Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental join WTTC’s Executive Committee

Luxury hotel groups Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental have joined the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Executive Committee, strengthening their role in shaping the future of the global travel and tourism industry.

The council represents some of the world’s largest travel and tourism companies, working with governments on policies that influence investment, infrastructure development and sustainable growth.

The appointments are part of a wider expansion at WTTC, which has welcomed 50 new members so far in 2026, broadening its representation across hospitality, mobility, investment, insurance and travel retail.

Among the additions are Corinthia Group, Club Med, Investindustrial, Allianz Partners and Pernod Ricard. Eight companies have also returned, including Uber, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International and Avolta.

“Welcoming 50 new members in a single year is a powerful vote of confidence in both our sector and WTTC,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC. “Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as we shape together the future of Travel & Tourism.”

The growing interest in WTTC comes as the global tourism industry continues to expand. According to the council’s research, the sector is forecast to contribute a record $11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP. It is also expected to support 375 million jobs worldwide, equivalent to roughly one in nine jobs.

The appointments coincide with international expansion plans at both luxury hotel groups, with Mandarin Oriental aiming to more than double its global hotel portfolio over the next seven years.

Mandarin Oriental, which previously held WTTC membership for more than 25 years, currently operates 47 hotels across 30 countries and territories. The group plans to more than double its portfolio to 100 hotels worldwide by 2033.

Laurent Kleitman, Mandarin Oriental’s Group Chief Executive, said returning to the council would allow the company to collaborate more closely with industry leaders as it pursues its expansion plans.

“We share a commitment to responsible growth, meaningful collaboration and creating lasting value for the destinations and communities in which we operate. Above all, we believe the future of luxury hospitality lies in exceptional experiences that foster human connections,” he said.

Four Seasons is also expanding its international portfolio, with approximately 60 projects at various stages of development across the Americas, the Middle East and Europe.

Alejandro Reynal, Four Seasons President and CEO, said joining the council would provide an opportunity to support innovation and strengthen the industry’s long-term resilience.

“As our industry continues to evolve, we are honored to join the World Travel & Tourism Council to advance innovation and strengthen the long-term resilience of the global travel and tourism industry,” Reynal said.

Beyond luxury hospitality, WTTC’s membership expansion brings together companies with interests across a wider range of tourism-related industries.

The council uses economic research and collaboration with governments to inform policies on tourism investment, employment and sustainable development, providing its members with a platform to participate in discussions on the sector’s future.