In a significant step to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global travel sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the "Travel Together" SME initiative, with VFS Global as a founding partner. WTTC is the only global body representing the private sector in travel and tourism and its various industries. The Council now represents over 200 companies, representing over two-thirds of a trillion US dollars in revenue, equivalent to 30% of the entire sector.
With over two decades of experience in technological innovation and market expansion, VFS Global is uniquely positioned to offer its expertise to a wider network of companies operating in the travel sector. This new program will empower more SMEs and support them to succeed in the ever-changing travel environment.
VFS Global will provide effective support to SMEs across its network of over 150 countries, recognizing the importance of these companies in driving innovation, achieving economic growth, and promoting sustainable development in the travel and tourism sector. VFS Global is committed to enabling these companies to scale their operations and achieve strategic progress, paving the way for new horizons of sustainable success.
Julia Simpson, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome VFS Global as a founding partner of the Travel Together initiative. Their expertise, global network, and industry leadership will play a pivotal role in developing this platform, empowering SMEs around the world with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through this collaboration, we seek to build a stronger and more inclusive travel and tourism sector, enabling all businesses, regardless of size, to thrive in the global marketplace. We are also delighted to welcome Andrea Grisdale as Vice President, whose extensive experience and leadership in creating bespoke luxury travel experiences will be fundamental to the success of this initiative.”
VFS Global encourages partnerships with local businesses, women-owned or operated businesses, and businesses representing indigenous communities, with the aim of expanding their supply chains and driving inclusive economic development. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, said, “VFS Global has been closely collaborating with the World Travel and Tourism Council since I joined the Executive Committee in 2023, and during this time I have witnessed its pioneering efforts to expand the horizons of its members. The Travel Together initiative aims to empower SMEs by facilitating their access to global markets and investment, providing specialized training programs, digital transformation tools, and frameworks for sustainable business practices. As a founding partner, we reaffirm our commitment to harnessing our global network spanning over 150 countries to help these businesses thrive and enhance their socio-economic impact. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the inclusive growth of the travel and tourism sector, which remains a fundamental pillar of the global economy.”
As a founding partner of the Travel Together initiative, VFS Global reaffirms its commitment to empowering SMEs worldwide, enabling them to thrive and deepening their contribution to global socio-economic growth.
