WTTC’s Global Summit to Host Top Italian Travel & Tourism Leaders

International

Rome to welcome the world’s most influential tourism event • Leading Italian business figures to join global dialogue • Record-breaking year forecast for Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 25th Global Summit will bring some of Italy’s most prominent Travel & Tourism leaders to the stage, including WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Lefebvre, one of the industry’s most recognised names. The Summit, considered the world’s most influential global tourism event, will be held in Rome from 28–30 September in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT S.p.A. (Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region.

Italian Leadership on the Global Stage

Business leaders from Italy’s top tourism brands will join Lefebvre on stage, including Andrea Grisdale, CEO & Founder, IC Bellagio; Massimo Caputi, President & Owner, Terme & Spa Italia; Paolo Barletta, CEO, Arsenale Spa; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises.

Other distinguished Italian speakers addressing delegates include Alessandra Necci, Director & Writer, Estense Galleries; Elisabetta Fabri, President & CEO, Starhotels Group; Gabriele Burgio, CEO, Alpitour World; Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Executive Chairman, Italo; and Nerio Alessandri, Founder & CEO, Technogym.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Tourism

Leaders from both the public and private sectors will convene at the Auditorium Parco della Musica to chart the sector’s future, recognising its role in job creation, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, and WTTC President-Elect, said:

“As we gather in this beautiful city, which happens to be my city of birth, I am optimistic about the future of our industry. With Italy’s incredible destinations, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, we have the potential to shape the future of Travel & Tourism for generations to come.”

Daniela Santanchè, Italy’s Minister of Tourism, added:

“Italy has returned to a central role in the global tourism landscape. Hosting the most prestigious event in the sector is a clear testament to this recognition. The Summit highlights our destinations while offering a unique opportunity to attract significant investment.”

Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A., commented:

“Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Our uniqueness attracts diverse groups of travellers, and our task is to showcase the full potential of Made in Italy across art, nature, gastronomy, fairs, and events.”

Critical Topics and Economic Impact

From destination stewardship to artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation, the WTTC’s 2025 Global Summit will address the most pressing issues shaping the future of global tourism.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track for a record-breaking 2025, with international visitor spending forecast to reach €60.4BN. The sector is projected to support 3.2 million jobs — 100,000 more than last year — and contribute €237.4BN to the Italian economy.