Delhi To Host WTTC Global Summit In 2027: What It Means For India

India will host the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Delhi in 2027, bringing together tourism leaders, business executives and government representatives from across the world. The announcement was made at the ongoing WTTC Global Summit in Malta, placing India in the spotlight as its travel and tourism sector continues to expand.

The summit is one of the industry's major global gatherings, bringing together public- and private-sector leaders to discuss investment, connectivity, infrastructure, and the future of travel. India was selected after a competitive process involving 22 destinations that expressed interest in hosting the event.

For India, hosting the summit will be an opportunity to showcase its tourism offerings to an international audience and to open conversations about investment and ways to attract more overseas visitors.

India's Tourism Sector Makes A Significant Contribution To The Economy

According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research, India's travel and tourism sector contributed USD 263.6 billion to the economy in 2025, recording growth of 7.3 per cent. The sector also supported 46.2 million jobs, accounting for more than one in every ten jobs in the country.

The growth is expected to continue in 2026. WTTC forecasts that the sector's economic contribution will rise by 8.5 per cent to USD 286.1 billion, supporting 48.1 million jobs.

The longer-term outlook is equally significant. By 2036, India's travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute USD 527 billion to the economy, nearly doubling in size over the next decade.

WTTC also expects India to move from being the world's 10th-largest travel and tourism economy to the fourth-largest by 2036. The projection highlights the country's growing importance in the global tourism market and the opportunities available to businesses across the sector.

Domestic Tourism Remains The Biggest Driver

India's large domestic travel market continues to play a central role in the sector's growth. Domestic visitor spending reached USD 203 billion in 2025, accounting for 86 per cent of the country's total travel and tourism spending.

This strong domestic base provides the industry with room to grow across sectors ranging from hospitality and aviation to local experiences and destination development. However, attracting more international visitors remains an important opportunity.

WTTC expects international visitor spending to grow significantly over the next decade. The focus will be on building on India's domestic tourism strength while encouraging more overseas travellers to explore the country's varied destinations.

Improved connectivity, expanding infrastructure and India's range of cultural, heritage, nature, and leisure experiences could help support this next phase of growth.

What The 2027 Summit Means For India

The summit will bring global tourism businesses and decision-makers to Delhi, creating opportunities for discussions on investment, partnerships, and the development of India's tourism infrastructure.

The event is also expected to put the country's tourism offerings before WTTC's international membership. Businesses across hospitality, aviation, technology, business travel, and destination management will have an opportunity to explore potential collaborations.

For India, the larger challenge will be to translate its growing domestic market into greater international demand. The summit provides a platform to discuss how the country can improve its global tourism appeal and strengthen public-private partnerships.

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of WTTC, said the organisation was pleased to bring the event to India after considering 22 destinations. He added that Delhi would provide a platform for global leaders to collaborate and discuss the sector's future.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, highlighted India's tourism potential and its economic growth, noting that the summit would offer an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and explore ways to attract more international visitors.

Tourism Minister Receives WTTC Global Champion Award

The announcement coincided with the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, where Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, participated in discussions on the future of travel and tourism.

Shekhawat was also recognised with a WTTC Global Champion Award for his leadership and contribution to the sector.

India's selection as the host destination comes at a time when the country is looking to expand its presence in the international tourism market. While domestic travel remains the foundation of its tourism economy, attracting a larger share of global visitor spending will be important to sustaining growth.

The 2027 summit will bring industry leaders together to discuss these opportunities, with India set to showcase its tourism potential to a global audience.

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