The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has honored Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, with its Global Champion Award. This recognition highlights his efforts in supporting public-private partnerships and solidifying Spain’s status as a top global tourism destination.
During the 26th WTTC Global Summit held in Malta on October 8, the award was presented. The summit attracted over 1,000 attendees, including more than 200 CEOs from the tourism sector and government officials.
Spain remains the top European destination for international tourist spending, with projections indicating continued growth in 2026. According to WTTC data, international visitors spent US$130.1 billion in Spain in 2025, ranking it first in Europe and third globally.
Forecasts from WTTC suggest Spain’s tourism sector will expand by 3.7% in 2026, with international visitor spending projected to rise by 5.3%. This positions Spain as a key growth market in Europe’s tourism industry, which is expected to outpace the overall economy’s growth rate.
The WTTC Global Champion Award acknowledges public figures whose policies and initiatives promote tourism growth, competitiveness, and global visibility, while supporting collaboration with private enterprises. Gloria Guevara, WTTC’s President and CEO, commended Hereu’s commitment to government-industry partnerships.
Guevara stated, “Minister Hereu has been a true champion of public-private collaboration, recognising that the future success of Travel & Tourism depends on governments and businesses working together towards shared goals.”
Hereu’s role in relocating WTTC’s global headquarters to Madrid was a significant factor in his recognition. In January 2026, he signed a memorandum of understanding with WTTC and the City of Madrid, officially confirming the move.
This agreement establishes Madrid as the new global headquarters of WTTC, supporting closer ties between Spanish authorities and the private sector of the international tourism industry. Guevara noted, “Under his leadership, Spain has continued to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tourism economies, recording the highest international visitor spending in Europe.”
This collaboration is expected to further boost Spain’s tourism sector. With WTTC’s predictions of continued growth, Spain is poised to maintain its prominent position in the global tourism market.