World Travel & Tourism Council Announces Manfredi Lefebvre as its Incoming Chair

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

Manfredi Lefebvre

Lefebvre, who will take over the position in September, during the global tourism body’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, Italy, has been a Member of WTTC for more than 20 years. He will follow current Chairman, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), who has been in the position since November 2023. One of the most recognised names in Travel & Tourism, Lefebvre brings with him over four decades of experience in the cruise and leisure industries. A visionary entrepreneur who transformed Silversea Cruises into a global leader, today, he leads diversified investments through Heritage Group, active across biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, information technology, and premium spirits.

Greg O’Hara, who continues as WTTC Chair until the Global Summit in September said: “I am delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre as Chair-Elect. His experience and dedication to a Sector he loves marks him out as a great future chairman.

“Serving WTTC and our Members has been a privilege, and I am delighted to be handing the baton to Manfredi, a renowned force in the global Travel & Tourism sector.”

Manfredi Lefebvre said: “As the longest-serving member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, I am filled with elation to be appointed to this esteemed position.”

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Greg for his immense and continuing contribution to WTTC, his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership during his tenure.

“I am delighted to welcome Manfredi as our new Chairman. A powerhouse in our sector, he brings with him decades of experience, and under his stewardship, I am sure we will achieve unprecedented success in a sector that has been outpacing the global economy for many years.”