The Auditorium Parco della Musica will host industry leaders, government officials and innovators from across the globe
The Eternal City, Rome, is set to become the epicentre of global tourism this September as it welcomes the 25th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit.
In a press statement, WTTC says that from September 28-30, the Auditorium Parco della Musica will host industry leaders, government officials and innovators from across the globe for the sector’s most influential annual event.
The statement adds that this year’s summit, held in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, the Italian Tourism Promotion Board (ENIT), the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, marks WTTC’s return to Europe after six years.
WTTC says that the event will focus on digital transformation, regenerative tourism and investment strategies, with a strong emphasis on how technology is reshaping the industry.
Julia Simpson
“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,” says Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC.
According to the statement, Italy’s tourism industry is experiencing a period of robust growth. In March 2025 alone, foreign tourists spent EUR 3.2 billion in Italy, up 7 pc from the previous year, with Rome recording over 15 million foreign arrivals in the first half of the year.
It adds that this surge is part of a broader trend, with forecasts predicting a record 27 million international visitors to Italy during the summer of 2025 and direct spending expected to exceed EUR 10 billion.
Additionally, the summit’s agenda will address pressing topics such as sustainability, digital innovation and the challenges of overtourism, particularly in Italy’s most popular destinations.
Manfredi Lefebvre
“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,” says Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect.
As Italy cements its status as a top global destination, the WTTC Global Summit will serve as a platform to shape the future of travel, celebrate Italy’s Grande Bellezza and drive dialogue on the sector’s evolving role in economic and cultural life, says WTTC.
"
