WTTC adds 50 members as tourism sector expands

Dhaka: The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed 50 new members so far in 2026, bringing together companies from across the travel industry as the global sector continues to expand.

The new members represent a range of businesses, including hospitality, mobility, travel retail, investment and insurance. They include Corinthia Group, Club Med, Investindustrial, Allianz Partners and Pernod Ricard. Eight returning members have also rejoined, among them Uber, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International and Avolta.

Luxury hospitality groups Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental have taken seats on WTTC’s Executive Committee, adding their industry experience to the organization’s leadership. Mandarin Oriental has returned after more than 25 years of previous membership. The group operates 47 hotels, 16 residences and 43 exclusive homes across 30 countries and territories, with a target of reaching 100 hotels by 2033.

Four Seasons, founded in 1961, now operates 140 hotels and more than 60 residential properties in 47 countries.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said the membership growth reflected confidence in the organization and the wider tourism industry. She said the new members would contribute expertise and leadership to discussions on the sector’s future.

WTTC forecasts that travel and tourism will contribute US$11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026, representing 9.9 percent of global GDP and supporting 375 million jobs worldwide.

The council’s international team includes professionals from 22 nationalities.