The 2025 Global Summit of  World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) kicked off  today Monday, September 29, in Rome, in the Italian capital.

The event opened  with an opening press conference at the architecturally impressive Auditorium Parco della Musica, featuring WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara, WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair-Elect Manfredi Levebvfre, Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, President of Lazio Francesco Rocca, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri.

Across the next three days, more than one thousand delegates, including 310 CEOs and Chairs, will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Travel and Tourism.

This year’s Summit programme will include sessions focusing on bolstering economic growth and job creation, to the power of Artificial intelligence and seamless travel.

The event will also shine a light on investment opportunities in Italy, and trends such as wellness and sport tourism, luxury rail travel, and the benefits of hosting global mega events.

WTTC will also be launching its latest new reports including Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce, which highlights how governments, businesses, and educators can work together to prepare for the future, and its 2025 Environmental & Impact Research.

The Summit will feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will deliver the keynote at tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

Other high-profile voices include Italy’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Daniela Santanchè; Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency, Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Deputy Malta Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg; and the newly elected UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, and CEOs and Chairs from the world’s biggest Travel & Tourism businesses.

WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “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.

 “From hosting the historic G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting last year to welcoming the world again this week, Italy is setting the benchmark for how tourism can power economies, create jobs, and inspire global collaboration.”

Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism added: “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.

 “These are essential factors that enhance our credibility on the international stage, allowing Italy to once again play a leading role globally. Italy is not only one of the most fascinating and sought-after tourist destinations in the world — holding the European record for conference tourism and leading the outdoor hospitality sector — but it also stands as a crucial hub of opportunity for the growth of the industry.

 “This summit serves as a highly strategic showcase, with the primary goal of attracting investment and highlighting the immense potential of our cultural, culinary, and landscape heritage. Furthermore, the event will foster constructive dialogue among key players in the sector, an essential element for implementing effective policies and supporting the competitiveness and growth of Italian tourism on a global scale.”

Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair said: “This Summit brings together the very best of our sector at a pivotal moment for global Travel and 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.

 “The conversations we will have over the coming days will help chart the course for a sector that is not only breaking records but shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Greg O’Hara, WTTC Chair said: “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.

 “The conversations we will have over the coming days will help chart the course for a sector that is not only breaking records but shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chair-Elect, commented: “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. This summit is a unique opportunity for us to share insights, forge partnerships, and drive forward the agenda of sustainable development within our sector.

 “As chairman, I want to be the voice in tourism that unites us, rendering me to the service of the travel industry and WTTC’s members. 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.”