Take Urgent Action for Wildlife: Tell your senators to oppose anti-ESA legislation!

 

Defender, We want to let you know that your chance to speak up in defense of America’s imperiled wildlife is almost gone!

WTTC Hails London as a Model for Growth as Global Travel Leaders Gather for WTM

 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed the launch of the new Oxford Street traffic-free zone in London, supporting its view that the city is a strong model for growth in Europe and focused on attracting more tourism.

Global Travel Trade Ambassadors to Inspire International Travel During America’s 250th Anniversary

Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization for the United States, announces the selection of 25 UK Travel Trade Ambassadors as part of its largest global trade initiative to date, launched earlier this year to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The worldwide network of 250 travel advisors has been appointed to continue to inspire international visitation to the USA and equip the international trade with the knowledge, tools and relationships needed to confidently sell the United States.

Professor Francesco Frangialli Receives WTTC Icon Award for Elevating Tourism to the United Nations

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its prestigious WTTC Icon Award to Professor Francesco Frangialli, recognising his lifetime contribution to global tourism governance and his role in securing Travel & Tourism’s place within the United Nations system.

Brand USA doubles down on demand as US travel evolves

 

Brand USA is fighting to keep the United States on travelers’ wish lists as international tourism faces a challenging backdrop of geopolitical tensions and concerns about America’s image.

Speaking at Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe in Amsterdam, President and CEO Fred Dixon said international demand remains substantial despite the “volume challenges” facing US tourism.

Planeterra launches Community Positive Tourism framework

 

TORONTO, CANADA – Planeterra, the global nonprofit focused on strengthening Community Tourism, has launched the Community Positive Framework, an initiative designed to establish a practical, community-informed approach to defining, measuring and improving tourism’s impact on communities.

ICAO reaffirmed global aviation security commitment on 9/11 anniversary

 

Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the ICAO Council, and Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, have reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening aviation security on the anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks.

The September Orderbook Has Docked

 

September orderbook totals 81 firm orders worth $94bn+* with MoU and options counting over 30 more cruise newbuilds. The future for cruise is very bright….!

Protected Trust Services joined the Future Travel Coalition

 

UK-active Future Travel Coalition (FTC) has expanded with the addition of Protected Trust Services (PTS), further strengthening its position as one of the travel industry’s largest collective voices when engaging with governments and policymakers.

Mastercard Family & Friends Day earns Gold sustainability certification

 

Mastercard’s Purchase Family & Friends Day 2026 has achieved Gold Level Certification under the Events Industry Council (EIC) sustainable event standards, recognising its performance across environmental and social sustainability criteria.

Malta Tourism Authority joins WTTC as Destination Partner

 

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has joined the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Destination Partner, ahead of the WTTC Global Summit 2026, which will take place in Valletta from October 7 to 9.

WTTC: Seven principles to turn tourism growth into shared prosperity

 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is urging governments, destinations, and the travel industry to rethink how tourism success is measured, shifting the focus from visitor numbers to long-term value for residents, businesses, and travelers.

CzechTourism expands travel trade engagement in India

 

CzechTourism has expanded its engagement with the Indian travel trade by organising dedicated workshops in Hyderabad and Surat. The CzechTourism India workshops formed part of the  tourism board’s year-round programme to strengthen relationships in established cities and fast-growing outbound travel markets.

UNESCO Heritage Sites in Japan: Celebrating 75 Years of Membership

 

This year marks the milestone 75th anniversary of Japan’s membership in UNESCO. Over the decades, Japan has shown an unwavering commitment to safeguarding its natural landscapes and historical treasures, aligning with global sustainable tourism initiatives. In an exciting continuation of this legacy, the Asuka-Fujiwara ancient capitals are officially expected to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, positioning the area to become Japan’s 22nd UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Welcome to Friends of the Foundation

 

Welcome to Friends of the Foundation! We're grateful you've chosen to join a community of travelers and supporters who believe that exploring the world also comes with an opportunity to care for it.

WTTC Invites the World to Choose the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World

 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched the search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, a global initiative designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destinations around the world.

ICAO to hold Extraordinary Assembly in November

 

MONTREAL – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will convene the 43rd Session (Extraordinary) of the ICAO Assembly from 19 to 20 November 2026 in Montréal to elect four additional Member States to the ICAO Council.

WTTC Encourages Barcelona to Reconsider Proposed Cruise Tourist Tax Increase

 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has expressed concern over proposals to increase Barcelona’s tourist tax on short-stay cruise passengers, warning that the measure could weaken the city’s competitiveness and have unintended consequences for the local economy.

Built to last: ECI celebrates 50 years

 

For 50 years, we have backed ambitious management teams and helped build exceptional businesses, evolving alongside the market every step of the way.

The Long Run and APOLA to Advance Sustainable Outdoor Lodging in Asia Pacific

 

The Long Run (TLR), a global membership organisation working at the intersection of nature conservation and sustainable tourism, and the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the growth of sustainable outdoor lodging in Asia Pacific.