Manfredi Lefebvre Joins as the Chair-Elect of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the appointment of Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of the Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, as its new Chair-Elect.

Lefebvre is scheduled to assume the chairmanship during the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit, which will be held in Rome, Italy, in September 2025.

This transition marks a significant milestone in the leadership of the global tourism industry, as Lefebvre brings decades of experience and visionary entrepreneurship to the position.

With over 20 years as a member of WTTC, Lefebvre’s appointment signals continuity and innovation for the organization, which plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies that impact the worldwide travel and tourism sectors.

WTTC collaborates closely with governments and tourism authorities globally, including entities like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and national tourism ministries, to advocate sustainable and resilient tourism development.

Leadership Transition at WTTC

Manfredi Lefebvre will succeed Greg O’Hara, the current WTTC Chairman and founder and senior managing director of Certares Management LLC. O’Hara has served in this role since November 2023 and will continue to lead the organization until the Global Summit in September. This leadership handover is poised to usher in new strategic directions while maintaining the momentum in global tourism growth and recovery post-pandemic.

The WTTC is a vital voice for the travel and tourism sector, representing the private sector’s interests and fostering collaboration with public bodies such as the US Travel Association and the European Travel Commission. The Chair-Elect position is influential in steering the council’s priorities on key issues including sustainability, digital transformation, and economic impact measurement.

Manfredi Lefebvre: A Career in Luxury Travel and Cruise Industries

Manfredi Lefebvre’s career spans more than four decades, with a strong legacy in the cruise and luxury leisure sectors. He is renowned for his pivotal role in transforming Silversea Cruises into a globally recognized leader in luxury cruising. Silversea Cruises is celebrated for its innovative approach to premium travel experiences and exceptional service standards, contributing significantly to the global leisure tourism market.

Beyond cruises, Lefebvre leads the Heritage Group, a diversified investment conglomerate involved in a range of industries including biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, information technology, and premium spirits. This diverse portfolio demonstrates his strategic foresight and ability to drive growth across various sectors, aligning well with the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within global travel and tourism.

The appointment of Lefebvre as WTTC Chair-Elect is a strategic move to harness his extensive leadership experience and entrepreneurial vision to navigate the evolving tourism landscape. His experience with luxury travel companies such as Abercrombie & Kent, which specializes in bespoke, high-end travel experiences, complements WTTC’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovative tourism worldwide.

WTTC’s Role in Global Tourism

The WTTC serves as the private sector counterpart to international tourism organizations and works closely with governments to support travel facilitation, economic recovery, and sustainable development in tourism. It provides data-driven insights and economic impact reports that assist policymakers in understanding the sector’s contributions. For example, the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and similar bodies worldwide rely on WTTC data for tourism strategy formulation.

Under Lefebvre’s upcoming leadership, WTTC is expected to continue championing critical issues such as climate change mitigation, responsible tourism practices, digital innovation in travel, and expanding the economic benefits of tourism to communities globally.

Global Summit 2025 in Rome: A Platform for Leadership and Collaboration

The 25th WTTC Global Summit, where Lefebvre will formally take over as Chair, is set to convene leading stakeholders from the public and private sectors across the travel and tourism ecosystem. Hosted in Rome, a city steeped in history and a major global tourism destination, the summit provides an ideal backdrop for discussing sustainable tourism growth, resilience, and innovation.

The summit typically attracts ministers of tourism, senior executives from airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel agencies, and technology firms, alongside representatives from global tourism organizations. These gatherings foster collaboration, enable sharing of best practices, and advance joint initiatives aimed at ensuring tourism continues to be a major driver of economic growth and cultural exchange.

Strategic Focus Under Lefebvre’s Chairmanship

Lefebvre’s appointment reflects WTTC’s commitment to leadership that understands both the traditional and emerging dimensions of travel and tourism. His experience in luxury travel and cruise sectors positions him well to address the growing demand for experiential, sustainable, and personalized travel services.

Furthermore, Lefebvre’s expertise in managing investments across biotech, energy transition, and technology sectors aligns with WTTC’s strategic priorities around environmental sustainability and innovation. WTTC supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, and climate action, highlighting the increasing intersection between tourism and global sustainability agendas.

Importance of Private-Public Partnerships in Tourism

The leadership change at WTTC underscores the importance of collaboration between the private sector and governments. Tourism ministries globally, including those listed on government portals such as the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, recognize the critical role of private sector insights and investments in creating resilient tourism ecosystems.

WTTC’s ongoing partnership with international bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and regional tourism organizations, facilitates coordinated responses to challenges like health crises, geopolitical uncertainties, and climate change. With Lefebvre’s stewardship, these collaborations are expected to deepen, leveraging his extensive networks and reputation in luxury and leisure sectors.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Global Tourism

Global tourism continues to face dynamic challenges including climate change impacts, fluctuating travel regulations, and evolving traveler expectations for safety, personalization, and sustainability. Lefebvre’s leadership will be critical in guiding WTTC members and the broader sector through these transitions.

The rise of digital technologies and data analytics offers new tools to enhance traveler experiences and optimize operational efficiencies. WTTC is at the forefront of encouraging the adoption of these innovations, and Lefebvre’s background in diverse technology investments could accelerate the council’s efforts.

Moreover, as the world economy recovers from recent disruptions, tourism’s role as a job creator and economic engine remains vital. WTTC estimates that travel and tourism contribute approximately 10% to global GDP and employment, a figure that leadership like Lefebvre’s seeks to increase by promoting inclusive growth that benefits communities across the globe.

Manfredi Lefebvre’s upcoming tenure as Chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council represents a significant chapter for the global tourism industry. His blend of luxury travel expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and diversified investment experience equips him well to steer the sector toward a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future.

For more information on WTTC’s initiatives and global tourism developments, visit the WTTC official website, alongside tourism ministries and international organizations such as the UNWTO and respective national tourism authorities.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/manfredi-lefebvre-joins-as-the-chair-elect-of-world-travel-tourism-council-wttc/