More than 2,000 international delegates are expected in Brussels on 9–10 November 2026 for the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting, where discussions will focus on financing tourism development and protecting the confidence on which travel depends.
Organised by the World Tourism Forum Institute, the meeting will take place at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium under the theme “Investment and Security”. Organisers expect participants from more than 50 countries, with a programme connecting tourism investment to European policy priorities, including transport, climate resilience and border management.
The agenda was presented on 19 October at the Press Club Brussels Europe during a briefing bringing together journalists, tourism representatives and business partners. António Buscardini, President of the Press Club Brussels Europe and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Tomorrow, opened and moderated the discussion.
Turning tourism ambitions into investment
Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute, outlined the Forum’s development and its emphasis on connecting governments with investors, hospitality operators and development finance institutions.
“Our ambition is to turn dialogue into projects and partnerships that destinations can deliver. In Brussels, we want to connect governments and investors while addressing the security and confidence that long-term tourism investment requires,” said Bağcı.
His presentation highlighted the Angola Investment Summit, held in Luanda in June 2026. According to the organisers, the summit concluded with ten memoranda of understanding covering investment, hotel operations, training, sustainability and technology.
In Brussels, the first day will examine how tourism plans can become projects capable of securing finance. Sessions will address public-private partnerships, hospitality development and the combination of public funding with private capital. An Investment Deal Room is also planned.
Lilla Harangozó, Head of Office at Capital European Affairs, presented the forthcoming programme. “The two days address one connected challenge: how to attract investment and protect the confidence that makes it possible. The programme links financing and destination development with the transport, security and resilience that tourism depends on,” she said.
Security and a more balanced tourism economy
The second day will examine cybersecurity, border systems, major events and crisis management. The programme also includes discussions on transport security and climate and health resilience.
“Europe needs a more balanced distribution of tourism, with investment helping more destinations benefit while easing pressure on those already receiving large numbers of visitors. Hosting this discussion in Brussels brings that challenge closer to the institutions and businesses that can help address it,” said Buscardini.
Csilla Mezösi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association, shared her expectations for the Annual Meeting, bringing a health tourism perspective to the discussions on investment and destination development. Her presentation highlighted a network of more than 1,400 health resorts and clinics, illustrating the sector’s place within Europe’s tourism economy.
What Brussels stands to gain
Geert Cochez, Deputy CEO of visit.brussels, highlighted the economic and professional value of international congresses. His presentation cited average participant spending of €456, alongside €416 in organiser spending per participant.
“International congresses create value for Brussels through visitor spending, but their contribution also extends to knowledge and professional relationships. Hosting the Global Tourism Forum is an opportunity to showcase the city’s expertise and strengthen its connections with the international tourism community,” he said.
The November meeting will bring these perspectives together, linking investment decisions with the conditions destinations need to remain accessible, resilient and attractive.
