Madrid.— The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that Spain, with Madrid as host city, has been unanimously approved as the new location of its Global Office, following an extensive strategic and operational review aimed at maximizing the long-term potential of the global travel and tourism sector.

The decision was endorsed by all 17 members of the WTTC Executive Committee, after evaluating several competing bids from Dubai (United Arab Emirates), France, Italy, and Switzerland. The assessment was based on six key criteria: office rental and operating costs; tax environment, incentives, and competitiveness; fast-track visa and work permit frameworks; government support; cost of living to attract and retain talent; and proximity to international organizations.

According to the WTTC, Madrid emerged as the most attractive option due to its strong competitiveness, more favorable tax environment, streamlined visa processes for international staff, solid government backing, and overall lower operating costs. The city’s excellent global connectivity, supported by Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, further reinforced its position as a strategic hub.

The organization also noted that Brexit-related challenges, particularly restrictions on talent mobility, reduced the appeal of the United Kingdom at a time when the WTTC is seeking to enhance agility, operational efficiency, and global reach.

Establishing the Global Office in Madrid will provide the WTTC with direct access to a diverse talent pool of nearly 350 million skilled professionals across the region, while also strengthening collaboration with key international institutions, including UN Tourism.

The new Madrid-based office will become a central pillar of the WTTC’s global network, supporting its well-recognized work in sector advocacy, research, and engagement with members worldwide.

Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of the WTTC Board, stated that the unanimous decision reflects a clear strategic vision for the organization’s future. “This move ensures we operate more efficiently, deliver greater value to our members, access top global talent, and maintain a truly international perspective, with strong support from the Spanish government,” he said, adding that 2026 will mark a transformative year for the WTTC, with a stronger focus on member engagement, research capacity, and policy advocacy.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC CEO and Interim President, thanked the Spanish government for its support throughout the process, noting that Spain clearly recognizes the vital contribution of travel and tourism to global economic growth. “Being based in a competitive city like Madrid will further strengthen the WTTC, allow closer engagement with our members worldwide, and enable us to play a key role in advising on policies that drive tourism growth and job creation,” she said. Guevara also expressed appreciation to the other countries that submitted bids for hosting the Global Office.

The selection of Madrid as the WTTC’s Global Headquarters further cements Spain’s role as a global leader in tourism governance, reinforcing its position as a strategic center for the international travel and tourism industry.