WTTC Welcomes 50 Members as Global Tourism Industry Expands - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed 50 new members during the first ten months of 2026, reflecting growing interest in international cooperation across the tourism industry. The new and returning members represent a broad range of sectors, including hospitality, mobility, travel retail, investment and insurance. Among the companies joining or rejoining the organisation are Club Med, Corinthia Group, Allianz Partners, Investindustrial and Pernod Ricard, alongside established tourism businesses such as Uber, Barceló Hotel Group and Meliá Hotels International.

The expansion comes as WTTC forecasts that travel and tourism will contribute US$11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026, equivalent to 9.9% of global GDP. According to the organisation's research, the sector is expected to support approximately 375 million jobs worldwide, representing roughly one in every nine jobs. These projections underline the economic importance of tourism and the increasing connections between traditional travel businesses and industries providing financial, technological and mobility services.

A significant development within WTTC's membership is the addition of Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental to its Executive Committee. The two international luxury hospitality groups bring experience in hotel operations, residential developments and destination investment. Their participation strengthens the representation of luxury hospitality within an organisation that brings together senior executives from major international travel and tourism companies.

Luxury Hotel Groups Strengthen WTTC Leadership

Mandarin Oriental is returning to WTTC after previously maintaining membership for more than 25 years. The group's renewed involvement coincides with an ambitious international expansion programme.

Mandarin Oriental currently operates 47 hotels, 16 residences and 43 exclusive homes across 30 countries and territories. The company aims to expand its hotel portfolio to 100 properties worldwide by 2033.

Laurent Kleitman, Mandarin Oriental's Group Chief Executive, said the company intends to contribute to the development of the international tourism industry through closer cooperation with other business leaders.

"We share a commitment to responsible growth, meaningful collaboration and creating lasting value for the destinations and communities in which we operate," Kleitman said.

Four Seasons is also joining WTTC's Executive Committee. Founded in Toronto in 1961, the hospitality group has developed an international portfolio of 140 hotels and more than 60 residential properties across 47 countries.

The company's participation brings additional expertise in luxury hotel development, personalised hospitality services and long-term destination investment.

Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal emphasised the importance of industry cooperation in supporting innovation and resilience. The group intends to contribute its experience in hospitality operations and community engagement to WTTC's international activities.

Membership Extends Beyond Traditional Tourism

The 50 companies joining WTTC in 2026 illustrate the increasingly interconnected nature of the global visitor economy.

Alongside hotel groups and travel operators, the organisation has attracted companies involved in mobility, insurance, investment and consumer services. These businesses play different roles in the travel experience, from transport and financial protection to infrastructure development and tourism-related retail.

Eight of the companies are returning members, including Uber, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International and Avolta. Their renewed participation broadens the range of business perspectives represented within WTTC.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, described the membership expansion as an indication of confidence in both the tourism sector and the organisation's international role.

"Welcoming 50 new members in a single year is a powerful vote of confidence in both our sector and WTTC," Guevara said.

The organisation provides a platform for senior executives to engage with governments and international institutions on issues affecting travel and tourism. Its activities include economic research, policy discussions and cooperation on industry priorities.

The participation of businesses from different sectors may also support discussions on challenges that extend beyond individual tourism segments, including investment conditions, infrastructure, workforce development and the long-term competitiveness of destinations.

Tourism's Economic Contribution Approaches US$12 Trillion

WTTC's latest projections place the global economic contribution of travel and tourism at US$11.9 trillion in 2026.

The forecast share of 9.9% of global GDP demonstrates the scale of the sector, while the estimated 375 million supported jobs highlight its importance for employment across both developed and emerging economies.

These figures cover the wider economic contribution of travel and tourism rather than the revenues of tourism companies alone. They therefore reflect the sector's broader connections with transport, accommodation, food services and other economic activities.

The membership announcement does not provide a regional breakdown of the forecast or indicate how much individual tourism markets are expected to contribute to global growth.

Nevertheless, the participation of additional international companies suggests that WTTC continues to attract businesses seeking a role in discussions about the industry's future development.

With Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental represented on its Executive Committee and new members joining from several adjacent industries, WTTC is broadening its corporate network at a time when tourism's economic significance remains substantial. The organisation's international team, comprising professionals from 22 nationalities, also reflects the geographical scope of the sector it represents.

Image Credit: © WTTC