The Eternal City will host the 25th edition of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit from 28 to 30 September 2025 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. The high-profile event will bring together global tourism leaders, government ministers, CEOs and innovators to help shape the future of the travel and tourism sector.
The summit, seen as the most influential event in global tourism, is organised in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (Italy’s national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region. This year’s discussions will focus on key themes including sustainability, innovation and destination management.
Global tourism leaders to gather in Rome
Industry figures from Italy and across the world will meet in Rome, a city known for its rich history, culture and timeless beauty. The WTTC Global Summit aims to provide a space for collaboration on strategies to support job creation, economic growth and international connectivity.
“Italy represents everything the world admires about travel: beauty, quality, culture and cuisine. Rome is the perfect setting for a summit that will bring together global tourism leaders to think boldly, work together and shape a decade of growth focused on excellence,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO.
The event will address topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation, luxury travel, fashion tourism and policy development for a more connected future.
New leadership for WTTC
This year’s summit will also mark a leadership transition. Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares, will hand over the role of chair to Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie and Kent.
“As we gather in the heart of Italy, we are not only celebrating the resilience of the travel and tourism industry but also embracing innovation and sustainability for the future. Rome, with its vibrant culture and history, offers the ideal backdrop for this important global conversation,” explained Manfredi Lefebvre.
🇮🇹🌍 Rome to Welcome the World for WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
— WTTC (@WTTC) July 4, 2025
Titans of industry from around the world, ministers, mayors, CEOs, & creative leaders, will unite in Rome to shape the future of Travel & Tourism 👉 https://t.co/6c8johUZpN#GSRome #WTTC | @MTurismoItalia @ENIT_italia pic.twitter.com/ABqa38MAaE
Italy remains a global tourism powerhouse
Italy continues to be one of the world’s most visited and admired destinations, offering a unique mix of history, architecture, gastronomy, fashion and natural beauty. From major international events like the Ryder Cup and America’s Cup to the growth of its blue economy, Italy remains at the forefront of global tourism.
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè described Italy as a country with “beauty everywhere,” highlighting the nation’s deep cultural appeal.
Tourism’s role in a changing world
Travel and tourism accounts for 10 percent of global GDP and supports 320 million jobs worldwide. The WTTC Global Summit in Rome will underline the industry’s role not just as an economic driver but also as a force for cultural exchange, peace and innovation.
With the sector expected to grow nearly four times faster than the wider economy over the next decade, the Rome summit will offer an important platform to help shape its future.
