Founding partners – including Abercrombie & Kent Group, MSC Cruises, Virtuoso and Red Carnation Hotels – will represent different parts of the travel ecosystem as they support the Together in Travel programme’s delivery.
The Together in Travel programme will provide SMEs with resources including access to global markets and investment opportunities, specialised training programmes, digital transformation tools and sustainable business practice frameworks. The programme’s resources are available for agents to view at togetherintravel.com.
A Together in Travel spokesperson confirmed to TTG that the programme will soon be promoted to "all the major travel groups" in the UK outbound travel sector so that they can share details with members.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: "Small businesses are the backbone of travel and tourism and Together in Travel represents an unprecedented collaboration that will equip SMEs with essential tools for success in our evolving global landscape."
Andrea Grisdale, founder and chief executive of Italian travel agency IC Bellagio, has been named the vice chair of the Together in Travel initiative.
“Under Andrea Grisdale’s leadership, whose commitment to sustainable tourism is exemplary, this initiative will catalyse transformative growth across our sector," Simpson added.
Grisdale said: "This programme is a powerful opportunity to empower small and medium enterprises within the travel sector, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
"By fostering inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, we can help these businesses not only navigate today’s challenges but also shape a more dynamic and sustainable future for global travel. Together, we are setting the stage for long-term growth and positive transformation across the entire travel ecosystem."
