The 25th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit will take place in the heart of Rome, Italy, from 28-30 September 2025. This prestigious event marks a significant return to Europe for the summit, which hasn’t been held on the continent in six years. With the support of Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), and the Municipality of Rome, the Eternal City will provide the perfect backdrop for one of the most important gatherings in global Travel & Tourism.
The WTTC Global Summit is widely regarded as the leading event on the global travel calendar, bringing together the top leaders in the industry, policymakers, and influential figures. It serves as a forum to discuss the most pressing challenges facing the sector, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead. The 2025 summit promises to focus on the future of digital transformation, sustainable tourism, and investment strategies, along with the growing influence of technology in reshaping the travel landscape.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed her excitement at bringing the summit back to Europe, stating, “I’m delighted to be bringing our Global Summit back to Europe, to shine a spotlight on the iconic city of Rome. Over the years, the Global Summit has welcomed an impressive roster of influential speakers who have shaped global policy and inspired change.”
The event will feature speakers and discussions from some of the most influential people in the world of Travel & Tourism. Previous summits have heard from political figures such as Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Theresa May, as well as thought leaders from the United Nations, including former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Past events have also featured high-profile personalities like former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and conservationist Robert Irwin, who discussed pressing issues like climate change and sustainable tourism practices.
The 2025 Global Summit will not only provide a platform for discussing pressing global issues but will also showcase the latest advancements and commitments in the Travel & Tourism sector, ensuring that the industry remains a key driver of the global economy. One of the key themes for the 2025 summit will be regenerative tourism, an emerging concept aimed at not only minimizing the negative impacts of tourism but also actively restoring and improving the destinations and ecosystems affected by it.
Rome, with its rich cultural heritage and millennia-long history as a major tourist destination, is the ideal venue for this global gathering. Daniela Santanchè, the Minister of Tourism of Italy, emphasized Rome’s role in the tourism industry, saying, “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome to Rome the 25th WTTC Global Summit. With its millennial history and ability to attract visitors from every corner of the world, Rome is the ideal stage to host this meeting.”
Italy’s government sees this event as an opportunity to strengthen its leadership in the tourism sector by promoting sustainability, digital innovation, and experiential tourism. The summit will help foster discussions between the public and private sectors, which is expected to stimulate investment and ensure a prosperous future for the country’s thriving tourism industry.
Rome’s hosting of the 25th WTTC Global Summit is set to be a landmark event, one that will shape the future of travel and tourism on a global scale. This significant gathering will not only shine a light on Italy’s role in the international tourism industry but will also highlight the importance of sustainability and innovation in preserving the future of travel for generations to come.
