Overview
- The WTTC’s 17-member operational committee voted unanimously to base the organization’s global office in Madrid after an exhaustive review.
- Madrid was chosen over other interested locations including Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Geneva and Dubai, with countries such as the UAE, France, Italy and Switzerland expressing formal interest.
- The council published its evaluation areas, covering office costs, fiscal environment, incentives, expedited visas, work permits, government support, cost of living and proximity to international organisations.
- WTTC cited strong international connectivity via Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and synergies with UN Tourism, which is headquartered in the city.
- Spain’s industry minister welcomed the move as strengthening the country’s tourism leadership and floated a “global tourism campus,” while no relocation timetable has been announced.