WTTC Global Summit to Showcase Italy’s Top Travel & Tourism Leaders

Italy will take center stage at the 25th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, the world’s leading event for the Travel & Tourism industry, set for September 28–30 in Rome. The Summit will feature some of the country’s most prominent leaders, including Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect and Executive Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises.

Hosted in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT S.p.A., the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, the Summit will bring together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss the future of global tourism, from sustainable aviation to artificial intelligence in travel.

Italy’s lineup includes Andrea Grisdale (IC Bellagio), Massimo Caputi (Terme & Spa Italia), Paolo Barletta (Arsenale Spa), and Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises). Other distinguished speakers include Elisabetta Fabri (Starhotels Group), Gabriele Burgio (Alpitour World), Luca Cordero di Montezemolo (Italo), and Nerio Alessandri (Technogym).

Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè emphasized Italy’s renewed centrality in the global tourism landscape, calling the Summit an opportunity to showcase Italy’s iconic destinations and attract significant investments. ENIT CEO Ivana Jelinic highlighted the country’s global appeal, from art and culture to food, wine, trade fairs, and sporting events.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector is set for a record year in 2025, with international visitor spending projected at €60.4 billion, supporting 3.2 million jobs — up 100,000 from 2024 — and contributing €237.4 billion to the economy.

The Summit promises a forward-looking agenda, exploring destination stewardship, technological innovation, and strategies for sustaining Italy’s leadership in global tourism.