Tourexpi
This
September, the eyes of the global Travel & Tourism sector will turn to Rome
as Italy hosts the 25th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s
(WTTC) Global Summit, the most influential event on the global tourism
calendar.
Taking
place from 28–30 September at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the Summit
will bring together titans of industry from Italy and around the world,
alongside ministers, mayors, CEOs, and creative leaders, to shape the future of
a sector that continues to prove its power to generate jobs, economic
resilience, and global connection.
The
event is hosted in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the
Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio
Region.
Rome
is a fitting location for a sector that thrives on timeless beauty, innovation,
and cultural exchange.
Julia
Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said:
“Italy
represents everything the world loves about travel — beauty, quality, culture
and cuisine. Rome is the perfect stage for a Summit that will welcome the
world’s tourism leaders to think boldly, act collaboratively, and help shape a
decade of growth rooted in excellence.”
Global
titans of tourism head to the Eternal City
Italy
will welcome the world’s tourism leaders as the sector accelerates into a
decade of growth expected to outpace the wider economy nearly fourfold.
WTTC’s
Members, and many of Italy’s leading Travel & Tourism business leaders will
play a central role, reflecting Italy’s leadership in cruising, hospitality,
fashion, and wellness tourism.
From
artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation to destination stewardship and
the preservation of culture and heritage, the 2025 Global Summit will cover the
most urgent and exciting developments in the sector such as transport
innovation, luxury and fashion travel, and tourism policies for a connected
future.
During
the Global Summit, WTTC’s current Chair, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior
Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), will hand over the
baton to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury
travel company Abercrombie & Kent — one of the most recognised names in
Travel & Tourism.
Manfredi
Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal
Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect, added:
“As
we gather in the heart of Italy, we are not just celebrating the resilience of
the travel and tourism industry, but also embracing the opportunity to innovate
and inspire for a sustainable future. Rome, with its rich history and vibrant
culture, serves as an ideal backdrop for this pivotal dialogue among global
leaders.”
“Together,
we can harness the power of tourism to create meaningful experiences that
transcend borders and foster global connections."
Grande
Bellezza meets global influence
Italy
is not only one of the world’s most visited destinations, but also one of the
most admired.
As
Minister Daniela Santanchè remarked during a recent meeting with WTTC, Italy
offers “beauty everywhere.” It’s a country defined by la Grande Bellezza:
history, nature, architecture, gastronomy, music, and culture, where timeless
appeal meets modern creativity.
From
the Ryder Cup to the America’s Cup, Italy also continues to draw the world’s
attention with its headline events, and the rise of the blue economy — from
mega-yachts to sustainable marinas — shows how Italian tourism is embracing the
sea as a new frontier for growth.
As
the fourth most visited country in Europe, Italy offers more than a destination
— it delivers an experience. From its world-leading wellness retreats to its
legendary luxury fashion houses, Italy is the embodiment of travel at its
finest.
At
this year’s Global Summit, that legacy will be celebrated and explored.
A
Global Summit of substance
Travel
& Tourism is more than an economic engine, though it contributes 10% of
global GDP and supports 320 million jobs. It is a platform for peace, cultural
pride, innovation, and human connection.
For
more information, updates on speakers and sessions, please visit WTTC.
Image Credit: © AA
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