The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its Operating Committee has unanimously approved Madrid, Spain, as the location for the organisation’s new Global Office. The decision marks a strategic move aimed at strengthening WTTC’s global leadership role and supporting the long-term growth potential of the travel and tourism sector worldwide.

The selection followed an extensive strategic review, during which five destinations expressed interest in hosting the Global Office, including Dubai (UAE), France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. The evaluation process was based on six key areas: office rental and operating costs, tax and incentive structures, visa and work permit frameworks, government support, cost of living for talent attraction and retention, and proximity to international organisations.

All 17 members of WTTC’s Operating Committee endorsed Madrid as the most competitive option after assessing the organisation’s long-term strategic and operational needs. The city was chosen for its favourable tax environment, strong government support, efficient visa processing for employees and lower overall operating costs. Challenges linked to Brexit, particularly restrictions around talent mobility, were also noted as factors that made the UK a less attractive base for future operations.

Establishing the Global Office in Madrid provides WTTC with access to a broader and more diverse talent pool, covering nearly 350 million qualified professionals across the region. The city’s proximity to international organisations further supports structured collaboration, reinforcing WTTC’s global advocacy and research efforts.

Madrid’s strong international connectivity through Madrid-Barajas Airport, its competitive business environment, government incentives and alignment with WTTC’s mission were additional factors behind the decision. The new Global Office will play a central role within WTTC’s worldwide network, supporting advocacy initiatives, research programmes and deeper engagement with members across global markets.

Commenting on the decision, Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of WTTC, said,

“The unanimous decision to establish our Global Office in Madrid reflects a clear view among the Operating Committee about what WTTC needs to succeed in the years ahead. This move ensures we operate more efficiently, deliver more value to our members, access the best global talent and maintain a truly international outlook, strongly supported by the Spanish government. 2026 will be a year in which we will reshape WTTC so it is focused on its members, stronger research capability and deeper government advocacy in the travel and tourism sector.”

Gloria Guevara, Interim President and CEO of WTTC, added,

“We'd like to thank the government of Spain for their support during this process to create the new WTTC Global Office. Spain has prioritised travel and tourism and clearly understands the enormous contribution the sector makes to global growth. Being based in a competitive city like Madrid will help WTTC go from strength to strength, offer closer engagement with our members worldwide and enable us to play a major role advising on good policy development, investments that help tourism growth and job creation from our members which have global impact. I'd also like to thank the other countries that expressed interest in hosting WTTC's new Global Office - France, Italy, Switzerland and Dubai (UAE). We are humbled by their proposals and the huge interest shown by governments worldwide.”

Actor Sagarika Ghatge and former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan recently travelled to the Maldives for a serene island escape at RAAYA by Atmosphere, accompanied by their son. The family getaway reflected a celebration of togetherness, slow living, and meaningful moments, with their little one charming hearts as the most delightful travel companion.

During their stay, the family embraced the calm rhythm of island life, spending time amidst RAAYA Island’s lush greenery, turquoise waters, and tranquil beachfront spaces. From relaxed walks along powdery white sands to playful moments by the pool, the holiday focused on bonding, sunshine, and creating cherished memories as a young family.

Designed around creativity, nature, and freedom of space, RAAYA by Atmosphere proved to be an ideal retreat for guests of all ages. With expansive natural surroundings, thoughtfully designed family villas, the exclusive RAAYA Residence, diverse culinary offerings, and engaging experiences tailored for both adults and children, the resort offered a seamless balance of privacy, comfort, and family-friendly luxury.

Sharing her experience, Sagarika Ghatge said, “This trip was really about spending time together as a family and slowing down from our usual pace. RAAYA by Atmosphere made that so easy. The turquoise waters, serene beachfront, and lush surroundings felt completely relaxed and welcoming. We loved being able to switch off, enjoy the little moments, and simply be together without any rush.”

Reflecting on the holiday, Zaheer Khan added, “This trip was the perfect blend of family time and luxury. What we loved most about RAAYA by Atmosphere is that it’s a true, natural island, lush with greenery, shaded by old trees and surrounded by a beautiful lagoon. The pleasant weather and the calm of being immersed in nature made the experience even more meaningful for us as a family, and RAAYA by Atmosphere truly made this holiday unforgettable.”

The Maldivian escape further highlights RAAYA by Atmosphere’s growing appeal among celebrities, who are increasingly seeking soulful, immersive holidays that go beyond glamour. With its unhurried island philosophy, welcoming environment for families, and deep connection to nature, the resort continues to attract guests looking for meaningful travel experiences.

Sagarika Ghatge and Zaheer Khan also shared glimpses of their holiday on social media, offering fans a peek into their peaceful family time and the natural beauty of RAAYA by Atmosphere. Their stay beautifully captured the essence of the resort’s laid-back luxury and its promise of heartfelt moments created in harmony with nature.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome the New Year in grand style on 31 December 2025, promising its most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration to date with an ambitious attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest fireworks display ever launched.

The emirate’s New Year celebrations this year are inspired by themes of strength, renewal, and progress, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic growth and future vision. A carefully choreographed fusion of innovative fireworks, illuminated drones, and laser technology will transform the night sky into a breathtaking visual spectacle, creating one of the world’s most immersive New Year’s Eve experiences.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the 15-minute midnight fireworks show on 31 December 2025, stretching across an impressive six kilometres from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. More than 2,300 drones, including pyro and laser drones, will take part in the display, forming striking aerial patterns and visuals. As the clock strikes midnight and 2026 begins, the show will culminate with the launch of the largest single firework ever seen.

Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve programme will feature two fireworks displays on 31 December 2025. The first show will take place at 8:00 PM above Corniche Al Qawasim, offering families and residents an early opportunity to enjoy the celebrations. The main midnight display will follow at 12:00 AM, lighting up the skies over Marjan Island and Al Hamra Bay with a blend of large-scale pyrotechnics and drone formations.

Adding to the festivities, the Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve Festival will be held at Al Hamra, starting from 2:00 PM on 31 December 2025. The free-entry festival will feature live entertainment, food trucks, and carnival-style activities designed for visitors of all ages. The event will include performances by DJ BobMix, known for his mix of international and Arabic hits, a live act by Indo-Canadian Bollywood singer Shweta Subram, and an international set by DJ Bia.

To ensure smooth access to the celebrations, multiple parking zones will be available around the festival area, including a dedicated zone for caravans and camping. Visitors are required to register their vehicles in advance at www.raknye.com, which is mandatory for parking access and provides important information on entry and exit routes.

For audiences around the world, the record-setting fireworks display will be streamed live on 31 December 2025 via www.raknye.com and across the @visitrasalkhaimah social media channels on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

With 13 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles achieved over the past seven years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations as it ushers in 2026 with unmatched scale and spectacle.