London, UK – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTCToday, ) announced the first round of keynote speakers for its 25th Global Summit. This includes a glittering lineup of some of most influential figures shaping future of sector.
The Global Summit, in partnership between the Italian Ministry of Tourism and ENIT, the Italian National Tourist Board, the Municipality of Rome, 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.
AI has the potential to change the world. It can also help shape the future of an industry that accounts for 10% of the global GDP.
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 is the co-founder and CEO of TBO.com
- Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company Group
- Pierfrancesco Vago is the Executive Chairman of Cruise at MSC Cruises
- 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
Additional speakers include:
- Indian Hotels Company CEO Puneet Chatwal
- 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.
We are thrilled that such an impressive group of speakers has already been confirmed for our Global Summit. 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. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè“I am also going to be speaking at the Global Summit this year,” said. The names announced so far confirm the absolute prestige and importance of the World’s Largest Tourism Event: the WTTC Global Summit is a historical moment that will present enormous opportunities for large investments in Italy. Invitalia has dedicated a special focus to this topic.
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 launch the next decade in growth, collaboration, and innovation. 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. Greg O’Hara, Founder & Senior Managing Director, Certares, and WTTC Chair
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 turning point for our industry. It’s an opportunity to embrace resilience and innovation, so that we can not only thrive, but also leave a legacy for future generations.
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 in an industry that creates millions of jobs and drives economic resilience. It also connects people across the globe.
To register for the event and receive updates, visit WTTC.
About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world’s leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.
