Official Ministerial Speaker Invitation | H.E. Liina Vahtras | Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 – Brussels

9-10 November www.globaltourismforum.org [email protected] We would be honored to invite you to join the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 as a distinguished speaker. The Annual Meeting will bring together heads of state, ministers, global investors, tourism leaders, policymakers, and senior executives to discuss the future of tourism, investment, sustainability, aviation, hospitality, and destination development. Your expertise and leadership would add significant value to the global dialogue and help shape meaningful conversations on how tourism can drive economic growth, Introduction Since its inception 16 years ago, the Global Tourism Forum (GTF) has evolved into a premier international platform where heads of state, ministers, CEOs, investors, and innovators convene to shape the future of travel and tourism. Following the strong impact of the 2025 Annual Meeting in Brussels, the 2026 edition will further strengthen GTF’s role as a bridge between policy, investment and industry, with a clear focus on high-level leadership, tourism investments, technology and sustainable growth. Brussels, as the political heart of Europe, provides an ideal setting to connect global tourism stakeholders with European institutions, international organisations and leading private-sector decision-makers. Expected Outcomes Building on the strong benchmark established by the Annual Meeting 2025 in Brussels, the GTF Annual Meeting 2026 is expected to further strengthen Brussels’ position as a strategic global hub for tourism dialogue, investment cooperation and high-level international engagement. The 2026 edition is expected to deliver the following outcomes: • Participation of more than 70 high-level speakers and moderators, including government leaders, ministers, international organisations, global hotel groups, airlines, airports, investors, development finance institutions, technology companies and leading media representatives. • Attendance of more than 2,000 international delegates from over 50 countries, representing Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. • A comprehensive high-level programme featuring keynote speeches, ministerial sessions, investment panels, CEO discussions and fireside chats focused on tourism investments, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, aviation, urban development, security and new media. Expected Outcomes • Strong digital visibility, with an expected online reach of around 100,000 viewers through live broadcasts, digital platforms and social media channels. • Direct engagement with key target participants, including ministers, international organisations, sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions, hotel groups, airlines, airports, technology companies, investors, destination authorities and global media. • Enhanced political and institutional participation, positioning the Annual Meeting as a key platform for public-private dialogue in the global tourism economy. • A sharper investment focus, creating opportunities for strategic partnerships, investment discussions, destination promotion and cross-border cooperation. GTF Annual Meeting 2026 is designed as an expanded, next-level edition that builds on the momentum of 2025 while delivering greater scale, stronger political presence and a more focused investment agenda. Apostolos Tzitzikostas European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Annual Meeting 2025 Event Snapshot Event: Global Tourism Forum – Annual Meeting 2026 Location: Brussels, Belgium Venue: Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium (Grand Forum & Agora spaces) Dates: 9-10 November 2026 Participants: 2000+ high-level delegates over 2 days High-Level Attendance: At least 5 Heads of State and dozens of ministers expected Exhibition Area: 10 exclusive, high-impact booths only Organizer: World Tourism Forum Institute Key Highlights 2,000+ High-Level Delegates Over three days, the Forum will convene more than 2,000 high-level participants, including heads of state, ministers, CEOs, investors, mayors, international organisations and global media. At Least Five Heads of State The 2026 edition is expected to host a minimum of five Heads of State, positioning GTF Brussels as one of the most politically high-profile tourism gatherings worldwide. Only 10 Exclusive Booths The exhibition area will be strictly limited to 10 booths, reserved for destinations, investors and strategic partners. This limited number ensures exclusivity, maximum visibility and premium positioning for each exhibitor. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Secretary-General, UN Tourism Annual Meeting 2025 Strategic Objectives Strengthen the Policy–Investment–Industry Triangle Bring together political leaders, investors and industry executives to align priorities and unlock concrete tourism and infrastructure projects. Mobilise Capital for Tourism & Hospitality Present investment opportunities in destinations worldwide and connect them with sovereign wealth funds, private equity, DFIs, family offices and institutional investors. Accelerate Digital & AI Transformation in Tourism Highlight real use cases of AI, big data and digital platforms in aviation, hospitality, mobility and destination management. Advance Sustainability, Resilience & Inclusion Promote green transition, climate-smart infrastructure, regenerative tourism and inclusive growth for local communities. Empower Women & Youth in Leadership Showcase role models and create visibility for women and young leaders in government, business and civil society. Thematic Pillars The content of the Annual Meeting 2026 will be organised around the following core pillars: DAY -1: WELCOME DINNER DAY 1: INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE • Global investment outlook • Bankable projects & PPPs • Hospitality investment • Development finance • Connectivity & climate-resilient investment • Investment Deal Room • GALA DINNER DAY 2: SECURITY CONFIDENCE • Tourism security outlook • Cybersecurity & digital trust • Borders & seamless mobility • Event security & MICE • Crisis management & destination resilience • Brussels Agenda closing session (Detailed session titles and daily agenda will be developed at a later stage in alignment with partners and speakers.)  9-10 November www.globaltourismforum.org [email protected] Saatja: "Hanni TRAN" <[email protected]> Saaja: "info - MKM" <[email protected]> Teema: Official Ministerial Speaker Invitation | H.E. Liina Vahtras | Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 – Brussels Kuupäev: 2026-09-21 13:20 Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. Your Excellency, I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the World Tourism Forum Institute, it is my pleasure to share the attached official invitation from our President, Mr. Bulut Bağcı, inviting Your Excellency to participate as a Ministerial Speaker in the Ministerial Dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026, taking place on 9–10 November 2026 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels. Convened under the theme “Investment and Security,” the Annual Meeting will bring together senior government representatives, policymakers, international institutions, investors, tourism authorities, and leaders from across the global tourism, hospitality, aviation, and transport sectors. The Ministerial Dialogue will provide a high-level platform for ministers and senior government leaders to exchange perspectives on the priorities shaping the future of global tourism, including investment, destination competitiveness, connectivity, sustainability, resilience, and international cooperation. For Your Excellency’s consideration, please find attached: • Official Ministerial Speaker Invitation • Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 – Event Presentation Further information about the Global Tourism Forum is available at: https://globaltourismforum.org We would be greatly honoured to welcome Your Excellency to Brussels and to have Estonia represented in this important Ministerial Dialogue. We would be grateful if your Office could kindly acknowledge receipt of the invitation. In view of the programme coordination currently underway, we would be grateful to receive an indication of Your Excellency’s availability at your earliest convenience. Our team remains at your disposal for any further information or coordination regarding participation. With highest consideration, Hanni Tran Executive Board Member World Tourism Forum Institute Dubai, September 21, 2026 H.E. Liina Vahtras Minister of Economy and Industry Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Republic of Estonia Subject: Official Invitation to Speak at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 – Brussels Your Excellency, On behalf of the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), it is our great honour to invite you to participate as a Distinguished Government Speaker at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026, taking place on 9–10 November 2026 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels. Convened under the theme “Investment and Security,” the Annual Meeting will bring together senior government representatives, policymakers, international institutions, investors, tourism authorities and executives from across the global tourism, hospitality, aviation and transport sectors. In recognition of your leadership of Estonia’s economy and industry portfolio and your responsibilities in European Union matters relating to tourism, innovation and the internal market, we would be particularly honoured to welcome Your Excellency to contribute to: Session: Ministerial Dialogue This high-level dialogue will bring together tourism ministers and senior government tourism leaders to exchange perspectives on the priorities shaping the future of global tourism, with particular attention to investment, destination competitiveness, connectivity, sustainability, resilience and international cooperation. Your Excellency’s participation would bring an important Estonian perspective to this exchange, particularly as Estonia advances a sustainable, innovative and internationally competitive tourism economy with a strong focus on year-round demand and higher value creation. Estonia’s Tourism Action Plan 2026–2029 places particular emphasis on year-round tourism, business tourism, stronger international transport connections, digital accessibility and sustainable tourism development. We therefore believe your perspective at the intersection of economic policy, innovation and tourism would make a valuable contribution to the exchange among government tourism leaders in Brussels. The Annual Meeting will also provide opportunities for high-level engagement with government representatives, European and international institutions, investors, tourism authorities and senior private-sector leaders, opening pathways for international cooperation and potential partnerships. We sincerely hope that Your Excellency will honour us with your presence and contribute Estonia’s perspective to this important international dialogue. Our team remains at your disposal to coordinate all necessary programme and participation arrangements. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration. Yours sincerely, Bulut Bağcı President World Tourism Forum Institute