World travel on the rise. Photo: Shutterstock The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed 50 new members so far in 2026, bringing together major international companies from across the travel, hospitality, mobility, investment and insurance sectors.
The latest additions include Corinthia Group, Club Med, Investindustrial, Allianz Partners and Pernod Ricard. Eight companies have also returned to the organization, among them Uber, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International and Avolta.
WTTC also announced that two major luxury hospitality groups, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, have joined its Executive Committee, adding senior representation from the high-end hotel sector to the organization's leadership.
Mandarin Oriental is returning to WTTC after previously holding membership for more than 25 years. The group currently operates 47 hotels, 16 residences and 43 exclusive homes across 30 countries and territories. It has set a target of reaching 100 hotels worldwide by 2033.
Four Seasons, which was founded in 1961, now operates 140 hotels and more than 60 residential properties across 47 countries. The Canadian hospitality group began with its first hotel in Toronto and has since expanded into one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands.
Mandarin Oriental Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman said the company's return to WTTC's Executive Committee would allow it to contribute to discussions on responsible growth, international cooperation and the future of luxury hospitality.
Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal also highlighted the importance of innovation, service and long-term relationships with the destinations and communities where the company operates.
The membership expansion comes as the global Travel & Tourism sector continues to grow. According to WTTC research, the industry is expected to contribute $11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026, equivalent to 9.9% of worldwide GDP.
The sector is also forecast to support 375 million jobs globally, or approximately one in every nine jobs worldwide.
WTTC said its international team includes professionals from 22 nationalities, reflecting the global reach and diversity of the industry it represents.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said the addition of 50 members reflected confidence in both the organization and the wider travel industry. She highlighted the importance of bringing together companies from different sectors and regions to contribute to the industry's future.