The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) officially opened its 2025 Global Summit in Rome today, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including 310 CEOs and chairs, to discuss the future of the sector. The three-day event is being held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and focuses on economic growth, sustainability, investment, and innovation within global Travel & Tourism.

The Summit marks the first time Italy has hosted the event, underscoring its growing leadership role in international tourism. The program includes discussions on artificial intelligence, wellness and sport tourism, luxury rail travel, and the benefits of hosting mega events, as well as the launch of new WTTC research on workforce development and environmental impact.

Global Leaders in Rome

The opening press conference featured WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara, WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Lefebvre, Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, President of Lazio Francesco Rocca, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow’s official opening ceremony.

High-level participants include Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg, newly elected UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, and senior executives from the world’s leading travel companies. Their discussions will address opportunities and challenges shaping the global sector as it enters another record year of growth.

“As we welcome the WTTC Global Summit to Rome today, Italy is not only showcasing a thriving Travel & Tourism sector, set to contribute more than €237BN to the economy this year, it’s also demonstrating true global leadership,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO.

Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè highlighted the importance of the event for Italy’s global standing. “We are proud to host the WTTC summit in Italy for the first time — a sign of our Country’s renewed centrality, thanks to the work of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has restored strength, stability, and security to Italy,” said Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism. She added that the summit is a “highly strategic showcase” aimed at attracting investment and promoting Italy’s cultural and natural assets.

WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara underlined the significance of the timing and location. “This Summit brings together the very best of our sector at a pivotal moment for global Travel & Tourism. Here in Rome, against the backdrop of Italy’s extraordinary growth story, we are reminded of the power of our industry to unite people, drive investment, and create opportunity on a scale few others can match,” said Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair.

Chair-Elect Manfredi Lefebvre emphasized the role of collaboration and sustainable development. “As we gather here in Rome, my beloved city, for the WTTC Global Summit, I am reminded of the incredible potential our industry holds. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, not only stands as a beacon of tourism but also as a model for collaboration and growth,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect.

The Summit is expected to highlight investment opportunities across Italy, particularly in wellness, luxury, and sports tourism. According to WTTC forecasts, Italy’s Travel & Tourism GDP contribution will reach €237.4BN in 2025, up from €228.5BN last year. Employment in the sector is expected to grow to 3.2 million jobs, with international visitor spending projected to exceed €60BN this year, securing Italy’s position among the world’s top six destinations for international visitor expenditure.

Corporate travel spending in Italy also reflects strong performance, reaching €28.4BN in 2024, up 18% from pre-pandemic levels, ranking the country seventh globally. The sector has become a vital source of youth employment, with 9.2% of direct jobs in tourism held by workers under 25, almost double their share in the wider economy.

Italy’s Rising Role in Global Tourism

Italy is the first G7 country to host the WTTC Global Summit since the United States in 2015, highlighting its elevated role in shaping global tourism policy. In 2024, Italy hosted the first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, reinforcing its commitment to integrating Travel & Tourism into international decision-making. Record numbers of international visitors, combined with a booming meetings and events sector, are positioning Italy as a hub for long-term sector growth.

Investment confidence is also rising, with €11.4BN in capital investment recorded in 2024, forecast to reach €12BN in 2025. This growth reflects investor interest in Italy’s ability to balance its cultural heritage with innovation to support sustainable and competitive tourism development.

“Together, we can harness the collective strength of our members to ensure that tourism continues to flourish and create lasting positive impacts for communities around the globe,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect.

The 2025 WTTC Global Summit is being hosted in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region. Over three days, it will set the stage for discussions shaping the global tourism agenda while spotlighting Italy’s continued rise as a leading force in the industry.

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