Published on
September 25, 2025
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed its full line-up of distinguished speakers for the much-anticipated 25th Global Summit, which will be held in Rome from 28–30 September 2025. The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular event, with a special performance from the legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The Summit will be hosted in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, marking a significant milestone in the global tourism industry.
A Stellar Opening Ceremony with Andrea Bocelli
The Global Summit, centered around the theme “La Grande Bellezza (del Viaggio)” – The Great Beauty (of Travel), will commence with an unforgettable performance by Andrea Bocelli. With a career that spans over three decades, Bocelli is considered one of the most celebrated voices in the world, renowned for his exceptional artistry. His performance at the Summit’s opening ceremony will set the tone for what is expected to be a transformative event.
A Gathering of Tourism’s Most Influential Leaders
The event will bring together more than 310 CEOs, Chairs, Directors, and government leaders from over 65 countries. Among the confirmed speakers are key figures from both the private and public sectors, such as Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of TBO.com and the newly appointed Regional Vice Chair for India at WTTC, and Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Indian Hotels Company Ltd.
The summit will serve as a pivotal gathering to address critical issues affecting the tourism industry, from job creation and economic growth to the integration of artificial intelligence and seamless travel. With leaders from the world’s top travel and hospitality companies attending, delegates will have the opportunity to discuss solutions to the challenges facing the sector and explore innovative ideas to drive its growth.
Key Speakers and Industry Leaders
Among the prominent speakers set to join the Global Summit are high-profile executives from some of the biggest names in travel and tourism. These include:
- Greg O’Hara – Founder & Senior Managing Director, Certares
- Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio – Chairman, Heritage Group/Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group
- Andrea Grisdale – CEO & Sole Founder, IC Bellagio
- Anthony Francis Fernandes – CEO, Capital A Berhad
- Audrey Hendley – President, American Express Travel
- Desirée Bollier – Chair & Chief Merchant, The Bicester Collection
- Gaurav Bhatnagar – Co-Founder, TBO.com
- Gloria Fluxà – Vice-Chairman & CSO, Iberostar
- Jane Sun – CEO, Trip.com Group
- Jeffrey C Rutledge – President & CEO, Zurich Cover-More Global Travel, Inc.
- Jerry Inzerillo – Group CEO, Diriyah Company
- Matthew Upchurch – Founder & CEO, Virtuoso
- Paolo Barletta – CEO, Arsenale Spa
- Pierfrancesco Vago – Executive Chairman, MSC Group
- William E. Heinecke – Founder & Chairman, Minor Hotel Group
- Anthony Capuano – President & CEO, Marriott International
- Caroline Beteta – President & CEO, Visit California
- Elie Maalouf – Global CEO, InterContinental Hotels Group
- Jason Liberty – President & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD
- Nerio Alessandri – Founder & CEO, Technogym
- Paul Griffiths – CEO, Dubai Airports International
- Sébastien Bazin – CEO, Accor
- Arrigo Cipriani – Founder, Harry’s Bar
- Laura Biancalani – President & CEO, Andrea Bocelli Foundation
- Luca Cordero di Montezemolo – Chairman, Italo S.p.A
- Federico Gonzalez – CEO, Radisson Hotel Group
- Marco Troncone – CEO, Aeroporti di Roma
- Valeria Falcone – Head of Global Sponsorships and Events, Enel S.p.A.
- Decius Valmorbida Menezes – President: Travel, Amadeus
- Leonardo Ferragamo – Executive Chairman, Salvatore Ferragamo Group
- Benjamin Vuchot – CEO, Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels
- Ivana Jelinic – CEO, ENIT S.p.A.
- Massimo Caputi – President & Owner, Terme & Spa Italia
- Thang Phan – Co-Founder & Business Development Manager, Vietnam Luxury Express
- Tim Littler – President & Founder, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains
- Tristan Armstrong – CEO, Rocky Mountaineer
- Giampiero Strisciuglio – CEO, Trenitalia
- Elisabetta Fabri – President & CEO, Starhotels Group
- Fabio Giannotti – General Manager, Alpemare Beach Club
- Julie Shainock – Global Managing Director – Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry, Microsoft
- Andrea Alori – Partner, Bain & Company
- Paolo Benanti – President, AI Commission for Information
- Torstein Hagen – Founder & CEO, Viking Cruises
- Mons. Rino Fisichella – Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Roman Catholic Church
- Giovanni Malago – President, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
- Anant Singh – Member, International Olympic Committee
- Miguel Sanz – Director General, TURESPANA
- Ross McAuley – Director General, Play Qiddiya City DMMO
- Di Bain – Chair, Tourism Western Australia
- Pierroberto Folgiero – CEO, Fincantieri
- Hashil Al Mahrouqi – CEO, OMRAN Group
- Gabriele Burgio – CEO, Alpitour World
- Bernardo Mattarella – CEO, INVITALIA
- Luca Andreoli – CEO, Difesa Servizi S.p.A.
- Keith Vincent – CEO, Wilderness Destinations
- Hunter Lee Soik – Executive Chairman, ensō Group
- Alessandra Necci – Director & Writer, Estense Gallery
- Katie Briscoe – CEO, MMGY Global
- Puneet Chhatwal – CEO, Indian Hotels Company
- Douglas Feagin – President, Ant International
- Massimo Ponzellini – President of the Board, Vantage Asset Management
- Antonino Cannavacciuolo – Michelin-starred Chef
These speakers are expected to play a pivotal role in exploring the future of tourism, offering expert insights on various industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Focus on Economic Growth and Job Creation
At the heart of the Global Summit will be discussions about the vital role tourism plays in stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. As the world’s largest service sector, tourism has proven to be a resilient force in driving global economies. The Summit’s sessions will explore how the sector can further contribute to employment opportunities, particularly in regions where tourism is a key economic driver.
Furthermore, the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry will be a central theme. With AI poised to revolutionize everything from customer service to travel logistics, the Summit will offer a platform for discussing how these technologies can be harnessed to improve the travel experience while driving efficiency and growth.
Italy’s Role in Shaping Global Tourism
The WTTC Global Summit will be hosted in Italy at a time when the country is poised to enhance its leadership in global tourism. Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, highlighted the importance of the event in fostering international dialogue and attracting investment into the country. The summit will provide a unique opportunity for global leaders to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss strategies for making Italy a reference point in global tourism.
The focus will be on integrating Italy’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation. The country’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks while embracing sustainable and forward-thinking tourism practices will be showcased as a model for the rest of the world to follow. The Summit will also explore how tourism can be a force for peace, fostering connections between different cultures and promoting understanding on a global scale.
Embracing Sustainability and Digitalisation
Sustainability and digitalisation are two key pillars shaping the future of the tourism industry, and both will be discussed in-depth at the Summit. As the younger generation increasingly demands more sustainable travel options, Italy’s tourism sector is responding to these expectations by incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values into its offerings. The rise of digital technology is also reshaping how travelers plan and experience their journeys, making travel more accessible and efficient than ever before.
Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT, stressed the importance of responding to these trends and using them to enhance Italy’s global tourism presence. Digital platforms, coupled with sustainable practices, are expected to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and eco-conscious tourism environment.
An Unmissable Global Summit
As the tourism sector continues to grow and evolve, the 25th WTTC Global Summit in Rome will serve as a crucial event for discussing the future of travel. The Summit’s location, theme, and gathering of such influential leaders make it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the global tourism industry.
The event promises to be a milestone in the ongoing transformation of the tourism industry. With a rich programme featuring expert insights and groundbreaking discussions, the 25th WTTC Global Summit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who attend.
[Image Credit: WTTC]
