Rome will welcome the world of tourism at the 25th WTTC Global Summit

The global travel and tourism industry will be focused on Rome, as Italy will host the 25th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, the most influential event on the global tourism calendar.

The Summit, taking place from September 28th to 30th at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, will bring together industry titans from Italy and around the world, along with ministers, mayors, CEOs, and creative leaders, to shape the future of a sector that continues to demonstrate its power to generate jobs, economic resilience, and global connection.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian National Tourism Office), the City of Rome, and the Lazio Region.

Rome is a fitting location for an industry that thrives on timeless beauty, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said: "Italy embodies everything the world loves about travel: beauty, quality, culture, and gastronomy. Rome is the perfect setting for a Summit that will welcome global tourism leaders to think boldly, act collaboratively, and contribute to a decade of growth based on excellence."

Global tourism giants head to the Eternal City

Italy will welcome global tourism leaders as the sector accelerates toward a decade of growth expected to outpace the overall economy by nearly four times.

WTTC members and many of Italy's leading travel and tourism business leaders will play a central role, reflecting Italy's leadership in cruise, hospitality, fashion, and wellness tourism.

From artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation to destination management and cultural and heritage preservation, the Global Summit 2025 will cover the most pressing and exciting developments in the sector, including transportation innovation, luxury and fashion travel, and tourism policies for a connected future.

During the Global Summit, current WTTC President Greg O'Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), will hand over the reins to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and Co-Chairman of luxury travel company Abercrombie and Kent, one of the most recognized names in travel and tourism.

Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, and President-elect of WTTC, added: “By gathering in the heart of Italy, we are not only celebrating the resilience of the travel and tourism industry, but also seizing the opportunity to innovate and inspire for a sustainable future. Rome, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is the ideal setting for this crucial dialogue between 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 most visited destinations in the world, but also one of the most admired.

As Minister Daniela Santanchè commented during a recent meeting with the WTTC, Italy offers "beauty everywhere." It is a country defined by Grande Bellezza: history, nature, architecture, gastronomy, music, and culture, where timeless charm merges with modern creativity.

From the Ryder Cup to the America's Cup, Italy continues to attract global attention with its major events, and the rise of the blue economy, from megayachts 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 offers an experience. From its cutting-edge wellness retreats to its legendary luxury fashion houses, Italy epitomizes travel at its finest.

This year's Global Summit will celebrate and explore that legacy.

A world summit of importance

The travel and tourism sector is more than just an economic engine—although it contributes 10% of global GDP and generates 320 million jobs—it is a platform for peace, cultural pride, innovation, and human connection.

Source: WTTC.