kabarsula WTTC sets 1 million SME target for Together in Travel community bandar SLOT INDONESIA

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has set a goal of getting 1 million tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from its Together in Travel community.

The target was announced at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, which drew more than 1000 delegates, including more than 200 travel and tourism chief executives and government leaders. WTTC also presented new Together in Travel research on the economic contribution of SMEs.

The research found a 10 per cent productivity uplift among SMEs could unlock US$63 billion (AU$90 billion) in direct travel and tourism GDP across eight major economies – the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. A 5 per cent increase could add US$31 billion (AU$44 billion).

SMEs make up more than 85 per cent of travel and tourism businesses globally.

WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said the findings would inform the council’s advocacy with governments and international institutions – on skills, finance, digitalisation and market access.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are central to Travel & Tourism. They create distinctive experiences, sustain communities and help spread the benefits of tourism,” she said.

“I encourage every independent Travel & Tourism business to join Together in Travel – it’s free, and it’s designed to help them grow.”

Together in Travel chairman and Virtuoso chairman and chief executive Matthew Upchurch said large and small businesses in the sector depend on each other.

“Every journey brings them together, and a stronger independent business community means a stronger sector for everyone,” he said.

The announcement followed a summit panel, Unlocking the Power of Travel & Tourism SMEs, which also featured IC Bellagio chief executive and founder Andrea Grisdale, who is WTTC’s vice chair for SMEs, and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) deputy secretary general Julian Kassum. Speakers discussed access to skills, finance and digital tools, and closer collaboration between governments, destinations and the private sector.

The economic analysis is part of a wider research program. A study by GSIQ of more than 800 business leaders across seven markets examines what SMEs say they need to grow. A full report combining both strands is due.

Together in Travel is also building a free platform offering content, best practice, resources and peer and expert networking.

WTTC signed a memorandum of understanding with the ICC in Paris on 2 October, setting a framework for collaboration on research, business engagement, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy.