Stewardship
What must we protect?
Global Forum for Tourism Leaders
THE NEW TOURISM BUSINESS MODEL
FROM COUNTING PEOPLE
TO MAKING PEOPLE COUNT.
24, 25, 26, 27 November 2026
Hilton Malta4
Days
38+
Countries
1500+
Delegates
70+
Speakers
This year’s theme
Mediterranean SUN
For thousands of years, the sun shaped Mediterranean life. Today, it stands for the kind of tourism the region chooses to build. For decades, tourism counted arrivals, nights, beds and spend — now, people count more. Visitors expect more. Employees expect more. Communities expect more. And businesses must create more value.
High-value tourism is no longer about luxury alone. Today's traveller is increasingly seeking lifestyle — gastronomy, wellbeing, culture, design, nature, authenticity and experiences. That opens a much bigger entrepreneurial opportunity. Rethink what a tourism business can be — a hotel, a restaurant, a waterfront, a wellbeing concept, a cultural experience, a technology solution, a new service, or an opportunity we have not yet imagined. New lifestyles create new demand. New demand creates new business.
The 11th Mediterranean Tourism Forum will explore this emerging tourism economy through SUN — three pillars for its future:
Unity
What can we achieve together?
Net Positive
What should tourism leave behind?
Forum calendar
4 Days. 1 Forum.
Everything at a glance.
November 2026 · Day 1
24November
Research · Writing · Future Talent
November 2026 · Day 2
25November
Knowledge · Business · Connection · Recognition
- 01The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference
- 02Future Talent Competition & Hackathon
- 03Academic Writing Retreat
- 04Mediterranean Tourism AwardsBy invite
- 05Networking EventBy invite
November 2026 · Day 3
26November
People · Skills · Ideas · Business · Experience
- 01The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference
- 02Hospitality Skills Competitions
- 03Hospitality Careers Programme
- 04Brain Think TanksFocused working sessions that turn ideas into projects
- 05B2B Business Meetings
- 06Networking Events
- 07Forbes Travel Guide Sessions
- 08MEDIATRIX – GALA CONCERT
November 2026 · Day 4
27November
Free for Malta delegates · One plenary · Four specialist conferences
- 01Mediterranean Tourism Plenary 2026
- Parallel Conferences
- Investing in the Lifestyle Tourism BoomDesign, destinations & investment
- Too Hot. Too Full. Too Fragile?Protecting Mediterranean destinations
- AI-Powered HospitalityPeople at the front. AI at the back.
- The Mediterranean TableLifestyle, culture, business & diplomacy
27TH NOVEMBER 2026
The Plenary
The Forum brings together tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, hoteliers, policymakers, researchers and innovators to hear from some of the best brains from the Mediterranean and around the world — focused firmly on what comes next. The trends reshaping how people live and travel, the solutions already working, the lessons learned, the opportunities emerging and what businesses and destinations need to prepare for now.
From lifestyle and investment to AI, talent, resilience, sustainability and new business models, the Plenary delivers the bigger picture every tourism practitioner needs to understand: see what's coming, understand what it means and be ready to act.
First, see the big picture. Then choose where you want to go deeper.
In the afternoon, the Forum transforms into four specialist conferences, each tackling a defining opportunity for the future of tourism. Every delegate chooses the conversation most relevant to their business, profession or destination — moving from global insight to specialist knowledge, from ideas to practical solutions, and from understanding the future to being ready to shape it.
MORNING · 08:00
Plenary
AFTERNOON
Choose one Specialist Conference
All four conferences are free for Malta delegates.
Four conferences. Four futures to explore. Choose yours.
Who you will meet
Speakers
A first look at 14 of our 70+ voices joining us.
MaltaH.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono
The President of Malta
MaltaMr Jo Etienne Abela
Minister for Health and Active Ageing
Government of Malta
MaltaTony Zahra
President · MHRA President & MTF Co-founder
MHRA
MaltaAndrew Agius Muscat
Secretary General · MHRA CEO & MTF Co-founder
MHRA
United KingdomAradhana Khowala
Senator · CEO and Founder
Aptamind Partners
United KingdomProfessor Dimitrios Buhalis
Chair · Professor of Strategic Management and Marketing
Bournemouth University Business School
Bosnia and HerzegovinaSanja Miovcic
Senator · Executive Director
Foreign Investors Council
MoroccoSofia Bennani
Senator · President
Morocco-Malta Cooperation Council
MoroccoHamid Bentahar
Senator · President
Moroccan Confederation of Tourism
United KingdomProfessor Adam Blake
Professor of Economics
Bournemouth University Business School
CroatiaŽeljko Neven Bremec
Senator · President
Association of Chefs from the Mediterranean and European Regions
SloveniaAlja Brglez
Senator · Former Presidential Adviser · Historian and Anthropologist
ItalyAssociate Professor Paolo Corvo
Associate Professor
University of Gastronomic Sciences and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
PalestineHani Abu Dayyeh
Senator · Chairman and President
Bethlehem Development Foundation · NET Tours
26th November 2026
BRAIN Think Tanks
Don't just discuss the future. Help build it.
The Forum creates conversations. BRAIN turns selected conversations into projects. These are small, focused working sessions for people with the knowledge, experience, influence or resources to move an idea forward.
Every Think Tank begins with an idea — but it should end with a clear call to action, identified partners and a pathway for follow-up after the Forum.
Explore Brain Think Tanks
Participation is curated and limited. To express interest, email projects@mhra.org.mt.
26th November 2026
Mediterranean TourismExpo
Showcase. Engage. Connect. Grow.
The Mediterranean Tourism Expo is a dynamic international platform for businesses, brands and organisations to showcase their products, services, innovations and solutions to tourism and hospitality professionals, investors, buyers and decision-makers from across the Mediterranean and beyond.
More than a traditional trade fair, the Expo is designed to create an interactive and engaging experience where exhibitors can bring their brands to life, demonstrate products, launch new services and connect directly with potential clients and business partners.
Through live demonstrations, immersive experiences, innovative displays and targeted business networking, the Expo transforms traditional exhibiting into meaningful engagement and commercial opportunities.
We do things differently. Rather than offering a conventional exhibition space, we work with participants to create distinctive experiences that maximise visibility, encourage interaction and deliver real business value.
Connect with us to discover more and explore a tailor-made participation package designed around your brand, objectives and ambitions.
Not just an exhibition.An experience that connects people, ideas and business.
25–26 November 2026
Skills & Careers
Hospitality Skills Competitions
Four live competitions where hospitality professionals prove their craft in front of a jury of industry experts.
01
Housekeeping Attendant of the Year Competition 2026
Thursday 26 November 2026Morning session
Deadline for applications: 10 November 2026
Precision, care and the details that turn a room into an exceptional experience.
Apply online
02
Waiter of the Year Competition 2026
Thursday 26 November 2026
Deadline for applications: 10 November 2026
Knowledge, timing and human connection brought together through polished service.
Apply online
03
Culinary Arts Competition 2026
Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 November 2026Exhibits by 10:30
Deadline for applications: 10 November 2026
Mediterranean ingredients transformed into memorable exhibits and dishes.
Apply online
04
Front Office
Thursday 26 November 2026Places full
Guest welcome, communication and confident problem-solving at the heart of the stay.
26th November 2026
St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
MediatrixThe Knights’ Passage to Light
An extraordinary musical journey celebrating the timeless values of courage, service, human dignity and the protection of life, set within the magnificent surroundings of St John’s Co-Cathedral.
Presented as part of the 11th Mediterranean Tourism Forum, MEDIATRIX – The Knights’ Passage to Light is a unique concert inspired by the history and spiritual legacy of the Knights of St John and the eight virtues symbolised by the eight-pointed Maltese Cross.
Performed by the Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra under the musical direction of Maestro Bruno Santori, the concert will bring together the beauty of classical masterpieces, including works by Bach, Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Morricone and Massenet, featuring strings, solo violin, oboe and the Cathedral’s majestic pipe organ.
More than a concert, MEDIATRIX is a powerful celebration of music, heritage and the universal values that unite humanity across the Mediterranean.
Entrance by invitation
A passageto light.
26TH NOVEMBER 2026
For students & young people
Dream bigReal success storiesCareer opportunitiesAI & innovationEntrepreneurshipCulinary artsHotel managementDream bigReal success storiesCareer opportunitiesAI & innovationEntrepreneurshipCulinary artsHotel management
Careers in Hospitality Conference
Rise & Shine
Inspiring Future Hospitality Leaders
Hilton Malta
Hotel ManagementCulinary ArtsEntrepreneurshipInnovationArtificial Intelligence
RISE & SHINE is an inspirational conference dedicated to students and young people exploring careers in hospitality and tourism.
Addressed by world leaders in hospitality, internationally renowned industry personalities and successful entrepreneurs, the conference will inspire students through real-life success stories and showcase the extraordinary career opportunities available across the global hospitality industry.
From hotel management and culinary arts to entrepreneurship, innovation and artificial intelligence, RISE & SHINE aims to motivate the next generation to dream big, develop their talents and pursue rewarding international careers.
Hospitality is more than a job.It is a world of opportunities.
26th November 2026
Forbes Travel Guide Sessions
Elevating Hospitality Standards. Inspiring Exceptional Service.
Experience world-class hospitality training delivered by Forbes Travel Guide, the internationally renowned authority in luxury hospitality standards and service excellence.
Designed for hospitality professionals, managers and industry leaders, this exclusive training opportunity focuses on the principles of exceptional guest service, personalised experiences, attention to detail and the skills that distinguish outstanding hospitality organisations.
Drawing on Forbes Travel Guide’s globally recognised expertise in evaluating luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, the training offers valuable insights into international best practices and the art of delivering memorable guest experiences.
An exceptional opportunity to learn from global experts, elevate service standards and inspire a culture of excellence across your organisation.
Great hospitality beginswith exceptional service.
25th November 2026
The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference
The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference is the research arm of the Forum — the day where researchers and policymakers exchange findings and turn evidence into tourism policy for the Mediterranean region. Keynote papers and peer-reviewed sessions sit alongside a Writing Retreat for academics — two tracks running side by side. Accepted abstracts are published in the conference book of proceedings (with ISBN), with full papers developed for a thematic issue of Tourism Review. Every conference participant is invited to join the main Forum on 27 November.
Research Conference
Visit the conference site
Writing Retreat
Join the writing retreat25th November 2026
Hilton Malta
Mediterranean TourismAwards
The Mediterranean Tourism Awards are a prestigious international recognition celebrating outstanding individuals, organisations and initiatives that have made exceptional contributions to tourism, hospitality and the wider Mediterranean region.
Presented as part of the 11th Mediterranean Tourism Forum, the Awards honour visionary leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and achievements that advance cooperation, prosperity and positive change across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Conferred by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of the Republic of Malta, the Awards bring together distinguished international personalities, industry leaders and decision-makers in a celebration of excellence and the transformative power of tourism.
More than a recognition of achievement, the Mediterranean Tourism Awards celebrate those whose vision and dedication inspire future generations and contribute to a better Mediterranean.
By invitation
A celebration of excellenceand the transformative power of tourism.
25th November 2026
Business NetworkSession
Connecting Influential Stakeholders
By invitation
The Business Network Session is an exclusive gathering for selected business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and tourism professionals from across the Mediterranean and beyond.
The session provides a distinguished setting for meaningful dialogue, strategic introductions and the development of new business relationships in tourism, hospitality, investment and related sectors.
Participation is strictly by invitation, ensuring a focused and high-level environment for trusted exchanges, partnership building and the exploration of new opportunities.
More than a networking event, the Business Network Session is designed to connect influential stakeholders and transform shared interests into practical cooperation, investment and long-term business partnerships.
More than a networking event.Practical cooperation. Investment. Partnership.
24th November 2026
Mediterranean TourismHackathon
Innovate. Collaborate. Create. Win.
The Mediterranean Tourism Hackathon is an exciting innovation challenge bringing together students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and creative minds to develop fresh ideas and practical solutions for the future of tourism and hospitality.
Focused on real challenges facing Mediterranean destinations, the Hackathon encourages participants to explore how artificial intelligence, digital technology, sustainability and innovative business models can transform visitor experiences, improve hospitality services and create more resilient and competitive tourism destinations.
Working in teams and supported by industry experts and mentors, participants will transform their ideas into practical solutions and present them to a panel of judges.
Prize sponsor
Win a Cruise Sponsored by Variety Cruises!
The winning team will have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience, generously sponsored by Variety Cruises, an internationally recognised, family-owned boutique cruise company with a heritage dating back to 1949.
Renowned for its intimate small-ship voyages, Variety Cruises offers immersive journeys to destinations including the Greek Islands, the Seychelles, French Polynesia and other remarkable locations worldwide. Its philosophy combines personalised hospitality, authentic cultural experiences and responsible tourism.
Think big. Challenge conventions.Shape the future of tourism — and you could be sailing towards your next adventure!
Prize subject to terms and conditions. Cruise details, eligibility and availability to be confirmed. Variety Cruises company information: Official company profile.
Last Year's Forum · 2025
Celebrating Excellence
Mediterranean Tourism Awards 2025
Working together
Our Associates
Travel partners
Official Airlines of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum
The host destination
Malta
An archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has welcomed travellers for seven thousand years. Sun-drenched coastlines, three UNESCO World Heritage sites and a capital city built by knights make it one of Europe's most remarkable destinations — and the perfect setting for this year's Forum.
Know moreThe organiser
The Mediterranean Tourism Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in Malta in 2013 by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. Its vision: to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, cooperation and prosperity through sustainable tourism growth.
Learn more at medtourismfoundation.comThe venue
Hilton Malta
Portomaso, St Julian's, Malta
Book your hotel with us
Preferential rates for forum delegates at the Hilton Malta and partner hotels nearby.