WTTC evaluates six global cities for new international office

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) confirms strong interest from five countries as it assesses options for a new office location aimed at improving operational efficiency, staff mobility and global industry engagement.

As global travel and tourism policy becomes more complex and geographically dispersed, industry bodies are reassessing how location can support faster engagement and more effective advocacy. Against this backdrop, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) confirms it is actively considering six global cities as potential locations for a new international office.

WTTC states that Dubai, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland have each expressed strong and proactive interest in hosting the organisation. The cities under consideration are Barcelona, Dubai, Geneva, Madrid, Milan and Paris. The review process is currently underway, with a final decision expected in the coming weeks following assessment by WTTC’s Operating Committee.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO & President, says: “We are highly encouraged by the strong interest shown by these countries in hosting WTTC and making it a global success. Their engagement and the incentives they have outlined reflect the value they place on collaborating with WTTC, and I’d like to thank those governments for their strong support. A new office will generate operational efficiencies, thanks to favourable business conditions and location advantages and these savings will allow us to deliver greater value to our members worldwide.”

Operational rationale behind the review

WTTC says a new office location would complement its existing global operations while providing greater mobility for staff and visiting delegations. The organisation notes that location advantages could help reduce operating costs, attract global talent and enhance its ability to respond quickly to developments across the travel and tourism sector.

WTTC adds that improved cost efficiencies would allow the organisation to focus more resources on advocacy and value delivery for its members across established and emerging markets.

Host destinations outline incentives

Over recent weeks, the five countries outline a range of incentives to support WTTC’s establishment of a new office. These include favourable business environments, fiscal benefits, streamlined administrative frameworks, access to international talent pools and fast-track visa arrangements.

WTTC says the level of engagement highlights the strategic importance governments place on closer collaboration with the organisation and recognition of its role as the global private-sector voice of travel and tourism.

Strengthening global collaboration

Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chairman, says the proposed new office would strengthen the organisation’s global network and its ability to attract international talent.

“Our global network will be enhanced by the new office location and its attractiveness to global talent. This office will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, strengthening the private sector’s leading role in the travel & tourism sector around the world,” he says.

Next steps

WTTC confirms that all five countries and six cities remain under active consideration. Further updates will be shared as the evaluation process progresses, with the preferred location to be announced in the coming weeks.