Monegasque businessman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio to chair World Travel & Tourism Council from September

The Monaco-based luxury tourism specialist will take up his role at the 25th WTTC Global Summit in Rome.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of the Heritage Group and Co-Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent, has been officially appointed Chair-Elect of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Announced in May 2025, the nomination crowns more than 20 years of involvement in the organisation, making him its longest-serving board member.

The Monaco resident brings four decades of experience in the cruise and leisure sectors, notably through his transformation of Silversea Cruises into a global leader in luxury maritime travel. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the international tourism industry, which continues to outperform the global economy.

Rome at heart of global tourism stage

The handover will take place during the 25th WTTC Global Summit, scheduled from 28 to 30 September 2025 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. The landmark event, organised in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the City of Rome and the Lazio Region, will bring together global leaders from across the sector.

The new Chairman will succeed Greg O’Hara, founder and CEO of Certares Management, who has held the role since November 2023. Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè underlined the importance of the event, calling Rome “the ideal stage to host such a gathering of international significance.”

Leadership for the sector’s future

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, welcomed the appointment, describing Lefebvre as “a powerful force” in the industry, capable of leading the organisation towards “unprecedented success.” The WTTC represents a sector accounting for nearly 10% of global GDP and supporting 320 million jobs. The appointment also reinforces Monaco’s position on the international stage of luxury tourism, consolidating the Principality’s influence in the strategic sector.