WTTC Calls for Stronger Public-Private Collaboration to Build a More Resilient Tourism Sector

Madrid, Spain, 10 November 2026 – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to strengthen the resilience of global Travel & Tourism and ensure its future growth delivers lasting benefits for destinations and local communities.

Addressing more than 50 tourism ministers and senior government representatives at the 20th anniversary of the WTM London Ministers’ Summit, under the theme Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient Future, WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the importance of preparedness, leadership and coordinated action in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Drawing on WTTC’s research into more than 100 crises, including 9/11, the global financial crisis, geopolitical tensions, wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, Guevara described Travel & Tourism as the world’s most resilient sector, one that has consistently overcome challenges, adapted to change and moved forward.

In 2025, the sector contributed a record US$11.6 trillion to the global economy, equivalent to 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs worldwide. That is one in every nine jobs.

Guevara highlighted WTTC’s eight global strategic priorities, agreed with its Members following an extensive consultation process carried out over several months, including more than 200 interviews with CEOs and industry leaders. Approved by WTTC’s Executive Committee, the priorities reflect the collective perspectives of the global Travel & Tourism private sector and provide a shared agenda for the sector’s future.

They focus on enabling safe and seamless journeys through digital standards and biometrics; strengthening destination stewardship and addressing overcrowding; advancing climate and environmental sustainability; harnessing emerging technologies, including AI and robotics; enhancing crisis preparedness, management and recovery; expanding global connectivity and developing new travel corridors; supporting workforce development, talent retention and mobility; and promoting policies that drive investment and new growth opportunities.

Guevara emphasised that delivering these priorities depends on strong public-private collaboration. The Ministers’ Summit itself provides an important example of this approach, bringing together governments and industry leaders to exchange perspectives, identify common challenges and develop solutions. She stressed that partnerships must be established before a crisis occurs, enabling governments and businesses to share information, coordinate decisions and respond more quickly and effectively when challenges arise.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Travel & Tourism has shown time and again its extraordinary resilience, and that gives us a strong foundation to build on. When governments and the private sector plan together, we can anticipate challenges rather than simply respond to them. Our ambition goes beyond recovery: together, we can build a stronger, more resilient sector that protects our natural and cultural assets, creates opportunities for local communities and delivers long-term value for destinations around the world.”

WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute US$11.9 trillion to global GDP in 2026, its highest level on record, and is expected to grow faster than the wider global economy. International arrivals are also forecast to increase by 29.8 million, representing annual growth of 1.9%.

These figures show the continued global desire to travel and the important opportunities ahead for the sector. Guevara noted that the task now is to turn this momentum into lasting progress by strengthening preparedness, ensuring communities benefit and making growth sustainable.

The WTM London Ministers’ Summit also brought together prominent WTTC Members, including Frank Rainieri, Founder and Chairman of Grupo Puntacana, and Hamza Farooqui, Founder and CEO of Millat Group, alongside senior representatives of WTTC Member companies, including Rosana Morillo, Vice President of Government Affairs at MSC, and Rajiv Garodia, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales & Commercial Operations at Visa Government Solutions.

Their participation brought valuable private-sector perspectives to discussions with tourism ministers, reinforcing the importance of closer public-private collaboration in strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and sustainable growth of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

The Ministers’ Summit provides an important platform for governments and sector leaders to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships and identify shared priorities. Its 20th anniversary marks two decades of bringing together public- and private-sector leaders to help shape the future of global Travel & Tourism.

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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.

WTTC’s work is guided by eight global strategic priorities, agreed with its Members following an extensive consultation process over several months, including more than 200 interviews with CEOs and industry leaders. These priorities are: enabling safe and seamless journeys through digital standards and biometrics; strengthening destination stewardship and addressing overcrowding; advancing climate and environmental sustainability initiatives; harnessing emerging technologies, including AI and robotics; enhancing crisis preparedness, management and recovery; expanding global connectivity and developing new travel corridors; supporting workforce development, talent retention and mobility; and promoting policies that drive investment and new growth opportunities. Together, they provide a shared framework for public- and private-sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of Travel & Tourism and support its long-term, sustainable growth.