Our mission is to maximise the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs and reduce poverty while fostering peace, security, and understanding in our world.
We are a membership organisation, representing the global Travel & Tourism private sector. From the outset, our members realised that hard economic facts were needed to help governments and policymakers truly understand the value of Travel & Tourism. Therefore, research into the growth, trends and challenges of Travel & Tourism underpins WTTC’s work.
For over 30 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has been on a mission to maximise the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Travel & Tourism sector. Our goal is to make travel seamless, secure, safe, inclusive, and sustainable, while promoting greater public-private sector collaboration.
Since our inception in 1990, WTTC has evolved significantly while holding steadfast to its core mission.
In the late 1980s, industry leaders, led by James Robinson III, Chairman and CEO of American Express, recognised a critical need. Despite being the largest sector in the world and the leading job provider, Travel & Tourism’s value to the global economy and communities was still not recognised. There was a lack of consolidated data and a unified sector voice.
In 1990, following a powerful message from Henry Kissinger confirming the sector's potential, WTTC was established with James Robinson III as Chairman and Geoffrey Lipman as President. Our first official meeting in 1991 marked the beginning of our journey. Today, WTTC comprises a diverse membership encompassing the entire spectrum of Travel & Tourism. Our members are the chairs, presidents, and CEOs of leading Travel & Tourism organisations.
As a not-for-profit organisation, WTTC exemplifies business leaders' commitment to advancing global activities while playing a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development. Our research is both qualitative and quantitative, looking at Travel & Tourism’s value and impact on the global economy and community. Our Economic Impact Research (EIR) quantifies the direct and total impact of Travel & Tourism on economies in terms of GDP and employment growth, raising awareness of our sector’s economic contribution.
We also, more recently, quantify Travel & Tourism’s environmental and social footprint through our ESR data. We provide valuable tools, including comprehensive reports and economic fact-sheets, available for download through our Research Hub. All profits from this research go back into the organisation, funding future projects and data.
Membership
Join our diverse community of industry leaders, from airlines and hotels to technology companies and more.
Events
Participate in high level governmental and sector events, including our Global Summit which brings together influential public and private sector figures.
Initiatives
Collaborate on key issues such as safe and seamless travel, crisis readiness, sustainability and destination stewardship.
Insights and research
Access globally recognised economic impact reports and key insights that drive industry awareness.
News and updates
Stay informed with our latest press releases, blog posts and monthly newsletters.
WTTC is globally recognised as a leading voice in Travel & Tourism. Throughout the public and private sector we are trusted to champion the sector by facilitating data-driven decision-making to supercharge the economic, social and sustainable growth of the sector.
With a truly global presence, WTTC is recognised for hosting signature Travel & Tourism events that forge global partnerships, foster innovation, and inform the strategic direction of the sector.
