WTTC confirms first group of high-profile speakers for its 25th Global Summit
The summit, to be held from September 28 to 30, 2025, at the Parco della Musica Auditorium, will bring together private sector leaders and global authorities in a meeting that will set the agenda for international tourism
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the first names for its 25th Global Summit, which will be held this year in Rome. After six years, the event returns to Europe and does so in an iconic setting, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the City of Rome, and the Lazio Region.
The list of confirmed speakers reflects the importance of the event and the diversity of the industry: from executives from major hotel chains and cruise lines to representatives from travel agencies, technology companies, and international destinations. Highlights include Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International; Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group; William E. Heinecke, president of Minor Hotel Group; Pierfrancesco Vago of MSC Cruises; and Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. Executives from Google, Amadeus, Virtuoso, InterContinental Hotels Group, and VFS Global will also participate, anticipating a comprehensive discussion on the future of the industry.
The event will also mark a change of leadership within the WTTC itself. Greg O'Hara, current president, will hand over the reins to Manfredi Lefebvre, who will take over as the new chairman after years of experience in the sector and with a focus on driving a decade of sustainable growth.
“We are delighted to have such a distinguished group of speakers at our summit in Rome. The Eternal City is the perfect setting for global tourism leaders to meet, collaborate, and drive the future of the sector,” said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC. The Italian Ministry of Tourism also highlighted the importance of hosting the event, emphasizing its potential to attract investment and consolidate the country as a global leader.
With this announcement, the WTTC previews what will be one of the most influential events of the year for the travel and tourism industry, where challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainability, digital innovation, and international cooperation will be discussed, with Rome as the epicenter of global dialogue.
Source: WTTC.