The Dialogue, convened by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), opened with remarks from Interim CEO Gloria Guevara and Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, who both emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in ensuring the resilience and future competitiveness of the sector.
Session 1: Europe’s lessons for global tourism
The first session focused on Europe’s continued leadership in global tourism, examining how its combination of heritage, infrastructure, and innovation can guide best practices internationally.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report, Europe’s travel and tourism sector is projected to generate 2.6 trillion euros in GDP and support 41.3 million jobs in 2025, representing approximately 10% of the region’s economy and workforce.
Key topics discussed included:
- How European destinations can differentiate amid rising competition
- Balancing innovation with authenticity and sustainability
- Managing multi-level governance structures in tourism policymaking
Participants highlighted emerging sustainability initiatives, product diversification, and destination stewardship models as drivers of Europe’s long-term tourism resilience.
Session 2: Towards seamless global travel
The second session examined global efforts to enhance cross-border travel and reduce friction in the traveller journey. Dialogue focused on:
- The role of visa policies, biometric technologies, and border infrastructure
- Designing inclusive travel systems for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
- Examples of how digital solutions have boosted tourism in emerging markets
Stakeholders stressed the need for intergovernmental cooperation on digital infrastructure, including e-visas, biometric ID, and integrated payment and connectivity tools, to support smoother and more inclusive travel experiences.
Unified call for action
Across both sessions, participants agreed that shared accountability between governments and businesses is essential to ensure that travel and tourism remains a powerful driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and global connectivity.
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Today’s Dialogue underlined the incredible value of bringing governments and industry together at the same table. From Europe’s lessons on sustainability and competitiveness, to global solutions for seamless travel, it’s clear that through partnership, we unlock the sector’s full potential.”
WTTC Chair and Certares, Founder & Senior Managing Director, Greg O’Hara
Speakers from the private sector included:
- WTTC Chair and Certares, Founder & Senior Managing Director, Greg O’Hara
- WTTC Chair-Elect, Heritage Group/Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group, Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio
- Accor, Chief Strategy Officer and CEO Orient Express, Gilda Perez Alvarado
- Hilton, President EMEA, Simon Vincent CBE
- IC Bellagio, CEO & Sole Founder, Andrea Grisdale
- Lizard Renewables, Chair, Massimo Ponzellini
- The Travel Corporation, CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Ellen Bettridge
- ANT International, President, Douglas Feagin
- Destination Canada, President & CEO, Marsha Walden
- Indian Hotel Company, CEO, Puneet Chattwal
- VFS Global, Founder & CEO, Zubin Karkaria
- Zurich Cover-More Global Travel Inc, President & CEO, Jeffrey Rutledge
Speakers from the public sector included:
- EU MEP, Daniel Attard
- Italy President of the Parliamentary Group, Senate of the Republic, Sen. Michaela Biancofiore
- Malta Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg
- Bulgaria Minister of Tourism, Hon. Miroslav Borshosh
- Portugal Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce & Services, Hon. Pedro Machado
- Turespaña, Director General, Miguel Sanz
- Bahamas, Director General for The Islands of the Bahamas, Latia Duncombe
- Japan Tourism Agency, Commissioner, Hon. Shigeki Murata
- Türkiye Ministry of Culture & Tourism, H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy
The Global Summit is hosted in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region.
Other WTTC Partners include Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio Di Bolsonaro Philantrophy, Arsenale Spa, Chase Travel (JPMC), Giacomo Milano, MMGY, MSC Group, Terme di Saturnia, and Trip.com Group.
Tags: Italy’s Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, Gloria Guevara World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
