According to reports published this week, the Council has confirmed that it is “considering establishing its headquarters” in Italy, Spain, or Switzerland, following a timeline designed to maintain the normal functioning of its programs and events during the transition. The Spanish capital appears as a strong candidate, thanks to its international connectivity, mature tourism ecosystem, and proximity to European institutions and sector associations. At the same time, internal discussions have begun to manage the workforce implications in London, including potential organizational layoffs.
Several British media outlets have linked the move to the post-Brexit regulatory environment and its consequences for pan-European entities — a view that has elevated the discussion from a corporate matter to one of industrial policy for the United Kingdom. Although the organization has not released a single comprehensive rationale, multiple analyses point to the European context as a major factor in the relocation decision.
For WTTC members — including CEOs and chairpersons of airlines, hotel groups, tour operators, cruise lines, car rental companies, airports, and travel distributors — relocating the headquarters could bring greater proximity to Europe’s business and regulatory hubs, as well as a more agile platform for dialogue with European institutions and international networks. The WTTC’s global and multisectoral composition allows it to represent the private tourism industry’s shared positions and to produce research that quantifies the sector’s economic and social contributions worldwide.
The relocation is not expected to alter the Council’s schedule of summits, reports, and annual campaigns, nor its mission to advocate for policies that enhance mobility, encourage investment, and accelerate sustainability across destinations and companies. In recent months, the organization has consistently called for stronger tourism competitiveness through stable fiscal and regulatory frameworks, talent attraction, and public–private cooperation — priorities likely to gain momentum in this new phase.
The decision-making process will continue over the coming weeks with comparative evaluations of the European candidates and the development of a transition plan that ensures both operational continuity and support for affected staff. While final details are being determined, the WTTC remains focused on its sectoral agenda and ongoing dialogue with its 200+ members, governments, and international partners — reaffirming its role as the global voice of the private travel and tourism sector.
