In a significant step towards sustainable development in the meeting industry, the United Nations agency for Tourism and the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) have come together, sealing their collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership marks a strategic alignment with global sustainability initiatives, highlighting the potential of the business tourism sector to contribute positively to environmental and economic goals. The signing took place during a notable visit by the ICCA delegation to the UN Tourism headquarters, setting a promising foundation for future joint efforts.
The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation between UN Tourism and ICCA, with a focus on enhancing the profile and impact of the business tourism industry. The partnership aims to promote education and raise awareness about the value of business tourism, which includes international meetings, conferences, and conventions. This is seen as pivotal in driving economic development and fostering professional exchanges across borders. Moreover, the agreement prioritizes mutual support for events and initiatives that propel the industry forward, underpinning a shared commitment to sustainability.
Key aspects of the agreement include promoting educational initiatives, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and amplifying visibility for entrepreneurs within the sector. These efforts are geared towards showcasing best practices that can be adopted industry-wide to ensure a sustainable future. Additionally, the partnership will engage in advocacy to highlight the economic significance of business tourism, emphasizing its role in creating jobs, generating income, and fostering economic diversity.
This collaboration between UN Tourism and ICCA represents a crucial advancement in integrating sustainability into the core of business tourism. By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, the partnership aims to set new benchmarks for sustainability practices within the industry, ensuring that the growth of business tourism is aligned with broader environmental and economic objectives. This joint venture not only enhances the capabilities of each organization but also sets a standard for other industries to follow in the pursuit of sustainable development.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The partnership between UN Tourism and ICCA recognizes the growing economic importance of business events for our sector. ICCA has been a valued Affiliate Member of UN Tourism since 2004, and our collaboration has yielded several joint publications and initiatives focused on advancing the Meetings Industry. With this new partnership, we look forward to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for the business tourism sector.”
ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath says: “This collaboration with the UN Tourism has been a long-held strategy of ICCA. This is great news not just for our members but for the whole international associations meetings and events industry. We know how intrinsically linked the world of business events and tourism are, but this formal partnership gives us privileged access to each other’s communities. The partnership agreement also signifies a closer alignment of our industry-leading programmes.”
The post UN Tourism and International Congress & Convention Association Partner to Boost Sustainable Growth in the Meetings Industry appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
