The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has recognised Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, for his contributions to elevating Spain as one of the world’s leading tourism economies. Recipient Hereu received the prestigious award from the global body representing the travel and tourism industry at the Council’s 26th Global Summit held in Malta yesterday, October 8, 2026. The event brought together more than 1,000 delegates, representing over 200 leading travel and tourism executives and government officials, discussing the future of the industry as it relates to economic contribution and investment.
The honour reflects Hereu’s advocacy of partnerships between governments and private-sector businesses, as well as his efforts in promoting closer ties with the global tourism industry. As the Minister promotes collaboration and partnership at home and abroad, Spain is now in line with other major tourism economies that demonstrate strength in attracting international visitors. In tandem with this, the award spotlights the significance of public-sector leadership as an enabler of tourism-related investment, business and jobs.
Spain Among Europe’s Leaders in Tourism Spending and Attractiveness
Tourism has become one of Spain’s most important industries, fuelled by large volumes of international spending by visitors as well as a receptive domestic market. According to the latest WTTC data, visitor spending in 2025 reached US$130.1 billion, the highest figure for any European nation and the third globally. The number underlines the importance of international tourism to the local economy as well as the country’s overall appeal as a travel destination.
WTTC forecasts Spain’s travel and tourism sector will grow by 3.7 percent this year while spending by overseas visitors is set to rise 5.3 percent. These are strong figures that point to substantial economic contribution in this area, with benefits for businesses, investment and jobs. Nevertheless, the rates should be seen in the context of tourism-related economic activity being highly dependent on visitor numbers and international business activity taking place.
WTTC Headquarters Shift to Madrid Spurred closer Collaboration
Hereu has also helped strengthen ties between Spain and the global travel and tourism industry represented by WTTC. In January 2026, he signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global tourism body WTTC and the City of Madrid, following months of close cooperation between the Spanish Government and the Council. The agreement formalized the opening of WTTC’s new global headquarters in Spain’s capital.
The head office relocation will enable stronger collaboration between public sector tourism authorities and their private sector counterparts across the world. Simultaneously, the agreement elevates the city as a key player on the international tourism and business stage. The MoU is a reflection of both parties’ interest in promoting closer cooperation between government decision makers and private sector tourism businesses.
WTTC Chief Applauds Spain’s Minister for Championing Partnerships
WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara praised the recipient for his role in promoting government business partnerships, saying they were instrumental in promoting the long term prospects for the travel and tourism sector. She also acknowledged Spain’s strong position in terms of international visitor spending as well as minister’s contributions to building closer ties between his country and WTTC. The award serves as a mark of Spain’s leadership in enabling tourism businesses that helps attract international visitors and maintains the country’s competitive advantage.
Spain’s profile as a tourist destination is a key enabler for its economy at large. It has been a vital asset, helping the national economy through times of crisis and contributing significantly to GDP, business investment, jobs and tourism related exports. For Europe as a whole, the world’s second largest tourism region, WTTC expects to see economic growth rates outpacing the broader European economic growth in 2026. By handing over this award, the Council acknowledged Hereu’s efforts at promoting government business partnerships at home and abroad which play a crucial role in promoting the competitiveness of a given destination on a global scale.
