Global Travel & Tourism conglomerate, WTTC, introduces 'Together in Travel' initiative, focused on fortifying Small and Medium-sized Businesses within the industry.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a new initiative, 'Together in Travel', at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia. This community aims to provide essential support and resources to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the global Travel & Tourism sector.
According to Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, SMEs are a cornerstone of the Travel & Tourism industry, providing services, creating innovative start-ups, and offering local knowledge to larger partners. Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC, considers the launch of the 'Together in Travel' community a significant milestone in WTTC's mission to advocate for SMEs within the travel industry and drive positive change.
The 'Together in Travel' initiative offers a crucial networking platform, fostering a vital network that connects SMEs, enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth opportunities within the travel and tourism industry. It also provides essential growth tools, including free resources that support business development and success in a highly competitive sector.
One of the key aspects of the initiative is its focus on sustainability. It helps SMEs integrate sustainable travel practices by balancing affordability with environmental responsibility. This support is crucial as consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, yet often face a "say-do gap", where they express interest in sustainability but prioritise affordability.
By adopting eco-conscious policies early, SMEs participating in 'Together in Travel' can position themselves ahead of competitors amid evolving government regulations and growing demand for sustainable tourism. The initiative also empowers and promotes inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on women-led travel businesses leading transformative changes, as seen in markets like India.
The 'Together in Travel' community launch can be found at its official website: www.togetherintravel.com. Next year, the initiative will introduce additional paid subscriber options with enhanced features and benefits.
Ryan Mossny, Co-Founder of Matagarup Zip+Climb, believes the initiative will provide tailored support for small businesses like his. The global tourism body, WTTC, is committed to promoting sustainable growth and inclusive practices within the sector, and the 'Together in Travel' initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The global tourism body 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. With the 'Together in Travel' initiative, SMEs in travel and tourism can look forward to a future of integrated support, fostering growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
Small-business owners within the Travel & Tourism sector can benefit from the 'Together in Travel' initiative, as it offers a networking platform and essential growth tools to support business development and success in the sector. The initiative also focuses on sustainability, helping small businesses adopt eco-conscious policies ahead of competitors and position themselves for long-term competitiveness.