WTTC unveils some heavyweight speakers for landmark 25th Global Summit in Rome
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced some of the prestigious speakers for its 25th Global Summit. Set for September 28–30 in Rome, the gathering will bring together leaders at the Auditorium Parco della Musica to debate the future of an industry that accounts for 10% of global GDP.
The summit, held in partnership with Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, will spotlight topics ranging from artificial intelligence to strategies for sustainable growth.
Confirmed speakers include some of the most influential voices in the sector:
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William E. Heinecke, Founder & Chairman, Minor Hotel Group
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Matthew Upchurch, Founder & CEO, Virtuoso
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Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group
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Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International
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Elie Maalouf, Global CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts
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Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of Cruise, MSC Cruises
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Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California
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Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail & Travel, Google EMEA Partnerships
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Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO, VFS Global
Additional speakers include leaders from Indian Hotels Company, Microsoft, OMRAN Group, and Terme & Spa Italia.
The summit will also mark a leadership handover at WTTC. Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director at Certares, will step down as Chair, passing the role to Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie & Kent.
WTTC exceptional summit marks 25th anniversary
WTTC Executive Vice President Virginia Messina called Rome a fitting stage: “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.”
Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, added that the event underscores the country’s appeal to global investors: “The WTTC Global Summit will be a historic moment that will offer enormous opportunities in favor of large investments in Italy.”
Outgoing Chair Greg O’Hara emphasized the summit’s influence: “Rome will be a launchpad for the next decade of growth, innovation, and collaboration.”
Incoming Chair Manfredi Lefebvre framed the event as a turning point: “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.”
The program will 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.
For updates, the latest agenda, and to register interest in attending, information can be found by clicking WTTC.
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