Dubai Emerges as the Ultimate Winner in the Battle for WTTC’s Prestigious Global Headquarters, Outshining Paris and Milan

Published on December 17, 2025

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a global organisation representing the private sector of the travel and tourism industry, is in the process of selecting a new city for its headquarters after decades in London, United Kingdom. With the changing dynamics of the global tourism sector, the WTTC is considering Dubai as one of the key locations for its new base. Dubai stands out alongside several European cities: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, and Geneva. These cities are all vying for the prestigious role of becoming the home of the WTTC’s global operations, but Dubai’s rapid growth and prominence in the tourism industry place it at the forefront of this competition.

Why Dubai Is Dominating the WTTC Headquarters Race

Dubai has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in the tourism sector, making it a strong contender for the WTTC headquarters. Here’s why Dubai leads the pack:

• Strategic Location: Dubai’s position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa places it in a perfect spot for connecting markets across three continents. This accessibility to key tourism regions is a key factor in Dubai’s appeal, making it a natural choice for a global tourism hub.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Dubai boasts some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure, including the world-renowned Dubai International Airport (DXB), a global transport hub that facilitates easy access to international markets. The city’s public transport systems, cutting-edge hotels, and business facilities further contribute to its readiness to support a global organisation like the WTTC.
• Thriving Tourism Industry: Dubai’s tourism sector continues to perform exceptionally well, making it a major player in the global travel market. In 2023, the city welcomed millions of international visitors, and its tourism-related activities contribute significantly to the UAE’s GDP. Dubai’s commitment to creating a world-class tourism destination with offerings ranging from luxury shopping to cultural experiences enhances its appeal.
• Innovative Travel and Tourism Initiatives: Dubai is at the forefront of tourism innovation. With initiatives such as smart city technologies, sustainable tourism practices, and high-tech travel experiences, the city aligns perfectly with the WTTC’s mission to drive innovation and sustainability within the tourism sector. Dubai’s initiatives are setting global trends, making it an attractive option for a forward-thinking organisation like the WTTC.
• Strong Government Support: The UAE government has consistently supported Dubai’s growth as a tourism and business hub. The government’s investment in large-scale projects like Expo 2020 Dubai and continued development of sustainable infrastructure show that Dubai is committed to maintaining its leadership role in global tourism.

European Cities: Strong Competition for WTTC Headquarters

While Dubai has emerged as a top contender, the other five cities on the WTTC’s shortlist also bring strong arguments for their candidacy:

1. Paris, France: Known as the world’s most visited city, Paris has long been a hub for international tourism. Its reputation as a cultural and political powerhouse, along with its established tourism infrastructure, makes it a natural competitor for the WTTC.
2. Madrid and Barcelona, Spain: Spain offers two strong contenders in Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid, as the economic and political capital of Spain, is central to European tourism policy. On the other hand, Barcelona, with its innovative approach to tourism and strong industry connections, makes it a powerful candidate.
3. Milan, Italy: Milan’s status as a cultural and economic centre in Italy, combined with its global recognition in industries like fashion and finance, positions it as a competitive option for the WTTC headquarters.
4. Geneva, Switzerland: Geneva’s reputation as an international hub for diplomacy and governance, along with its well-established infrastructure for global organisations, makes it an attractive candidate.

What WTTC Seeks in Its New Headquarters

The selection process for the WTTC’s new headquarters involves evaluating several critical factors that will support the organisation’s mission to advance global tourism. These factors include:

• Access to Global Markets: The selected city must be easily accessible to international markets, making it a central point for collaboration between businesses, governments, and tourism professionals.
• Tourism Infrastructure: A city with established world-class tourism infrastructure is essential to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. This includes reliable transportation, accommodation, and facilities that cater to the demands of both businesses and visitors.
• Business Environment: The city must offer a favorable business environment with strong support for the travel and tourism sector, economic stability, and tax policies that benefit international companies.
• Workforce Mobility: The selected city must ensure ease of access for employees and global stakeholders, with efficient visa policies and robust transport connections.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Given the WTTC’s focus on sustainable tourism, the chosen city must align with global sustainability goals, focusing on green tourism practices and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Dubai’s Growing Influence in Global Tourism

Dubai’s candidacy for the WTTC headquarters is a reflection of its growing stature in the global tourism industry. The city has firmly positioned itself as a leader, offering:

• Major International Events: Dubai hosts globally renowned events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai World Cup, attracting millions of visitors annually. These events boost the city’s profile as a key player in the global tourism landscape.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Dubai is actively pursuing sustainable tourism initiatives through eco-friendly hotels, green building standards, and investments in clean energy technologies. These efforts align with the WTTC’s commitment to sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
• Business and Leisure Synergy: Dubai’s ability to seamlessly integrate business and leisure in its tourism offerings makes it an ideal location for hosting a global tourism organisation. The city’s versatile infrastructure supports both high-end business tourism and leisure travel, creating a perfect synergy.

The Future of Global Tourism Leadership

The relocation of the WTTC’s headquarters will be a defining moment for the future of global tourism. The city chosen will serve as the epicentre for tourism policy, global collaboration, and industry advocacy. Dubai’s growing influence, its world-class infrastructure, and its strong government backing position it as the leader in the race for the headquarters.

As the WTTC finalises its decision, Dubai’s potential to host the organisation is undeniable. The outcome of this process will not only shape the future of the WTTC but also signal where the heart of global tourism leadership will reside. Dubai’s growth trajectory and role in setting global tourism trends makes it an ideal candidate for the position, and as the evaluation process nears completion, it stands as the clear frontrunner.