After an ICCA delegation visited UN Tourism headquarters recently, an MOU (memorandum of understanding) was signed, signifying the two organizations’ growing cooperation. The objective of this collaboration is to augment the activity and influence of the business tourism sector, conforming to wider worldwide sustainability objectives. The MOU outlines a number of areas of cooperation, such as promoting education, encouraging collaboration, amplifying visibility for entrepreneurs, showcasing best practices, advocating for the industry’s economic significance, and increasing awareness of the value of business tourism.
“The partnership between UN Tourism and ICCA recognizes the growing economic importance of business events for our sector,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of UN Tourism. Since 2004, ICCA has been an esteemed Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. Through our partnership, we have developed a number of collaborative publications and projects aimed at promoting the meetings industry. We are excited to help shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the business tourism industry with this new partnership.”
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, states: “ICCA has long maintained this partnership with UN Tourism.” Not only is this fantastic news for our members, but it also benefits the entire international association meetings and events sector. Although the worlds of business events and tourism are inextricably linked, this formal partnership allows us special access to each other’s communities. The partnership agreement also shows that our industry-leading programs are becoming more closely aligned.
Concerning ICCA
The international community and knowledge center for the governmental and international association meetings sector is called ICCA. ICCA was established in 1963 and focuses on providing information, education, and channels for communication to the international association meetings industry. It also facilitates business development and networking. ICCA is still fighting for the international meetings industry today. To assist associations worldwide in arranging more productive and successful meetings, the ICCA Association Community provides information, contacts, resources, and training.