Copyright euroweeklynews
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is considering relocating its head office from London for the first time in its history – a decision that underscores how Brexit continues to reshape the landscape for global organisations based in the UK. A post-Brexit rethink The WTTC, which represents the global private sector in travel and tourism, has confirmed it is assessing a move from its London headquarters to continental Europe. The board is currently evaluating Spain, Italy and Switzerland, with London-based staff under consultation. Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said the decision stems partly from the UK’s post-Brexit environment, citing “lower operational costs, EU single-market access and the recruitment flexibility of a multi-lingual talent pool” among the advantages of a European base. The WTTC forecasts that global travel and tourism will reach 11.7 trillion US dollars (€10 trillion) in 2025 – around 10.3 per cent of world GDP and 371 million jobs. Its headquarters location, therefore, carries both symbolic and strategic significance for the sector. Strategic implications for the UK If confirmed, the move would mark a symbolic loss for the UK – once seen as a hub of global travel governance and research. The WTTC’s shift could be interpreted as a sign that international bodies no longer view post-Brexit Britain as the natural centre for industry leadership. Industry experts warn that the UK risks becoming a venue for tourism rather than a voice shaping it. With the loss of single-market access, tighter immigration rules, and complex regulatory frameworks, Britain’s travel sector faces growing headwinds compared to EU competitors. WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson recently criticised UK government policy, arguing that “years of government inertia are taking their toll,” and that the UK’s tourism industry risks “falling behind global competitors” without urgent investment and reform (WTTC press release, Jan 2025) Why Spain could emerge as the winner Among the candidates, Spain appears especially well-positioned to host the WTTC’s new base. It combines the benefits of lower operating costs, a strong tourism infrastructure, EU membership and a multilingual workforce. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations – contributing roughly 12 per cent of Spain’s GDP – the country offers both practical and symbolic advantages. A Madrid or Barcelona base would give the organisation proximity to EU institutions, access to a diverse talent pool, and the ability to maintain strong connections across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. A blow to the UK’s global travel reputation In April 2025, the council accused the government of “sabotaging” its own tourism industry through policies such as removing tax-free shopping and maintaining high travel levies. The WTTC estimates that the UK lost over 2.2 billion pounds (€2.5 billion) in potential international traveller spending in 2024 due to these policies – a signal that its appeal as a global travel hub is slipping. Europe’s tourism momentum The Council’s latest Global Summit, held in Rome – and its next summit that is already planned for Malta in 2026 – are both clear indicators that Europe continues to dominate the global travel landscape and reinforces its growing leadership. What happens when the world’s travel hub packs up? For international organisations, decisions about where to base themselves now hinge less on legacy prestige and more on regulatory access, workforce mobility, and economic stability. For the UK, the prospect of losing such a prominent institution should serve as a wake-up call – a reminder that competitiveness relies on openness and policy foresight, not history. For Spain, it represents a rare opportunity to move beyond being a world-class destination to becoming a hub of influence, research, and decision-making at the very heart of global tourism.
