The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new initiative to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the travel sector.
- The ‘Together in Travel’ platform offers free resources, networking opportunities, and educational programmes for SMEs.
- Access to enhanced features will be available next year through a paid subscription model.
- SMEs make up approximately 80% of the travel sector, emphasising the need for structured support.
- Industry leaders claim the initiative will help SMEs tackle challenges and thrive post-pandemic.
In a significant move, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the ‘Together in Travel’ platform, a new initiative crafted to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the global travel sector. This platform is tailored to provide essential tools and resources, accelerating business growth and facilitating global communication for SMEs.
The ‘Together in Travel’ platform grants subscribers access to a variety of resources, including networking opportunities and educational programmes. It is designed to be dynamic and free for subscribers, with additional paid options for enhanced features set to launch the following year.
Julia Simpson, WTTC’s president and chief executive, addressed the initiative’s significance during the organisation’s 24th global summit in Perth, Australia. She emphasised the critical role SMEs play, stating, “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.”
The global tourism body expects 2024 to be a record-breaking year, forecasting the sector’s global economic contribution to reach $11.1 trillion. Data highlights that SMEs constitute about 80% of the sector, underscoring the growing demand for a structured support system that optimises productivity and enhances impact.
Matthew Upchurch, WTTC vice chair of membership and chief executive of the Virtuoso network, described the platform’s launch as a ‘significant milestone’ in advocating for SMEs’ interests within the travel industry. He underscored the importance of initiatives like this in fostering a resilient and sustainable future for stakeholders, as the sector continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges.
One of the initiative’s proponents, Ryan Mossny, co-founder of Perth-based Matagarup Zip+Climb, expressed enthusiasm, stating that such support is vital for SMEs to overcome challenges and prosper in a competitive market. He noted the perfect timing of the initiative which aims to directly address the problem areas faced by these businesses.
The WTTC’s initiative marks a pivotal step in supporting SMEs by providing essential resources to ensure their growth and sustainability.
