Page 24 - The Indian EYE 042525

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 25, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

WTTC launches its global ‘Together in Travel’

SME initiative with VFS Global joining

as a Founding Partner

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
n a landmark move to boost small
and medium-sized enterprises
I(SMEs) in the global travel in-
dustry, the World Travel & Tourism
Council (WTTC) has launched its
Together in Travel SME initiative,
with VFS Global proudly joining as a
Founding Partner. WTTC is the only
global body representing the trav-
el and tourism private sector and its
numerous industries. Over 200 com-
panies are now represented on the
Council, accounting for two-thirds
of a trillion US dollars in turnover,
equivalent to 30% of the entire sector
Drawing on more than two de-
cades of experience in technological
innovation and market expansion,
VFS Global is uniquely placed to share
its expertise with a broader network
of travel businesses. This new pro-
gramme enables the empowerment of
even more SMEs, helping them thrive
in an ever-evolving travel ecosystem.
VFS Global will actively sup- VFS Global encourages part- drea Grisdale, Founder and CEO of ever-evolving industry. By fostering in-
port SMEs across its network span- nerships with local enterprises, those IC Bellagio, as Vice Chair of its To- clusivity, resilience, and sustainability,
ning over 150 countries, recognising owned or operated by women, and gether in Travel initiative. With over we can help these businesses not only
their pivotal role in driving innova- businesses representing indigenous 25 years of experience in crafting be- navigate today’s challenges but also
tion, fostering cost-effective growth, communities, thereby broadening its spoke travel experiences, Andrea will shape a more dynamic and sustain-
and promoting sustainable devel- supply chain and advancing inclusive lead the initiative’s mission to foster able future for global travel. Together,
opment within the travel and tour- economic development. inclusivity, resilience, and sustainabil- we are setting the stage for long-term
ism sector. VFS Global remains Zubin Karkaria, Founder and ity across the travel sector. growth and positive transformation
committed to empowering SMEs to CEO, VFS Global Group commented, Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair, across the entire travel ecosystem.”
scale their operations and achieve “VFS Global has been working closely Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, add- The partnership brings togeth-
significant progress, forging new op- with WTTC since I joined the Execu- ed: “The Together in Travel initiative, er diverse expertise from across the
portunities for sustainable success. tive Committee in 2023, during which which I am proud to have spearheaded travel and hospitality sectors. Accor
Julia Simpson, WTTC President time I have witnessed its groundbreak- in my WTTC role, represents a trans- and Red Carnation Hotels contrib-
& CEO, said, “We are delighted to ing drive to expand opportunities for formative effort to support critical ute their deep hospitality experience,
welcome VFS Global as a Founding its members. The Together in Travel small to medium enterprises. By join- while MSC Cruises brings unparal-
Partner of Together in Travel. Their in- initiative envisions empowering SMEs ing forces with an outstanding group of leled cruise expertise. Virtuoso, Hil-
valuable expertise, global network and by providing access to global markets high-profile WTTC member founding ton, and Abercrombie & Kent Group
industry leadership will play a crucial and investment, specialised training partners, we are providing these busi- offer extensive luxury travel knowl-
role in shaping this platform, empow- programmes, digital transformation nesses with the tools, resources, and edge. Microsoft and Trip.com provide
ering SMEs around the world with the tools, and frameworks for sustainable opportunities necessary to not only cutting-edge technological innova-
tools, knowledge, and opportunities business practices. As a Founding survive but thrive in an increasingly tion, ensuring a seamless experience
they need to thrive. By joining forces, Partner, we are committed to lever- complex and competitive market.” for travellers. OMRAN and Diriyah
we are creating a more resilient and in- aging our global network in over 150 Andrea Grisdale, Founder & Gate offer invaluable insights into
clusive Travel & Tourism sector, ensur- countries to help SMEs thrive and CEO of IC Bellagio said: “I am deep- destination development. VFS Glob-
ing businesses of all sizes can flourish amplify their socio-economic impact. ly honoured to serve as Vice Chair of al and FINN Partners complete the
in the global marketplace. Additional- This partnership reaffirms our dedica- the Together in Travel initiative. This ecosystem, offering visa services and
ly, we are excited to welcome Andrea tion to supporting inclusive growth of programme is a powerful opportunity marketing communications support.
Grisdale as Vice Chair—her vast expe- the travel and tourism industry, which to empower small and medium en- This collaboration represents a
rience and leadership in creating luxu- remains a significant contributor to terprises within the travel sector, pro- major step towards building a more
ry, bespoke travel experiences will be the global economy.” viding them with the tools, resources, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable
invaluable to this initiative’s success.” The WTTC also announced An- and support they need to thrive in an future for global travel and tourism.

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