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Date: 7 October 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today honoured 16 of its longest-serving Members through its Excellence Circle Awards, celebrating decades of commitment, partnership and contribution to both WTTC and the global Travel & Tourism sector.
Presented during WTTC's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held as part of WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Malta, the awards recognise organisations whose enduring support has helped shape the Council and strengthen the collective voice of Travel & Tourism around the world.
The WTTC Member Excellence Circle celebrates Members whose long-standing commitment, partnership and contribution have helped shape WTTC and the global Travel & Tourism community it serves. This year's recipients represent some of the world's most influential travel and tourism organisations, with memberships spanning more than two decades and, in some cases, over 35 years.
The awards were presented by WTTC Chair Elie Maalouf, Global CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, who has been a WTTC Member for more than 30 years and whose leadership reflects the long-term commitment recognised through the Excellence Circle.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: "The strength of WTTC has always come from the commitment of its Members. For decades, these organisations have not only supported the Council, but have helped shape global Travel & Tourism through their leadership, expertise, and collaboration. Today's recipients represent the very best of our sector, and we are proud to recognise their enduring contribution to WTTC and the industry we serve."
More Than 35 Years of Membership
Accor, represented by Sébastien Bazin, CEO
Hilton, represented by Christopher Nassetta, President & CEO
Marriott International, represented by Neal Jones, President EMEA, on behalf of President & CEO Anthony Capuano
Heritage Group / Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, represented by Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman
More Than 30 Years of Membership
IHG Hotels & Resorts, represented by Elie Maalouf, Global CEO
Zurich Cover-More, represented by Fernando García Ruiz, CEO of Universal Assistance LatAm, on behalf of Cara Morton, CEO Global Business & Operations
Virtuoso, represented by Matthew Upchurch, Chairman & CEO
The Travel Corporation, represented by Ellen Bettridge, CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Cannery Row Company, represented by Ted J Balestreri, Chairman & CEO
More Than 25 Years of Membership
Indian Hotels Company, represented by Puneet Chhatwal, CEO
Amadeus IT Group, represented by Angel Gallego, EVP Industry & Government Affairs, on behalf of Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel
More Than 20 Years of Membership
Relais & Châteaux, represented by Laurent Gardinier, President
Expedia Group, represented by Alfonso Paredes, President, Expedia Group B2B
Shun Tak Holdings Limited, represented by Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director
JLL, represented by Daniel Fenton, Executive Vice President and Global Tourism Director
Travelport, represented by John Mangelaars, CEO
As WTTC continues to drive initiatives that support growth, investment, resilience and collaboration across the sector, the Excellence Circle Awards highlight the organisations whose long-term partnership has helped strengthen the Council's impact and amplify the voice of Travel & Tourism on the global stage.
The awards were presented during WTTC's Annual General Meeting at its 26th Global Summit in Malta, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government ministers, to discuss the future of the sector and the opportunities that lie ahead.
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About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.