A significant leadership change has been announced by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the leading international tourism body: Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of the Heritage Group and co-chairman of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, will take over as Chairman of WTTC from next September, during the organization’s 25th World Summit in Rome.
The announcement of the succession marks the departure of Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares Management LLC, who has held the position of chairman since November 2023.
Who is Manfredi Lefebvre
With over 40 years of experience in the cruise and leisure industry, Manfredi Lefebvre is considered an iconic figure in the global tourism ecosystem. He was the man who transformed Silversea Cruises into a leading international luxury cruise line, before its acquisition by Royal Caribbean.
Today, he leads the Heritage Group, an investment group with a diversified portfolio that extends from biotechnology and medical technologies to energy transition, IT, real estate and premium spirits.
Lefebvre has been a member of the WTTC for over 20 years, making him the longest-serving Councillor on the Council. His appointment to the top position comes as a culmination of his long-standing contribution to the institution.
In a statement after the announcement of the succession, he said:
“As the longest-serving member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, I am deeply grateful and excited to take on this highly prestigious position.”
Statements and tributes to Greg O’Hara
Outgoing President Greg O’Hara, who served WTTC during a period of transition for global tourism, said:
“I am honoured to hand over the baton to Manfredi. His experience and dedication to the sector he loves make him ideally suited to lead WTTC into its next chapter.”
Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, paid tribute to both the outgoing and incoming Presidents:
“I would like to warmly thank Greg for his outstanding contribution and steadfast leadership. We are delighted to welcome Manfredi, a leader with vast experience and international standing. Under his leadership, I am confident that WTTC will achieve new levels of success in a sector that continues to outperform the global economy.”
Significance for global tourism
The appointment of Manfredi Lefebvre at the helm of WTTC takes on particular significance as the tourism sector continues to rebuild after the pandemic, while also facing new challenges such as sustainability, digital transition and geopolitical uncertainty.
Lefebvre’s experience in luxury travel services, his investment skills and his international networking are expected to strengthen WTTC’s strategic role in promoting policies and investments in favor of a resilient and quality tourism.
The 25th WTTC World Summit, to be hosted in Rome, will be not only the setting for the change of the baton but also a significant moment for the global tourism community, as the foundations for the next phase of development and transformation of the sector will be laid.
- WTTC represents the private sector in global tourism, promoting its economic importance and collaborating with governments and institutions to develop strategic policy in the sector.
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