The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new initiative to support SMEs in the travel sector.
- ‘Together in Travel’ aims to provide resources and a global voice to small and medium enterprises.
- The dynamic, free-to-subscribe platform includes content, networking, and educational opportunities.
- Paid subscriber options with enhanced features will be introduced next year to further assist SMEs.
- WTTC predicts a landmark year in 2024 with a significant economic contribution from the travel sector.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a new platform named ‘Together in Travel’, specifically designed to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the global travel industry. This initiative seeks to empower SMEs by supplying them with critical resources and a platform to amplify their presence internationally.
The ‘Together in Travel’ platform offers SMEs access to a myriad of content, networking possibilities, and educational programmes, all through a user-friendly interface that is free to subscribe. This platform is set to expand further with the introduction of paid subscription plans next year, which promise to deliver even more comprehensive features and support for SMEs looking to enhance their market competitiveness.
In a statement during WTTC’s 24th global summit in Perth, Australia, the council’s president and chief executive, Julia Simpson, emphasised the integral role SMEs play in the travel and tourism landscape. She remarked, “SMEs are a cornerstone of travel and tourism with millions of small enterprises providing services to customers, creating innovative start-ups, and providing local knowledge to larger partners.”
Matthew Upchurch, WTTC vice chair of membership and chief executive of the Virtuoso network, also highlighted the significance of this initiative. He regarded the creation of the ‘Together in Travel’ community as a critical step toward advocacy and positive transformation within the travel sector, particularly in a post-pandemic world where resilience and sustainability are paramount.
Ryan Mossny, co-founder of Matagarup Zip+Climb, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its timeliness and relevance. He pointed out that the tailored support offered by WTTC’s new initiative provides essential resources and connections necessary for SMEs to navigate and thrive amid tough market conditions.
The WTTC forecasts a record-breaking year for the travel sector in 2024, projecting its economic influence to reach an unprecedented $11.1 trillion. This prediction underscores the pivotal contribution of SMEs, which represent a significant portion of the sector’s framework, and highlights the growing necessity for structured support systems.
The ‘Together in Travel’ initiative by WTTC marks a progressive step towards empowering SMEs and fortifying the travel sector’s future.
