МADRID, February 1. /Dunyo IA/.  Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism; Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council and José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Madrid City Council, José Luis Martínez-Almeida have signed a memorandum of understanding designating the Spanish capital as the new headquarters of the WTTC, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a leading international organization representing the private sector in travel and tourism, unites over 200 global companies spanning key segments of the tourism industry, including major brands such as “Iberostar”, “Hilton”, “Google”, “Expedia” and “Hyatt”.

Following a competitive selection process that considered Geneva, Milan, Paris and Dubai, Madrid has been chosen as the WTTC’s new global headquarters.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding strengthens WTTC’s institutional ties with Spain and reinforces Madrid’s position as one of the world’s strategic hubs for tourism governance.

Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, described the agreement as “the result of coordinated and intensive joint efforts,” noting that it will further solidify the country’s leadership on the global tourism stage.

WTTC President Gloria Guevara emphasized that the relocation reflects a commitment to shaping a new model of tourism. “From Madrid, the global agenda will be set and the strategic direction for the development of the private tourism and travel sector worldwide will be defined”,- she said.

With the relocation of the WTTC headquarters from the United Kingdom to Spain, Madrid further consolidates its status as a global center for tourism governance. Since 1975, the Spanish capital has also hosted the headquarters of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), underscoring the city’s long-standing role in shaping international tourism policy and strategy.