The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is a leading global organization representing the private sector of the Travel & Tourism industry. Established initially through discussions among industry CEOs in the late 1980s, WTTC has evolved into a forum of influential business leaders committed to maximizing the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector worldwide. Registered with the EU Transparency Register since November 18, 2021, WTTC’s mission centers on partnering with governments, communities, and stakeholders to foster economic development, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, enhance security, and promote mutual understanding globally.
WTTC advocates on key EU policy files critical to the tourism sector, including the establishment of an EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, the Digital Services Act, the Tourism Transition Pathway, as well as the EU Green Deal and EU taxonomy initiatives. The organization aims to raise awareness about the substantial economic and social impact of Travel & Tourism, a sector that supports one in ten jobs globally and contributes approximately 10.4% to global GDP. WTTC leverages research it has conducted over 30 years assessing the sector’s economic impact in 185 countries, demonstrating significant growth and job creation, underlying its strategic importance to European and global economies.
The Council engages with EU institutions to influence policy areas such as visa facilitation, border management, climate change mitigation, transport and tourism initiatives, foreign affairs, employment, education, digitalization, and the European Digital Single Market. Through its Brussels office, WTTC maintains active communication lines with EU policymakers, advocating for sustainable growth and crisis preparedness within the sector. Its participation in European Commission expert groups, such as “Together for EU Tourism,” ensures its voice is incorporated into EU tourism policy discussions.
WTTC’s lobbying efforts are conducted primarily through a core group of three lobbyists (0.6 full-time equivalent), with no directly accredited Members of the European Parliament. The organization partners with external consultants as intermediaries, notably Capital European Affairs (since January 2025) and previously Fipra International Limited, to strengthen its advocacy reach. Financially, WTTC’s lobbying expenditures in 2024 ranged from €50,000 to €99,999, reflecting a modest but targeted investment in influencing EU tourism and regulatory frameworks. The firm is classified under trade and business associations, emphasizing its mandate to promote the collective interests of Travel & Tourism businesses.
WTTC operates from its head office in London, United Kingdom, with an EU office located at the same address (65 Southwark Street, London SE1 0HR). As a respected global advocate, WTTC continues to network closely with governmental and non-governmental entities, aligning its objectives with broader EU sustainability and economic agendas to support the sector’s recovery and long-term resilience.
