The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism and the Madrid City Council to officially open its new Global Office in Madrid. This strategic relocation aims to establish Madrid as the world capital of tourism governance, supported by the Spanish government.
The agreement was signed by Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of WTTC; Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu Boher; and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Madrid was chosen after a thorough evaluation of proposals from several countries, with considerations including office facilities, tax environment, and visa facilitation.
The establishment of the WTTC Global Office in Madrid is expected to generate significant value for its members and enhance the sector’s growth potential. It also marks a new era of public-private collaboration, strengthening ties with international tourism organisations such as UN Tourism.
Gloria Guevara Manzo expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating, “We are excited about the relocation of the WTTC Global Office to the city of Madrid, a great city with strong competitive advantages that will enable Spain to become the world capital of tourism governance.”
Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu Boher, highlighted the collaboration between the government and WTTC, whilst Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida noted the confidence the city inspires among international tourism institutions.
The WTTC, representing the private sector of the travel and tourism industry, will now define the global private-sector agenda from Madrid. In 2025, the sector contributed $11.7 trillion to the global economy, generating 371 million jobs worldwide.
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