Italy will host the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 25th Global Summit in Rome from 28 to 30 September.
The summit, considered the world’s most influential tourism event, will bring together international leaders to discuss the future of the sector. The Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, form part of the organisational element.
WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, will lead Italian business figures on stage. Confirmed speakers include Andrea Grisdale of IC Bellagio, Massimo Caputi of Terme & Spa Italia, Paolo Barletta of Arsenale Spa, and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
Other prominent Italian figures include Starhotels CEO Elisabetta Fabri, Alpitour World CEO Gabriele Burgio, Italo Executive Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, and Technogym founder Nerio Alessandri.
“Central role in global tourism”
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè said hosting the event confirmed Italy’s “central role in the global tourism landscape.” She called it an opportunity to showcase destinations and attract new investment.
ENIT CEO Ivana Jelinic said Italy’s mix of cultural heritage, landscapes, gastronomy and events ensures strong global appeal. “Made in Italy is a value appreciated globally,” she said.
Lefebvre, born in Rome, described the summit as a chance to shape the future of the sector. “With Italy’s heritage and hospitality, we hold the potential to shape travel for generations to come,” he said.
The WTTC summit will explore challenges including destination stewardship, artificial intelligence, and sustainable aviation. The event aims to show how tourism creates jobs, supports economies and fosters cultural exchange.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, Italy’s tourism sector will have a record year. Tourism figures surged in August. Forecasts for international visitor spending show around €60.4BN in 2025. Once final figures are in, tourism should have supported 3.2MN jobs, up 100,000 from last year, and contributed €237.4BN to the economy.
