Italy’s Tourism Set to Thrive: Discover the Exciting Future at the WTTC Global Summit 2025 in Rome

Published on July 8, 2025

This September, Rome, Italy, will become the focal point for the global travel and tourism industry as it plays host to the 25th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit. Taking place from 28-30 September 2025, the summit will gather the world’s leading figures in travel and tourism, including ministers, mayors, CEOs, and innovative thinkers, to discuss and shape the future of a sector that drives economic growth, creates millions of jobs, and connects the world.

The Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome will serve as the grand venue for this important event, where industry leaders will exchange ideas, explore opportunities for sustainable growth, and discuss the future of travel post-pandemic. Italy, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and innovative tourism offerings, provides a fitting backdrop for the summit, symbolizing the dynamic intersection of timeless beauty and modernity within the global tourism landscape.

The event is hosted in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, further solidifying Italy’s pivotal role in shaping the tourism sector. As the world’s fourth most visited country, Italy is an exemplary host for this event, offering both a rich tourism heritage and a forward-thinking approach to travel innovation.

Why Rome is the Perfect Host City

The decision to host the WTTC Global Summit in Rome reflects the city’s status as a major global tourism hub. Known as the Eternal City, Rome offers an unrivaled mix of ancient landmarks, artistic masterpieces, luxury dining, and cutting-edge innovation. The global tourism industry will convene in Rome to discuss how these factors can shape the future of travel and tourism across the globe.

Julia Simpson, WTTC’s President and CEO, expressed that “Italy represents everything the world loves about travel — beauty, quality, culture, and cuisine. Rome is the perfect stage for a summit that will welcome the world’s tourism leaders to think boldly, act collaboratively, and help shape a decade of growth rooted in excellence.”

Italy’s robust tourism infrastructure and growing focus on sustainable travel make it an ideal location to discuss the pressing issues and exciting opportunities facing the global tourism sector. The city’s selection for the 2025 summit further underscores its leadership role in tourism, with the sector continually driving the national economy and job creation.

The Future of Global Tourism: What to Expect at the Summit

The 25th Global Summit will cover some of the most urgent issues and exciting developments in the travel and tourism sector. Attendees will explore everything from artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation to destination stewardship and preserving culture and heritage. The summit will serve as a platform to discuss the future of transport innovation, luxury and fashion travel, and the evolution of tourism policies for a more connected and sustainable future.

Additionally, Italy’s leadership in key aspects of tourism such as cruising, hospitality, fashion, and wellness tourism will be showcased. WTTC’s Members and Italy’s top business leaders will play a central role in these discussions, demonstrating the country’s commitment to innovation and growth in tourism. It will also highlight how Italy continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tourism, with a growing focus on the blue economy – from mega-yachts to sustainable marinas – and the tourism potential of the seas.

Leadership Transition: A Momentous Change in WTTC’s Direction

At the 2025 Global Summit, the current WTTC Chair, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, will hand over the baton to Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent, and Crystal Cruises. Lefebvre, who is also the WTTC Chair-Elect, emphasized the importance of this summit as not only a celebration of the tourism industry’s resilience but also a pivotal moment to embrace innovation and drive sustainability forward.

As Lefebvre stated, “As we gather in the heart of Italy, we are not just celebrating the resilience of the travel and tourism industry, but also embracing the opportunity to innovate and inspire for a sustainable future. Rome, with its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as an ideal backdrop for this pivotal dialogue among global leaders.”

This leadership change marks a new chapter in the WTTC’s history, as it seeks to harness the power of tourism to create meaningful experiences that transcend borders and foster global connections. The transition will also focus on embracing sustainability, which is becoming an increasingly important consideration for both travelers and the industry at large.

Italy’s Role in Global Tourism: Grande Bellezza Meets Modernity

Italy continues to be one of the world’s most admired destinations, attracting millions of travelers each year with its unique blend of history, nature, architecture, and gastronomy. As Minister Daniela Santanchè remarked, Italy offers beauty everywhere, encapsulated in the country’s timeless essence of la Grande Bellezza.

This essence, which can be translated as the “Great Beauty”, is seen in Italy’s iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Canals of Venice. Yet, Italy’s tourism appeal extends far beyond these well-known symbols of the past. The country is at the forefront of modern tourism, with innovations in wellness retreats, luxury fashion, and the burgeoning blue economy opening up new avenues for sustainable growth.

At this year’s Global Summit, Italy’s tourism legacy will be celebrated, while exploring new opportunities for the future. From sustainable marinas to luxury cruises, Italy’s coastal regions and Mediterranean destinations will become a focal point for discussions on environmentally responsible tourism.

Rome: A City of Timeless Charm and Global Influence

Rome is not only one of the most visited cities in the world, but it is also a symbol of cultural richness and modern ingenuity. Known for its ancient ruins, baroque architecture, and vibrant street life, Rome continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm. However, Rome is more than just a city of the past – it is also a thriving metropolis with a cutting-edge hospitality industry, world-class dining, and fashion-forward culture that appeals to today’s global traveler.

Rome’s selection as the host city for the 25th WTTC Global Summit signals the city’s enduring role as a global tourism leader. It also highlights the dynamic evolution of the city, which is embracing modernity while cherishing its cultural heritage. With an influx of luxury hotels, fine dining experiences, and innovative tourist attractions, Rome is reinforcing its place as a must-visit destination for the global elite and everyday travelers alike.

The Significance of the WTTC Global Summit

Travel and tourism are much more than just an economic engine. They are platforms for peace, cultural pride, innovation, and human connection. The WTTC Global Summit serves as an essential forum for stakeholders across the travel and tourism industry to come together, share insights, and create strategies that will shape the future of the sector.

With tourism contributing approximately 10% of global GDP and supporting 320 million jobs worldwide, the WTTC summit is a critical event that highlights the importance of the travel sector in the global economy. It is a unique opportunity for leaders from across the globe to come together to discuss sustainable tourism practices, digital transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the travel experiences of tomorrow.

WTTC’s efforts to bring together government officials, business leaders, and tourism stakeholders from every corner of the world ensure that the Global Summit remains one of the most influential gatherings in the tourism calendar.

Conclusion: The Path Forward for the Global Tourism Sector in Rome

The WTTC’s 25th Global Summit in Rome marks an exciting milestone for the global tourism industry. As the world gathers in this iconic city to celebrate the successes of the past and plan for the future, it is clear that tourism will continue to be a powerful force for economic development, job creation, and cross-cultural exchange.

With Italy’s leadership in sustainable tourism, innovative travel solutions, and luxury experiences, the 2025 Global Summit promises to be a transformative event for the global tourism sector. As the sector faces new challenges and opportunities in the coming years, Rome will remain at the heart of global tourism innovation, continuing to inspire travelers and industry leaders around the world.