Written by Juergen T Steinmetz
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has been in action, driving major initiatives, partnerships, and global tourism discussions. eTurboNews will document every step in this dedicated, continuously updated column. Check back regularly for the latest developments, or visit https://eturbonews.com/wttc/ for comprehensive coverage of WTTC’s busy global agenda
WTTC CEO Calls for Stronger Destination Resilience Amid Devastating Wildfires
25 July 2026- WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara expressed solidarity with the families, communities, and businesses affected by the devastating wildfires in Spain and France, while recognizing the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, emergency services, military personnel, and volunteers. She said the fires, alongside the recent wildfire season in Canada, underscore the urgent need to strengthen crisis preparedness and destination resilience. Guevara stressed that as climate-related events become more frequent and severe, closer collaboration between governments and the private sector is essential to protect communities, travelers, and the future of Travel & Tourism.
WTTC Strengthens Ties with Destinations International at Record-Breaking Annual Convention
25 July 2026- Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), returned from Portland, Oregon, after attending the record-breaking Destinations International Annual Convention. The event brought together destination leaders from around the world and provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between WTTC and Destinations International, which represents more than 800 destination organizations. WTTC said the engagement reinforces its commitment to working with key industry partners to support destination management, tourism growth, and a more resilient global Travel & Tourism sector.
Destinations International Announces 2026-2027 Board Leadership at Portland Convention
WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara Congratulates Saadia Zahidi on Historic IATA Appointment
On 24 July 2026 WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara congratulated Saadia Zahidi on her appointment as Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Guevara praised Zahidi for becoming the first woman to lead the global aviation organization, describing international civil aviation as the backbone of the Travel & Tourism sector. She expressed confidence in Zahidi’s leadership and highlighted the significance of this milestone for both the aviation industry and women in global leadership.“We are entering a new era of female leadership in our sector. At the World Travel & Tourism Council, we will continue working hand in hand with IATA on a range of initiatives.”, Guevara added.
WTTC and ICCA Explore Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Global MICE Industry
23 July 2026: WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo and ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath held a productive meeting to discuss a potential strategic partnership between the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The discussions focused on identifying opportunities to collaborate in support of the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to driving the sector’s continued growth and success through closer cooperation. WTTC said it looks forward to advancing the dialogue and building a strong partnership that promotes a more connected, resilient, and sustainable global Travel & Tourism industry.
WTTC Welcomes Avolta as New Global MemberAvolta
23 July 2026 – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed Avolta as its newest Global Member. A leader in travel retail and food & beverage, Avolta operates across airports, motorways, cruise lines, ferries, and rail networks in more than 70 countries, serving millions of travelers every day. The partnership brings together two organizations committed to advancing the global Travel & Tourism sector. Avolta CEO Xavier Rossinyol highlighted the importance of travel as a powerful driver of global connection, cultural exchange, and economic growth.As the global leader at the intersection of travel retail and food & beverage, Avolta operates across airports, motorways, cruise lines, ferries and rail in more than 70 countries.Every day, it helps shape the journeys of millions of travelers through a combination of global scale and local relevance. As CEO Xavier Rossinyol said: “Travel is a powerful driver of global connection, exchange and economic activity.”
WTTC Congratulates Spain on FIFA World Cup Triumph, Highlights Sport’s Role in Driving Travel
20 July 2026 -The Spain-based World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has congratulated Spain on winning the FIFA World Cup, celebrating the team’s historic achievement and its wider impact beyond sport. WTTC highlighted the power of major sporting events to connect destinations, unite people across borders, and inspire millions to travel. The organization noted that global tournaments also create lasting economic and social benefits for host communities by boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. WTTC praised the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved in the victory, emphasizing the enduring legacy of sport in fostering global connections, inspiring future travel, and creating opportunities for generations to come.
WTTC and India Strengthen Collaboration to Boost Global Tourism and Inbound Growth
18 July 2026- WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo met with India’s Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi to discuss expanding India’s global tourism profile and accelerating inbound visitor growth. During the meeting, Guevara highlighted India’s strong investment potential, pointing to its ability to attract capital, world-renowned cultural heritage, and the hospitality of its people as key factors driving long-term tourism success. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to enhancing India’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination. WTTC said it looks forward to deepening its collaboration with India to support a more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready Travel & Tourism sector.
WTTC Launches Global Search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World
11 July 2026- The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has officially launched a global campaign to identify the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, inviting people everywhere to nominate the greatest landmarks, buildings, and destinations created since 1801. Led by WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo, the year-long initiative aims to celebrate modern achievements that have transformed destinations, inspired travelers, and generated lasting economic and cultural benefits
WTTC Wants to Rewrite the World’s Bucket List with the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World
Highlighting icons such as the Eiffel Tower, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Egypt’s newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, WTTC said that true wonders are more than remarkable structures—they attract visitors, create livelihoods, and become enduring symbols of national pride and global connection
The campaign will unfold over four milestones: nominations open on 7 July 2026, the public voting phase begins with a longlist of 70 on 7 January 2027, the shortlist of 30 is announced on 7 April 2027, and the final 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World will be revealed on 7 July 2027. WTTC is encouraging people worldwide to share the places that have inspired their greatest sense of wonder
