New Delhi has been selected to host the prestigious World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in 2027, marking a pivotal milestone for India’s burgeoning tourism sector. The announcement, made during the current WTTC Global Summit in Malta, follows a highly competitive selection process that saw India emerge as the victor among 21 global destinations vying for the hosting rights.
The WTTC Global Summit stands as the travel industry’s most significant event, acting as a magnet for the world’s most influential government leaders and CEOs from the private sector. By bringing the summit to the Indian capital, the WTTC aims to spotlight the country’s rapid transformation into a global tourism powerhouse, driven by a massive, high-growth domestic market and an increasing appeal to international travelers.
India’s selection comes at a time of record-breaking momentum. According to the latest Economic Impact Research from the WTTC, the tourism sector contributed a staggering US$263.6 billion to the Indian economy in 2025. With a 7.3% growth rate, the industry currently supports 46.2 million jobs, accounting for more than one in every ten roles in the country. This upward trajectory is showing no signs of slowing; the sector is projected to reach an economic contribution of US$286.1 billion by 2026, with an ambitious forecast to nearly double in size to US$527 billion by 2036.
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of the WTTC, praised the decision, stating, “New Delhi will provide the perfect stage for global leaders to come together, drive collaboration, and continue shaping the future of the sector.”
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the WTTC, added that India’s scale and infrastructure development make it a natural home for the summit. “This will be an opportunity to showcase the country to our global membership and look at how India can capture even more of the international demand that is driving the next chapter of global travel,” she noted.
The summit is expected to serve as a high-level gateway for international investors to engage with India’s expanding ecosystem, which spans aviation, technology, hospitality, and destination development. While India’s domestic market currently accounts for 86% of total visitor spending, the 2027 event is viewed as a strategic opportunity to pivot toward the international market. Projections indicate that India is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest travel and tourism economy by 2036.
The announcement was accompanied by a moment of recognition for H.E. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, who was awarded the WTTC Global Champion Award in Malta for his leadership in navigating the industry’s significant growth. As India prepares to welcome the world in 2027, the summit is poised to redefine the country’s role on the global stage, solidifying its position as a central pillar of the future of international tourism.
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