India to Host WTTC Global Summit 2027, the World’s Most Important Tourism Event
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that India will host the WTTC Global Summit 2027 in New Delhi, bringing together the world's leading tourism CEOs, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. India secured the hosting rights following a competitive selection process involving 21 destinations.
Why It Matters
The WTTC Global Summit is regarded as one of the most influential events in the global travel and tourism industry. Hosting the summit provides India an opportunity to:
- Showcase its diverse tourism offerings to a global audience.
- Highlight the strength of its domestic tourism market.
- Attract international visitors, investors, and tourism businesses.
- Foster public-private partnerships across the travel ecosystem.
Position itself as a leading tourism destination and investment hub.
India's Tourism Sector on a Strong Growth Trajectory
According to WTTC's Economic Impact Research:
2025 Performance
- Travel & Tourism contributed US$263.6 billion to India's economy.
- Sector growth reached 7.3%.
- Supported 46.2 million jobs, representing more than one in ten jobs nationwide.
2026 Forecast
- Economic contribution expected to rise to US$286.1 billion.
- Growth projected at 8.5%.
- Employment expected to increase to 48.1 million jobs.
Long-Term Outlook
- The sector is forecast to nearly double in size to US$527 billion by 2036.
- India is expected to move from the 10th-largest Travel & Tourism economy to the 4th-largest globally by 2036.
Domestic Tourism Driving Growth
India's domestic travel market remains the backbone of the sector:
- Domestic visitor spending reached US$203 billion in 2025.
- Domestic travel accounted for 86% of total tourism spending.
- WTTC sees substantial opportunities to expand international visitor spending in the coming decade.
Leadership Recognition
- The announcement was made during the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, where Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in discussions on the future of tourism and received a WTTC Global Champion Award for his contribution to the sector.
WTTC Leadership Comments
- Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, WTTC Chairman, said New Delhi will provide an ideal platform for global leaders to collaborate and help shape the future of travel and tourism.
- Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, described India as a tourism powerhouse with exceptional growth potential, noting that the 2027 Summit will allow global industry leaders to experience India's opportunities firsthand and strengthen public-private cooperation.
Opportunities for Business and Investment
The 2027 Summit is expected to create opportunities across:
- Hospitality
- Aviation
- Tourism infrastructure
- Travel technology
- Destination development
- Business travel
- Foreign and domestic investment
The event will also enable international stakeholders to engage directly with India's rapidly evolving tourism ecosystem and explore new partnerships.
Bottom Line
The selection of India as host of the WTTC Global Summit 2027 is a significant endorsement of the country's growing influence in global tourism. With a booming domestic market, expanding infrastructure, strong economic contribution, and ambitious growth projections, India is positioning itself as one of the world's most important travel and tourism destinations for the decade ahead.
