UN Tourism Partners with ICCA, Commits to Meeting Industry’s Sustainable Development

ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Photo source: ICCA

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has teamed up with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), designating it as its partner for business events across all its platforms and initiatives.

According to an announcement, the partnership agreement recognises the influence and transformative potential of the business events industry and puts it on the map as a key driver for socio-economic progress across the world.

The cooperation between the two bodies is expected to bring a wealth of expertise and resources. Moreover, by establishing closer links and enjoying greater access to each other’s professional networks, a new and distinctive narrative will be created around the potential of greater international collaboration.

“The partnership between UN Tourism and ICCA recognises the growing economic importance of business events for our sector,” UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said.

Photo source: ICCA

ICCA has been an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism since 2004, and its collaboration with the United Nations specialized agency 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,” Pololikashvili added.

On his part, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said the collaboration with UN Tourism has been a long-held strategy of the association.

“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,” Gopinath said, adding that the partnership sees many initiatives planned, including UN Tourism’s secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, opening ICCA’s 63rd congress in Abu Dhabi.

“The partnership agreement also signifies a closer alignment of our industry-leading programs,” he said.

Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering data, education, communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA continues to advocate for the world of international meetings.