Madrid chosen to host WTTC new headquarters

It did not take to long for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to officialese its future location following the organization’s decision to leave the UK after 35 years in London.

Announced a week ago, the WTTC finally released on December 18, 2025 that its Executive Committee has unanimously approved Madrid as the location of its new Global Headquarters. This move is designed to deliver greater value to members and unlock fresh growth potential for the travel and tourism sector.

Madrid was selected following a competitive evaluation process in which five destinations formally expressed interest in hosting the new office: Dubai (United Arab Emirates), France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Each bid was assessed against six core criteria, including office rental and operating costs; the fiscal, incentive, and competitive environment; fast-track visa and work permit arrangements; government support; cost of living to attract and retain talent; and proximity to international organizations.

Numerous assets for a Madrid location

All 17 members of the WTTC Executive Committee endorsed Madrid after an in-depth review of the organization’s long-term strategic and operational needs. Committee members concluded that the Spanish capital offered the most compelling overall proposition, combining strong competitiveness, a more favorable tax environment, robust public-sector backing, simplified visa procedures for staff, and lower overall operating costs.

Ongoing challenges linked to Brexit—particularly restrictions on talent mobility—were also cited as factors that have reduced the UK’s attractiveness at a time when WTTC is seeking to strengthen its leadership position and operate with greater agility.

Establishing a global office in Madrid will give WTTC immediate access to a far larger and more diverse talent pool, representing nearly 350 million qualified professionals across the region, while also placing the organization closer to key international institutions that support structured collaboration.

Madrid’s strong international connectivity through Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, its competitive economic environment, government incentives, and close synergies with global tourism bodies such as UN Tourism further reinforced the decision.

The new office is set to become a central pillar of WTTC’s international network, supporting its globally recognized work in advocacy, research, and member engagement. The Spanish capital is already home to the UN-WTO which could provide more synergies between the two organizations.

WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said the unanimous decision reflects a shared, forward-looking vision for the organization. “Madrid gives us the platform to operate more efficiently, deliver greater value to our members, access world-class talent, and maintain a truly global outlook, with the strong support of the Spanish government,” he said. He added that 2026 will be a pivotal year for reshaping WTTC around its members and strengthening its research and advocacy capabilities.

Interim President and CEO Gloria Guevara thanked the Spanish government for its support and acknowledged the high-quality proposals submitted by France, Italy, Switzerland, and Dubai, noting the strong global interest in hosting WTTC’s new global base.

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