The award was presented during a VIP Dinner at WTTC’s 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.
The WTTC Icon Award recognises individuals whose lifetime contribution has shaped destinations, institutions or the Travel & Tourism sector itself, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Professor Frangialli is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of international tourism. As Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 1997 to 2009, he led the organisation’s transformation into a specialised agency of the United Nations, ensuring that tourism was recognised within the UN family and giving the sector a stronger voice on the global stage.
His leadership helped elevate Travel & Tourism as a policy priority for governments around the world and strengthened recognition of the sector’s role in economic growth, development and international cooperation
Professor Frangialli also played a pivotal role in establishing internationally recognised frameworks for measuring the economic impact of Travel & Tourism, creating foundations that continue to inform policymaking, research and investment decisions across the world today.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “Professor Francesco Frangialli fundamentally changed the way tourism is recognised globally. By bringing tourism into the United Nations family, he ensured our sector had a place within the world’s most important international institutions and a voice heard by governments around the world. His contribution extends far beyond his time in office. The foundations he helped create continue to shape how destinations, governments and businesses understand the value of Travel & Tourism today.”
Receiving the award, Professor Frangialli was recognised not only for his institutional achievements, but also for helping establish tourism as a force for economic development, international understanding and global prosperity.
The award celebrates a legacy that continues to influence the sector decades after his tenure and honours one of the leaders who helped shape modern global tourism governance.
