The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed 50 new members so far in 2026, reflecting growing engagement from businesses across the global travel and tourism industry. The new additions represent a broad range of sectors, including hospitality, mobility, travel retail, investment and insurance, further expanding the organisation’s international business network. Major companies joining or returning to the council include Corinthia Group, Club Med, Investindustrial, Allianz Partners and Pernod Ricard, alongside several established global brands.
The announcement, made on November 2, 2026, comes as the global Travel & Tourism sector continues to strengthen its economic contribution and international presence. WTTC’s latest research forecasts that the industry will contribute US$11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting 375 million jobs worldwide. The growing membership is expected to bring additional business experience and industry perspectives into WTTC’s work on the future of travel and tourism.
50 New Members Expand WTTC’s Global Industry Network
The 50 new members represent different parts of the tourism value chain, demonstrating the increasingly interconnected nature of the global industry. Their participation brings together businesses involved in accommodation, transportation, travel services, financial protection, investment and consumer experiences. Among the notable new members are Corinthia Group, Club Med, Investindustrial, Allianz Partners and Pernod Ricard, highlighting the diversity of companies now represented within the organisation.
The latest expansion also includes eight returning members, among them Uber, Barcelo Hotel Group, Melia Hotels International and Avolta. Their return strengthens WTTC’s connection with companies that have previously contributed to its international network. The involvement of both new and returning organisations reflects continued interest from major businesses in participating in industry wide discussions, sharing expertise and supporting cooperation across the global travel and tourism sector.
Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental Strengthen WTTC Leadership
WTTC has also announced that two major international luxury hospitality groups, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, have joined its Executive Committee. Their appointments bring additional experience from the high end accommodation sector into the council’s leadership. Both companies have established international operations and are recognized for their focus on service quality, personalised guest experiences and long-term hospitality development.
Mandarin Oriental’s return to WTTC follows more than 25 years of previous membership. The company currently operates 47 hotels, 16 residences and 43 exclusive homes across 30 countries and territories, with an ambition to expand its portfolio to 100 hotels worldwide by 2033. Its renewed involvement in the council’s Executive Committee reflects its interest in contributing to international industry collaboration and responsible tourism growth.
Global Hospitality Leaders Emphasise Collaboration and Growth
Founded in 1961, Four Seasons has developed from its first hotel in Toronto, Canada, into a major international luxury hospitality company. The group now operates 140 hotels and more than 60 residential properties across 47 countries. As it marks 65 years in the hospitality industry in 2026, its continued focus on service excellence, innovation and personalised experiences remains central to its global business approach.
WTTC President and Chief Executive Gloria Guevara described the addition of 50 members in one year as a strong indication of confidence in both the organisation and the wider industry. She welcomed the participation of established tourism businesses and other sector leaders, noting that their knowledge and leadership would contribute to shaping the future of global Travel & Tourism. The council sees the expanded membership as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among businesses operating across different parts of the industry.
Tourism’s Economic Contribution Supports Industry Confidence
Mandarin Oriental Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman said the organisation’s return to WTTC’s Executive Committee would allow it to contribute to discussions about the industry’s future. He highlighted the importance of responsible growth, meaningful cooperation and creating lasting value for destinations and communities. He also emphasised the role of luxury hospitality in delivering exceptional experiences that encourage human connections between visitors, local communities and the places they explore. Four Seasons President and Chief Executive Alejandro Reynal similarly highlighted the importance of people, authentic experiences and long term commitments to destinations and communities. He said collaboration through WTTC would help advance innovation and strengthen the industry’s long term resilience.
These priorities reflect the growing importance of partnerships and responsible business practices as tourism destinations and companies respond to changing visitor expectations. WTTC’s economic forecast provides further context for the expansion of its membership. The organisation expects the global Travel & Tourism sector to generate US$11.9 trillion in economic contribution during 2026, equivalent to 9.9% of global GDP. It is also projected to support 375 million jobs worldwide, representing approximately one in every nine jobs. These figures underline the industry’s importance to employment, investment and economic activity across international destinations.
The organisation’s expanding membership is also reflected in the diversity of its global workforce. WTTC’s international team includes professionals from 22 nationalities, representing different regions and backgrounds. With companies from multiple sectors joining its network and leading hospitality groups taking positions on its Executive Committee, WTTC is seeking to strengthen international cooperation and contribute to the continued development of the global travel and tourism industry.
