international interest presents considerable scope to expand inbound tourism and increase the country’s share of global visitor spending.
WTTC projects that India will rise from the world’s tenth-largest travel and tourism economy to fourth place by 2036. The anticipated growth in international visitor expenditure further highlights the potential to strengthen the country’s position as a major global destination.
The country’s diverse tourism assets, expanding infrastructure and growing connectivity offer opportunities across leisure travel, business tourism, hospitality, aviation, technology, investment and destination development. Hosting the Global Summit is expected to create opportunities for international businesses and investors to engage with Indian stakeholders, explore partnerships and gain insights into the country’s evolving tourism landscape.
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of WTTC, said India had been chosen from among 22 destinations to host the Council’s flagship event.
“We are delighted to bring the world’s most important Travel & Tourism event to India in 2027, chosen from among 22 destinations. Delhi will provide the perfect stage for global leaders to come together, drive collaboration, and continue shaping the future of the sector,” he said.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, highlighted India’s tourism potential, economic growth and increasing international connectivity.
“India is a country with extraordinary tourism potential and a sector that is already delivering remarkable economic growth. Its scale, ambition and growing global connectivity make it a natural place to bring the world’s Travel & Tourism leaders together,” she said.
Guevara added that the summit would offer an opportunity to showcase India to WTTC’s global membership, strengthen public-private partnerships and explore ways to attract a greater share of international tourism demand.
The decision to bring the summit to India reflects the country’s growing significance in the global travel and tourism industry. While domestic travel provides a strong foundation for expansion, attracting more international visitors will be crucial to the next phase of growth.
By bringing together influential industry leaders, investors and policymakers, the 2027 summit is expected to facilitate discussions on investment, infrastructure, aviation connectivity, hospitality, technology and destination development. It will also reinforce the importance of collaboration between governments and businesses in unlocking tourism’s economic potential.
For India, hosting the WTTC Global Summit represents an opportunity not only to promote its tourism diversity to the world but also to strengthen international partnerships and position the country as a leading force in the future of global travel and tourism.
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