WTTC Selects Madrid as Location for New Global Office

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its Operating Committee has unanimously approved Madrid, Spain, as the location for its new Global Office.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) stated that its Operating Committee has unanimously chosen Madrid, Spain, as the site for the organisation’s new Global Office. The decision follows an evaluation process in which five destinations—Dubai (UAE), France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland—expressed interest in hosting the office.

The selection process was based on six evaluation criteria: office rental and operating costs; tax, incentives, and competitive environment; fast-track visas and work permit frameworks; government support; cost of living for talent attraction and retention; and proximity to international organisations. Madrid was selected after a comprehensive assessment of WTTC’s long-term strategic and operational needs.

All 17 members of the WTTC Operating Committee endorsed the decision to locate the office in Madrid. The committee cited factors including competitiveness, a favourable tax environment, government support, easier visa processing for employees, and lower operating costs as reasons for the selection. The committee also noted that Brexit-related challenges, such as constraints on talent mobility, made the UK less attractive as a location.

According to WTTC, establishing an office in Madrid will provide access to a broader, more diverse talent pool, with nearly 350 million qualified professionals in the region. The location also offers proximity to international organisations, including UN Tourism, and is supported by Madrid’s international connectivity through Madrid-Barajas Airport.

The new office will serve as a central part of WTTC’s network, supporting its advocacy, research, and member engagement activities. The organisation stated that the move is intended to support operational efficiencies and member engagement.

WTTC acknowledged the Spanish government’s support during the selection process. The organisation also thanked France, Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE (Dubai) for their interest in hosting the Global Office.

WTTC indicated that 2026 will be a year of operational reshaping, with an emphasis on member engagement, research capabilities, and government advocacy in the travel and tourism sector. No specific date for the Madrid office opening was provided in the announcement.