Prime Minister Robert Abela has received the Leadership in Tourism Award from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), recognising Malta’s achievements in the tourism sector.The award was presented by WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio during the organisation’s Global Summit, which is being held in Malta this week.Speaking at the summit, Abela said Malta must now move beyond simply attracting more tourists and focus on quality, value and sustainability.According to figures highlighted by the Prime Minister, Malta welcomed more than four million tourists for the first time last year, generating over €3.9 billion in spending.The momentum has continued in 2026, with more than 3.1 million visitors arriving during the first eight months of the year and spending almost €3 billion.Abela said Malta’s tourism offering is becoming increasingly diverse, with cultural tourism, conferences, weddings, gastronomy, diving and wellness helping attract visitors throughout the year.He also stressed that tourism growth must benefit local communities, workers and businesses, with higher standards, improved infrastructure and better employment opportunities forming part of the government’s Malta Vision 2050.The summit has brought together around 1,000 delegates and nearly 200 journalists, with Abela also holding meetings with executives from international tourism companies.Do you think Malta should focus more on attracting higher-spending tourists rather than increasing visitor numbers?•