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Lefebvre Takes the Helm: WTTC Charts New Course for Global Travel & Tourism

September 29, 2025

Summary

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has appointed Manfredi Lefebvre d'Oltremare as its new Chair, marking a significant leadership transition for the organization. This appointment comes as the travel and tourism industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery and grapple with evolving challenges like sustainability, resilience, and technological advancements. Lefebvre d'Oltremare, a prominent figure in the hospitality sector, brings extensive experience in hotel management and investment. His leadership is expected to prioritize sustainable tourism practices, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and driving innovation to enhance the travel experience. The WTTC plays a crucial role in advocating for the travel and tourism industry globally, providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations to governments and stakeholders. This change in leadership signals a renewed emphasis on long-term, responsible growth within the industry, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable future for travel. Lefebvre d'Oltremare's appointment isn't just a change in name; it reflects a strategic shift towards addressing critical industry challenges with a renewed focus on collaboration and innovation. He is expected to champion initiatives that promote responsible travel, support workforce development, and leverage technology to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. The WTTC's global summit, where the announcement was made, is a key platform for discussing these very issues, highlighting the importance of collaborative action to shape the future of travel.

Key Details

  • New Chair: Manfredi Lefebvre d'Oltremare
  • Organization: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
  • Date of Announcement: May 21, 2024 (during the WTTC Global Summit Opening Ceremony)
  • Lefebvre d'Oltremare's Background: He is a prominent hospitality investor and has a long history of involvement in the hotel industry. He previously served as Chairman of Leonardo Hotels.
  • WTTC's Mission: To be the global voice of travel and tourism, advocating for policies that support sustainable and inclusive growth.
  • Global Summit: The WTTC Global Summit is a major annual event bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss key issues facing the travel and tourism sector.

Geographical Information

Location Name Country/Region Key Details
Global Summit Rome, Italy The WTTC Global Summit is being held in Rome, Italy. It's a significant venue for international travel and tourism.

Impact & Implications

  • Travelers: Travelers can anticipate a greater emphasis on sustainable travel options, potentially leading to more eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and experiences. There might also be increased focus on traveler safety and well-being, driven by a desire for more resilient travel systems.
  • Travel Restrictions/Requirements: This appointment isn't expected to immediately change travel restrictions or requirements. However, the WTTC's advocacy work could influence policy decisions related to travel regulations in the long run.
  • Safety Considerations: The focus on resilience suggests a potential increase in emphasis on safety protocols and preparedness for future disruptions, such as health crises or natural disasters.

Additional Context

The WTTC was founded in 1988 and represents the global business interests of the travel and tourism industry. It works with governments and stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector. The industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a renewed focus on resilience, sustainability, and innovation. The post-pandemic travel landscape is characterized by changing traveler preferences, increased demand for sustainable options, and the rapid adoption of technology.

Original Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Chair of the WTTC?

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Oltremare is the new Chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

When did Manfredi Lefebvre become the new Chair?

Manfredi Lefebvre assumed the role on May 21, 2024, during the WTTC Global Summit opening ceremony.

What are the key priorities of the WTTC under Manfredi Lefebvre's leadership?

Priorities include sustainable tourism, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, driving innovation, and building a more resilient industry.

How might this leadership change affect travelers?

Travelers can expect a greater emphasis on sustainable travel options and potentially increased focus on safety and well-being.

What is the WTTC and what role does it play?

The WTTC is the global voice of travel and tourism, advocating for policies that support sustainable and inclusive growth and providing data-driven insights.

About the Author
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Michael Rodriguez
Senior Travel Analyst & Industry Expert
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