A new industry partnership signifies United Nations (UN) Tourism's recognition of business events as a key driver for socio-economic progress.
The recognition comes after a formal partnership was agreed between UN Tourism and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to strengthen the role business events play as a driver of economic growth, and legacy initiatives worldwide.
ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said achieving this collaboration has been a long-held strategy of ICCA. "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. There are many initiatives planned, which we will share in due course, including Hon Secretary General Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili opening our 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi,” added Gopinath. “The partnership agreement also signifies a closer alignment of our industry-leading programmes. We have much to share, and much to learn. May this announcement mark the beginning of something quite remarkable."
UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili added, "The partnership between UN Tourism and ICCA recognises 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."
