Rome to Host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit, Welcoming Global Tourism Leaders
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its highly anticipated 25th Global Summit will take place in Rome, Italy, from 28 to 30 September 2025. Considered one of the most influential annual gatherings in the global tourism industry, the Summit will be held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, bringing together government ministers, business leaders, and innovators to shape the future of the sector.
Organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the national tourism board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, the event will explore how Travel & Tourism can drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen global connections. Themes will include artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation, destination stewardship, and cultural preservation, among others.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasized the relevance of the host city, saying, “Italy represents everything the world loves about travel — beauty, quality, culture, and cuisine. Rome is the perfect stage for a Summit that will welcome the world’s tourism leaders to think boldly, act collaboratively, and help shape a decade of growth rooted in excellence.”
The event is expected to draw tourism executives from around the globe, including representatives from major sectors such as cruise lines, hospitality, wellness tourism, and fashion travel. With Travel & Tourism poised to grow nearly four times faster than the global economy over the next decade, the Summit arrives at a pivotal moment of transformation for the industry.
During the event, Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair and Founder of Certares, will officially hand over his leadership role to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent. Lefebvre remarked, “As we gather in the heart of Italy, we are not just celebrating the resilience of the travel and tourism industry, but embracing the opportunity to innovate and inspire for a sustainable future.”
The Summit also serves as an occasion to highlight Italy’s global tourism appeal. With its unique blend of historic landmarks, culinary excellence, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Italy continues to rank among the world’s most admired destinations. From the Ryder Cup to the America’s Cup, and a rising blue economy focused on sustainable marine tourism, the country showcases innovation alongside tradition.
As the fourth most visited country in Europe, Italy is more than a destination — it’s an experience. From luxury fashion houses to world-class wellness retreats, the country embodies a timeless yet evolving model of tourism. In this spirit, the 2025 WTTC Global Summit in Rome will not only celebrate Italy’s legacy but also serve as a springboard for new ideas that can reshape tourism for the next decade.
