The first wave of keynote speakers for the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) historic 25th Global Summit in Rome has been unveiled. The intriguing lineup features some of the most important personalities influencing the industry’s future.
In collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, the Global Summit is returning to Europe and will bring together world business leaders from the business, government, and media sectors in the Eternal City from September 28 to 30.
The event, which will take place at the famous Auditorium Parco della Musica, will provide the groundwork for powerful discussions and audacious commitments on the topics that define travel and tourism. From AI’s revolutionary potential to influencing the course of an industry that contributes 10% of the world’s GDP.
The first confirmed speakers include:
Minor Hotel Group, Founder & Chairman, William E. Heinecke
Virtuoso, Founder & CEO, Matthew Upchurch
Trip.com Group, CEO, Jane Sun, CEO
TBO.Com, Co-Founder, Gaurav Bhatnagar
Diriyah Company, Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo
MSC Cruises, Executive Chairman of Cruise, Pierfrancesco Vago
Arsenale Spa, CEO, Paolo Barletta
IC Bellagio, CEO – Sole Founder, Andrea Grisdale
The Bicester Collection, Chair & Global Chief Merchant, Desiree Bollier
Marriott International, CEO, Anthony Capuano
Visit California, President & CEO, Caroline Beteta
Google Inc, Head of Retail & Travel, EMEA Partnerships Solutions, Christie Travers-Smith
InterContinental Hotels Group, Global CEO, Elie Maalouf
Amadeus, President: Travel, Decius Valmorbida Menezes
VFS Global, Founder, Founder & CEO, Zubin Karkaria
Other speakers include:
Indian Hotels Company, CEO, Puneet Chhatwal
Microsoft, Global Managing Director – Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry, Julie Shainock
OMRAN Group, CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi
Terme & Spa Italia, President & Owner, Massimo Caputi
During the Global Summit, WTTC’s current Chair, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”) will pass the torch to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel company Abercrombie and Kent – one of the most recognised names in Travel & Tourism.
The WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, said that, “We’re thrilled to have such a distinguished group of speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Rome.
The Eternal City provides a 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, who will also be addressing delegates at this year’s Global Summit stated: “The names confirmed so far reaffirm the absolute prestige of the world’s largest tourism event: the WTTC Global Summit will be a historic moment that will offer enormous opportunities in favour of large investments in Italy, so much so that a special focus with Invitalia is dedicated precisely to this issue.”
Founder & Senior Managing Director, Certares, and WTTC Chair, Greg O’Hara, added that, “The WTTC Global Summit has evolved into the most influential gathering in Travel & Tourism, bringing together the people and ideas that shape our sector’s future. Rome will be a launchpad for the next decade of growth, innovation, and collaboration.
I’m honoured to host my final Summit as Chair alongside such an extraordinary line-up of leaders, as we work together to ensure Travel & Tourism continues to drive prosperity and connect cultures around the world.”
Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect, Manfredi Lefebvre, said that “as we gather in the heart of Rome, we are reminded that the future of Travel & Tourism is not just about destinations, but about the connections we forge and the experiences we create together. This summit marks a pivotal moment for our industry; it is an opportunity to embrace innovation and resilience, ensuring that we not only thrive but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.” In the upcoming weeks, more speakers and keynote addresses will be revealed. The programme will address the most important issues and fascinating prospects facing an industry that creates millions of jobs, fosters economic resilience, and unites communities worldwide.
