The world’s biggest names in Travel & Tourism set to take to converge in the Eternal City
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTCToday, ) announced the first set of keynote speakers for its 25th anniversary.The th Global Summit in RomeThe event will feature a stellar line-up that includes some of the industry’s most influential leaders.
The Global Summit, in partnership between the Italian Ministry of Tourism and ENIT, the Italian National Tourist Board, the Municipality of Rome and Lazio Region, will be returning to Europe on the 28-30th of September.
Taking place at the iconic Auditorium Parco della Musica, the event will set the stage for high-impact debates and bold commitments on the issues defining Travel & Tourism.
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The first confirmed speakers are:
- Minor Hotel Group, Founder & Chairman, William E. Heinecke
- Virtuoso, Founder & CEO, Matthew Upchurch
- Trip.com Group, CEO, Jane Sun, CEO
- Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder of TBO.com
- Jerry Inzerillo is the Group CEO of Diriyah Company.
- Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman and Cruise Director
- 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
- Decius Valmorbida menezes, Amadeus President: Travel
- VFS Global, Founder, Founder & CEO, Zubin Karkaria
Speakers include:
- Indian Hotels Company CEO, Puneet Chahatwal
- Microsoft, Global Managing Director – Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry, Julie Shainock
- Hashil Al Maharouqi is the CEO of OMRAN Group
- 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.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “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 said: “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”.
Greg O’Hara, Founder & Senior Managing Director, Certares, and WTTC Chair, added: “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 serve as a launchpad to the next decade’s 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.”
Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect, added: “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 is a pivotal time for our industry. We can embrace innovation and resilience to ensure that we thrive, but also leave behind a lasting legacy.
In the next few weeks, more speakers and headline sessions are expected to be announced. This programme will tackle the most pressing problems and provide exciting opportunities for an industry that creates millions of jobs and drives economic resilience. It also connects communities all over the world.
Visit the website to get updates on the event, see the agenda and register your interest. WTTC.
