Published on
September 27, 2025
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is in the final stages of preparing for its highly anticipated 2025 summit, set to take place at the prestigious Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome from September 28 to 30. Under the leadership of interim CEO Gloria Guevara, the event promises to bring together some of the most influential figures in the travel and tourism industry. The summit will serve as a platform for discussing the future of global tourism, addressing key challenges, and shaping strategies for sustainable growth.
A Glimpse Into the Summit’s Focus and Leadership
Gloria Guevara has played a key role in the WTTC’s success, and her leadership continues to guide the organization as it prepares for the 2025 summit. Having previously served as the top advisor to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Aqil al-Khateeb, during the 2022 summit in Riyadh, Guevara’s experience in driving international discussions and collaborations in the tourism sector is invaluable. Al-Khateeb, a prominent figure in the global tourism landscape, is also expected to attend the upcoming summit in Rome, underscoring the continued collaboration between key international stakeholders.
The WTTC summit, a major event in the global tourism calendar, will provide an opportunity for the world’s most influential leaders in travel and tourism to come together, share insights, and explore opportunities for the future of the industry. This year’s summit will build upon the success of previous events, focusing on innovative solutions to current challenges, including sustainability, digital transformation, and resilience in the face of evolving global trends.
Key Speakers to Feature at the WTTC Summit in Rome
Several high-profile leaders from across the travel and tourism sector are set to address delegates at the summit. Among the key speakers will be Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council. As a leading figure in the industry, Simpson’s insights will be crucial in shaping the discussions around the future of global travel.
Other notable speakers include Greg O’Hara, the Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares, a leading global travel and leisure investment firm. Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of the Heritage Group and Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, will also take part, bringing years of experience in luxury travel and tourism operations. William E. Heinecke, the Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotel Group, and Matthew Upchurch, the Founder and CEO of Virtuoso, will also be on hand, contributing their expertise on the evolving landscape of global travel and hospitality.
Global Industry Figures to Discuss Travel Innovation and Sustainability
A wide range of leaders from across the tourism sector will share their perspectives during the summit. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, and Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of TBO.Com, will speak to the importance of digital platforms in the travel industry. Meanwhile, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, will discuss the impact of tourism on global economies and the cruise sector specifically.
Andrea Grisdale, Sole Founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, will bring a luxury tourism perspective, while Desiree Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant of The Bicester Collection, will offer insights into high-end retail and its integration with tourism experiences. Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, and Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California, will provide valuable information on the changing dynamics of hospitality and tourism destination marketing.
Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail & Travel for Google Inc., will also contribute to discussions around digital transformation in the travel industry, focusing on how data and technology are reshaping the way people plan and experience travel. Additionally, Elie Maalouf, Global CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group, and Decius Valmorbda Menezes, President of Travel at Amadeus, will delve into the future of hospitality, travel distribution, and technology’s role in improving the customer journey.
WTTC Summit in Rome: A Hub for Travel Thought Leadership
The upcoming WTTC Summit in Rome is shaping up to be an event of significant importance for the travel and tourism industry. As the world continues to recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit will serve as a platform for addressing new opportunities and strategies to ensure the resilience of the global tourism sector.
With a lineup of influential figures from across the travel, hospitality, and technology industries, the summit will offer an opportunity for in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics. From sustainable tourism to technological innovation and the future of global travel, the event will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector.
Future Trends and Innovations to Be Explored
Among the key themes for this year’s summit are sustainability, digital transformation, and the impact of global trends on the tourism industry. The WTTC summit will feature a variety of sessions that address how the industry can integrate sustainability into its operations, ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in the world.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that digital innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel. Discussions at the summit will explore how digital platforms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are transforming the travel experience, from booking to post-trip engagement. Speakers will highlight the need for greater collaboration across the industry to harness technology in a way that enhances the traveler experience while supporting sustainability goals.
A Strong Focus on Collaboration for Global Growth
Collaboration will be a central theme throughout the summit. As the world looks to recover and rebuild from the challenges of the past few years, the tourism sector must work together to drive inclusive growth, promote responsible travel, and address the environmental impact of tourism. The summit will be a forum for discussing how public-private partnerships, cross-border cooperation, and innovation can work together to create a sustainable and resilient tourism industry for the future.
Looking Ahead: WTTC Summit as a Catalyst for Change
The 2025 WTTC Summit in Rome is not just another industry event; it is an opportunity to set the agenda for the future of global tourism. By bringing together leaders from across the travel, hospitality, and technology sectors, the summit will play a key role in shaping the industry’s response to the evolving challenges of the global landscape. With a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and collaboration, the summit is poised to be a catalyst for change in the tourism industry.
