WTTC Vice Chair and Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew Upchurch and WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. Photo source: WTTC
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) launched “Together in Travel” at its recent 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia.
Announced at WTTC;s summit last year, the initiative aims to provide support and resources to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the global Travel & Tourism sector.
The “Together in Travel” platform is designed to provide SMEs with the tools and resources they need to accelerate their business growth and ensure their voices are heard on a global scale.
Speaking at the global tourism body’s 24th Global Summit, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said that SMEs are a cornerstone of Travel & Tourism with millions of small enterprises providing services to customers, creating innovative start-ups and providing local knowledge to larger partners.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. Photo source: WTTC
“For the first time ever, these SMEs can join a community to share ideas and tools to strengthen their businesses,” Simpson said.
Through a dynamic and free-to-subscribe platform, subscribers will have access to a wealth of content, networking opportunities, and educational programmes.
Next year, the initiative will also introduce additional paid subscriber options, offering enhanced features and benefits to further support SMEs in their journey towards success.
According to WTTC Vice Chair and Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew Upchurch, the launch of the “Together in Travel” community marks a significant milestone for WTTC in its mission to advocate for the interests of SMEs within the travel industry and drive positive change through meaningful engagement and support.
WTTC Vice Chair and Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew Upchurch. Photo source: WTTC
“As the travel sector continues to navigate the challenges brought about by the global pandemic, initiatives like this are essential in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all stakeholders involved,” Upchurch said.
WTTC is projecting a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion.
Photo source: WTTC
The WTTC highlights that the sector also plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and bringing new ideas to Travel & Tourism.
According to the global tourism body, some of today’s great companies began as ideas “at the kitchen table”. Some data suggests up to 80 percent of the sector comprises SMEs.
“This figure highlights the prevalence of SMEs in the sector and the growing need for a structured support system that can optimise productivity and impact,” says the WTTC.
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