In a significant move aimed at bolstering the global prominence and economic significance of the business events sector, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) have formalised a strategic partnership.
This landmark agreement designates ICCA as the official UN Tourism partner for business events across all UN Tourism platforms and initiatives, underlining the pivotal role of business events in driving socio-economic progress worldwide.
Recognising the profound influence and transformative potential of the business events industry, this collaboration positions it as a catalyst for economic growth and legacy initiatives on a global scale.
ICCA, which has long championed the integration of business events into broader economic and social development strategies, views this partnership as a crucial step towards harnessing the industry’s full potential.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath emphasised its significance for the international meetings and events industry, highlighting the interconnectedness of business events and tourism. Gopinath underscored the wealth of opportunities that this partnership would unlock, including shared initiatives and enhanced access to professional networks.
UN Tourism’s secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili echoed Gopinath’s sentiments, stressing the growing economic importance of business events within the tourism sector. Pololikashvili noted the longstanding collaboration between ICCA and UN Tourism, citing joint publications and initiatives aimed at advancing the meetings industry. With the formalisation of this partnership, both organisations are poised to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the business tourism sector.
Amid global uncertainty, ICCA’s designation as UN Tourism’s preferred partner for promoting international meetings reaffirms the belief in the transformative power of cross-border collaboration.
Both ICCA and UN Tourism extend invitations to industry stakeholders, governmental bodies, and the global community to join them in this endeavour, envisioning a future where business, leisure, and education converge to foster opportunity, harmony, and hope.
