The World Travel & Tourism Council Selects Madrid New Global Headquarters
Madrid, Spain, December 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced it is moving its head office from London to Madrid following a multi-city bidding process. Following an “extensive strategic review”, WTTC’s operating committee chose Madrid, in Spain, as the location for the organisation’s new global office.
The decision, unanimously supported by the WTTC’s operational committee, was based on factors including cost, tax environment, government support, and proximity to international organizations. Madrid offers access to a large, diverse talent pool and strong international connectivity.
Five nations expressed interest in hosting the WTTC global office – Dubai (UAE), France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland – with the evaluation criteria based on the six areas of office rental and operating costs; tax, incentives and competitive environment; fast-track visas and work permit frameworks in the destination; government support; cost of living to attract and retain talent; and proximity to international organisations.
Madrid was endorsed by the 17 members of WTTC’s operating committee, who valued the city as the most attractive option due to its competitiveness, favourable tax environment, government support, easier visa processing for employees, and overall lower operating costs.
“The unanimous decision to establish our global office in Madrid reflects a clear view among the operating committee about what WTTC needs to succeed in the years ahead,” says Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman, WTTC.
“This move ensures we operate more efficiently, deliver more value to our members, access the best global talent and maintain an international outlook, strongly supported by the Spanish Government.
“2026 will be a year in which we will reshape WTTC so it is focused on its members, stronger research capability and deeper government advocacy in the travel and tourism sector.”
Challenges linked to Brexit, such as constraints on talent mobility, made the UK less attractive as WTTC’s base.
Establishing an office in Madrid gives WTTC access to a broader and more diverse talent pool, encompassing professionals across the region, as well as proximity to international organisations.
Madrid was also selected for its strong international connectivity via Madrid-Barajas Airport, competitive business environment, incentives from government, and synergies with international organisations in the sector, such as UN Tourism.
“We’d like to thank the government of Spain for its support during this process to create the new WTTC global office,” says Gloria Guevara, interim president and CEO, WTTC.
“Spain has prioritised travel and tourism, and clearly understands the enormous contribution the sector makes to global growth.
“Being based in a competitive city such as Madrid will help WTTC go from strength to strength, offer closer engagement with our members worldwide, and enable us to play a major role advising on good policy development, investments that help tourism growth, and job creation from our members which have global impact.
“I’d like to thank the other countries that expressed interest in hosting WTTC’s new global office – we are humbled by their proposals and the huge interest shown by governments worldwide.”