Rome has opened the 2025 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, with Italy taking centre stage as a global tourism leader.
The event, running for three days at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, will shape the future of one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. More than 1,000 delegates are in attendance, including 310 CEOs and Chairs from leading global companies.
Sessions will cover the role of tourism in economic growth and job creation. Other topics include artificial intelligence, wellness and sport tourism, luxury rail travel, and the value of hosting global mega-events. Investment opportunities in Italy will also be a central focus.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will deliver the keynote speech. Other high-profile speakers include Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè, Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, and the newly elected UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.
Italy praised for tourism leadership
At the opening press conference, WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara praised Italy’s leadership. She said: “As we welcome the WTTC Global Summit to Rome today, Italy is not only showcasing a thriving Travel & Tourism sector, set to contribute more than €237BN to the economy this year, it’s also demonstrating true global leadership. From hosting the historic G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting last year to welcoming the world again this week, Italy is setting the benchmark for how tourism can power economies, create jobs, and inspire global collaboration.”
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè described the event as a turning point. “We are proud to host the WTTC Summit in Italy for the first time — a sign of our country’s renewed centrality, thanks to the work of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has restored strength, stability, and security to Italy,” she said.
“These are essential factors that enhance our credibility on the international stage, allowing Italy to once again play a leading role globally. Italy is not only one of the most fascinating and sought-after tourist destinations in the world — holding the European record for conference tourism and leading the outdoor hospitality sector — but it also stands as a crucial hub of opportunity for the growth of the industry.”
Travel and Tourism sector potential
WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara highlighted the sector’s potential. “This Summit brings together the very best of our sector at a pivotal moment for global Travel & Tourism,” he said.
“Here in Rome, against the backdrop of Italy’s extraordinary growth story, we are reminded of the power of our industry to unite people, drive investment, and create opportunity on a scale few others can match. The conversations we will have over the coming days will help chart the course for a sector that is not only breaking records but shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”
Italy’s cultural importance in tourism
WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Lefebvre, a Roman himself, emphasised Italy’s cultural importance. “As we gather here in Rome, my beloved city, for the WTTC Global Summit, I am reminded of the incredible potential our industry holds. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, not only stands as a beacon of tourism but also as a model for collaboration and growth. This summit is a unique opportunity for us to share insights, forge partnerships, and drive forward the agenda of sustainable development within our sector.”
The event highlights Italy’s rapid rise in global tourism. Corporate travel spending reached €28.4BN in 2024, an increase of 18% on pre-pandemic levels, ranking Italy seventh worldwide. The country’s forecasts expect the Travel & Tourism sector to contribute €237.4BN to GDP in 2025, up from €228.5BN last year. Employment is expected to rise to 3.2 million jobs.
Forecasts predict international visitor spending will surpass €60BN this year, placing Italy among the top six global destinations for inbound spending. Investment confidence is also high. Capital investment reached €11.4BN in 2024. Forecasts expect it to climb to €12BN in 2025.
Tourism is also proving vital for young workers. According to WTTC data, 9.2% of direct jobs in the sector are held by people under 25, almost double their share in the wider economy.
First WTTC Global Summit in G7 country since 2015
Italy hosts the first WTTC Global Summit in a G7 country since the United States in 2015. Last year, the country hosted the first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.
The 2025 Summit is in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region. Other WTTC partners include Arsenale Spa, Chase Travel, MSC Group, Trip.com Group, and Terme di Saturnia.
