WTTC Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 25th Global Summit in Rome

The World’s Travel & Tourism Leaders Converge in the Eternal City

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the first wave of headline speakers for its milestone 25th Global Summit, set to take place from September 28 to 30, 2025, in the historic heart of Rome. Hosted at the iconic Auditorium Parco della Musica, the Summit will welcome leading figures from business, government, and media to debate, collaborate, and shape the future of a sector that contributes 10% of global GDP.

In partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, this landmark Summit promises high-impact discussions on innovation, sustainability, and the transformative potential of technology in Travel & Tourism.

Confirmed Speakers Include Global Industry Heavyweights

The first wave of speakers features some of the most influential voices in the industry:

• William E. Heinecke, Founder & Chairman, Minor Hotel Group
• Matthew Upchurch, Founder & CEO, Virtuoso
• Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group
• Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder, TBO.Com
• Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Company
• Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of Cruise, MSC Cruises
• Paolo Barletta, CEO, Arsenale Spa
• Andrea Grisdale, CEO – Sole Founder, IC Bellagio
• Desiree Bollier, Chair & Global Chief Merchant, The Bicester Collection
• Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International
• Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California
• Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail & Travel, EMEA Partnerships, Google Inc
• Elie Maalouf, Global CEO, InterContinental Hotels Group
• Decius Valmorbida Menezes, President: Travel, Amadeus
• Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global

Additional speakers include executives from Indian Hotels Company, Microsoft, OMRAN Group, and Terme & Spa Italia, reflecting the Summit’s truly global perspective.

Leadership Transition Marks a Milestone for WTTC

Rome

During the Summit, WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, will hand over leadership to Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises. This transition underscores the Summit’s commitment to shaping the next decade of travel innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Eternal City provides the perfect backdrop for a Summit where the world's Travel & Tourism leaders will gather to innovate, collaborate, and drive a decade of exceptional, sustainable growth.”

Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè added: “The confirmed speakers reaffirm the absolute prestige of the WTTC Global Summit. It will offer enormous opportunities for investment in Italy and global travel collaboration.”

A Summit for the Next Decade of Growth

Greg O’Hara highlighted the Summit’s influence: “The WTTC Global Summit has evolved into the most influential gathering in Travel & Tourism. Rome will be a launchpad for the next decade of growth, innovation, and collaboration.”

Manfredi Lefebvre emphasized: “The future of Travel & Tourism is not just about destinations, but about the connections we forge and the experiences we create together. This Summit is an opportunity to embrace innovation and resilience, ensuring we leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

More speakers and headline sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, with the programme addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in a sector that drives jobs, economic resilience, and global connectivity.

For updates, the latest agenda, and to register interest in attending, please visit WTTC.

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