The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the incorporation of Buenos Aires as a new member destination of the organization.
With its incorporation in the category of Destination Partner of the WTTC, the Argentine capital will participate in discussion and debate forums attended by CEOs and directors of the approximately 200 most prominent companies and destinations in the tourism sector worldwide. The Council's mission is to maximize the potential for inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth of the sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and industry partners to drive economic development, create jobs and reduce poverty.
It is worth noting that Buenos Aires, through its tourism promotion brand, “Visit Buenos Aires”, joins the 30 Destination Partners of the organization worldwide, which include: France, Brand USA, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Canada, Dubai, New York, California, Neom, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Quintana Roo, Nayarit, AlUla, South Africa, Turkey, Barcelona, Portugal, Seville, the Philippines, Thailand and Rwanda, among others.
By being a Member of the WTTC, Visit Buenos Aires will have the opportunity to strengthen its position as a tourist destination of international relevance, beyond what they could do individually and as a Member, it will also be part of the driving force behind the activities and policies of the Council, as well as having access to the main networking network of the most important representatives of the tourism sector at a global level.
Julia Simpson, President of the WTTC, said: “For the WTTC, as the only organization that brings together the main private sector players in this industry, it is an honor that Buenos Aires joins the list of member destinations. This will allow us to work together to strengthen global efforts to promote increasingly safe, sustainable and inclusive tourism.
We thank the authorities of the destination for the work they have been doing in a committed manner in favor of this sector, a pillar for economic development and the generation of more and better opportunities.”
Valentín Díaz Gilligan, president of the City Tourism Board and president of Visit Buenos Aires, said: “The incorporation of Visit Buenos Aires as a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council, implies an achievement that will allow the city to access the main players in world tourism, learn about the latest trends in the industry, discuss the challenges facing the activity and strengthen its position as one of the leading urban destinations in the southern hemisphere.”
According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2024, prepared by the WTTC in association with Oxford Economics, this year will be a key year for Argentina's tourism sector, contributing 62.8 billion dollars to its GDP and representing almost 1.5 million jobs in the country.
The companies and destinations of the international tourism industry that make up the WTTC currently represent 30% of the global tourism GDP.
Within it, they have major global partners, from airports, airlines, hotels, destinations, cruises, car rentals, travel agencies, OTAs and Tour Operators, among others, including firms such as: Google, IBM, VISA, Marriott, Hilton, Carnival Corporation, Airbnb, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, The Palace Company, Sandals Resorts, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Radisson Hotel Group, Expedia Group, Iberostar, Royal Caribbean Cruises, among others.
Source: WTTC.