WTTC’s Gloria Guevara (left) with ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on research, advocacy, events and data relating to international meetings and business events.
The agreement was signed at WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta. It sets out a framework for the organisations to develop evidence and policy positions on the contribution of business events to destinations and economies.
The planned work will focus on the effects of international meetings and business events on visitor spending, investment, employment and knowledge exchange.
Gloria Guevara, president and chief executive of WTTC, said: “By bringing together our research and global networks, we can give governments and industry leaders a clearer picture of the value of business events and help create the conditions for greater investment, connectivity and sustainable growth.”
Under the agreement, WTTC and ICCA will consider joint reports, briefings and case studies on the economic, social and environmental effects of business events on tourism and host destinations. They will also share research plans to identify possible areas of cooperation and limit duplication.
The organisations intend to compare methodologies, exchange relevant data and consider common reference figures for communications and advocacy.
Potential areas for coordinated advocacy include travel facilitation and visas, connectivity, taxation, sustainability and workforce development.
Joint statements, submissions and engagement with governments and intergovernmental organisations will be considered individually.
WTTC and ICCA also plan to invite each other to flagship events, including the WTTC Global Summit and ICCA Congress, and to consider speaking and panel opportunities.