Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, highlighted the importance of bringing the summit to Rome, a city that symbolises the intersection of history, culture and modernity, and which represents a key tourist destination on the global map. ‘Rome is the perfect place to host the world's tourism leaders, where we can explore how to drive the sector's recovery and growth,’ said Simpson.
The 25th WTTC World Summit will be a platform to discuss critical issues such as sustainability, digitalisation, innovation in the tourism experience and the impact of climate change on the industry. Discussions will focus on how the industry can continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and how to adapt to the new habits of post-pandemic travellers.
The summit will also place particular emphasis on strategies to promote more responsible and equitable tourism, which not only generates economic benefits, but also cares for the environment and local communities. Private sector leaders, tourism ministers and global authorities are expected to share their perspectives on how to ensure the resilience and sustainable growth of tourism in the coming years.
Holding the summit in Rome has a special significance for Italy, a country where tourism is one of the main economic drivers. According to WTTC data, tourism in Italy accounts for more than 13% of GDP, underlining the importance of the sector for the national economy. Moreover, this event could further reinforce Italy's image as a top destination, helping to attract more international investment and consolidating its position in the global industry.
The presence of senior executives and decision-makers in global tourism in Rome will be an opportunity for Italy to showcase its potential as a destination not only for holidays, but also for business. The summit will provide a space for the creation of strategic alliances and the signing of agreements that could benefit both the city of Rome and other Italian regions in the long term.
WTTC has been a key player in promoting sustainable and resilient tourism, and the Rome 2025 Summit will be an opportunity to further advance this agenda. With the participation of global leaders, the summit is expected to define the future of the industry, addressing emerging challenges such as the use of green technologies, adaptation to climate change and the inclusion of vulnerable communities in the benefits of tourism.
In recent years, the tourism industry has had to adapt rapidly to changes brought about by the pandemic and technological transformations. This summit will be the stage to assess the lessons learned and to plan for a more inclusive and sustainable future, where tourism can continue to be an engine of economic growth and social welfare.
