Tourism Breaking News
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed the biggest names in the travel and tourism industry as headline speakers for its milestone 25th Global Summit in Rome. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO, OMRAN Group, Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International are among the glittering line-up of some of the most influential figures shaping the future of the sector. From the 28 – 30 September, the Eternal City will play host to a gathering of global business leaders from across business, government, and media, as the Global Summit returns to Europe in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region. 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.”
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. From the game-changing potential of AI to shaping the future of a sector that generates 10% of global GDP.
The first confirmed speakers include:
Minor Hotel Group, Founder & Chairman, William E. Heinecke
Virtuoso, Founder & CEO, Matthew Upchurch
Trip.com Group, CEO, Jane Sun, CEO
TBO.Com, Co-Founder, Gaurav Bhatnagar
Diriyah Company, Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo
MSC Cruises, Executive Chairman of Cruise, Pierfrancesco Vago
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
Amadeus, President: Travel, Decius Valmorbida Menezes
VFS Global, Founder, Founder & CEO, Zubin Karkaria
Other speakers include:
Indian Hotels Company, CEO, Puneet Chhatwal
Microsoft, Global Managing Director – Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry, Julie Shainock
OMRAN Group, CEO, Hashil Al Mahrouqi
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.
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 be a launchpad for the next decade of 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 marks a pivotal moment for our industry; it is an opportunity to embrace innovation and resilience, ensuring that we not only thrive but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
More speakers and headline sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, with the programme set to tackle the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities for a sector that generates millions of jobs, drives economic resilience, and connects communities across the globe.
