Perth, Western Australia, October , 2024 – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled 'Together in Travel' today at its 2024 Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, a pioneering initiative aimed at bolstering support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the global Travel & Tourism sector.

'Together in Travel' serves as a dedicated platform designed to equip SMEs with essential tools and resources necessary for accelerating business growth while amplifying their voices on a global scale. This dynamic platform, available free of charge to subscribers, offers a plethora of content, networking opportunities, and educational programs tailored to SME needs.

In the coming year, 'Together in Travel' plans to introduce enhanced subscriber options, providing additional features and benefits to further bolster SME success.

Addressing attendees at WTTC's 24th Global Summit, Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, emphasized the pivotal role SMEs play in Travel & Tourism, underscoring their contributions to innovation and local expertise within the industry.

"With millions of small enterprises driving customer service, fostering startups, and enriching sector knowledge, SMEs are integral to the fabric of Travel & Tourism," Simpson stated.

The global tourism body projects a banner year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector's economic contribution expected to soar to a record $11.1 trillion. SMEs, comprising up to 80% of the sector, highlight the urgent need for structured support systems to maximize productivity and impact.

Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC and Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, hailed the launch of 'Together in Travel' as a pivotal moment in advocating for SME interests and catalyzing positive change across the industry.

"As the travel sector navigates post-pandemic challenges, initiatives like 'Together in Travel' are pivotal in fostering resilience and sustainability for all stakeholders," Upchurch affirmed.

Ryan Mossny, Co-Founder of Matagarup Zip+Climb, echoed the sentiment, expressing optimism about the initiative's potential to address critical business needs and drive growth in a competitive market.

WTTC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable growth and inclusive practices within Travel & Tourism, affirming its role as the foremost global authority on sectoral impact.

Through 'Together in Travel', WTTC aims to empower SMEs to thrive in an evolving landscape, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future in global Travel & Tourism.