WTTC News
WTTC Elevates Hotel Sustainability Basics to Independent Global Certification Scheme
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework. The move strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability, providing independent verification, greater transparency, and a credible pathway for hotels to demonstrate their sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Sets New Benchmark for Trusted, Seamless Travel Across Borders
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) presents its latest research, “FIFA World Cup Border Management & Visa Facilitation: 20 Years of Evolution (2006–2026)”, highlighting how this historic tournament marks a turning point in global border management and brings together two decades of innovation to deliver one of the most seamless and secure travel experiences ever achieved.
FITUR 2026: Gloria Guevara, CEO, WTTC
Interviewed by Justin Cooke
WTTC signs MOU to formally ratify its new global office in Madrid
This agreement signals a new era for global tourism, officially confirming the relocation of WTTC’s headquarters to Madrid and establishing the city as the world capital for tourism governance.
Gloria Guevara appointed to lead WTTC into a dynamic new era as President & CEO
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which is the global private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry, today announced that Gloria Guevara has been appointed as President & CEO by its Operating Committee, taking the helm to shape the future of the private sector for members and unlock investment and job creation.
WTTC selects Madrid as new Global Office to boost worldwide travel and tourism
WTTC has unanimously approved Madrid as its new global office after a strategic review, aiming to strengthen leadership through deeper member engagement, stronger advocacy, better access to global talent, and improved efficiency.
BTN Interview with Edison Chen, Trip.com at WTTC
At WTTC, Edison Chen of Trip.com highlighted the company’s data-driven approach to building partnerships, its focus on sustainability and managing over-tourism, and Europe—especially Italy—as a key market. Guided by the principle “customers first,” Trip.com invests in strong service, AI support, and a 24/7 SOS program, while also acting as a “super app” that supports travelers across life stages, assists SMEs, and uses rich content to influence decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Global Travel & Tourism Sector Cuts Emissions Intensity as Economic Prosperity Grows
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with Omran, today unveiled its Environmental & Social Research (ESR) 2025, showing that while the sector has surpassed its pre-pandemic economic peak, its carbon footprint remains below 2019 levels, and its positive social impact continue to grow. According to the global tourism body, Travel & Tourism’s global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2024 have fallen by 9.3% since 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, and now account for a 7.3% share of total global GHG emissions, down from an 8.3% share in in 2019.
