ICC Thailand, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Headquarters, is proud to launch the ICC Trade and Tourism Initiative, a groundbreaking effort to strengthen global tourism through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. This initiative serves as a platform for exchanging best practices, fostering public-private partnerships, and advancing the sustainable development of the tourism industry worldwide.
"Tourism is a vital driver of global economic growth, and through this initiative, we aim to create meaningful connections, share expertise, and implement strategies that will elevate the industry on a global scale," said Mr. Montri Mahaplerkpong, Chairman of ICC Thailand. "By bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors, we can drive sustainable tourism development and unlock new opportunities for growth."
A Global Economic Powerhouse
Tourism is one of the world's largest economic sectors, contributing 7% of global trade and serving as the third-largest export category, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO). In some countries, it accounts for more than 20% of GDP and directly supports over 100 million jobs worldwide, with an additional 144 million employed in related industries such as hospitality and transportation. Small businesses drive 80% of global tourism activity, making them essential to economic prosperity.
Advancing a More Resilient and Sustainable Tourism Industry
The ICC Trade and Tourism Initiative is committed to:
- Strengthening Business-to-Business (B2B) Connections: Creating opportunities for collaboration across industries to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and drive innovation.
- Managing Mass Tourism and Attracting High-Quality Visitors: Supporting strategies that enhance tourism experience while preserving cultural and environmental assets.
- Promoting Health and Wellness Tourism: Encouraging investment in sustainable and wellness-focused tourism to meet evolving traveler preferences.
- Ensuring Safety and Sustainability: Championing global best practices to protect travelers, businesses, and the environment.
Addressing Risks and Removing Barriers
Beyond fostering collaboration, the initiative also plays a key role in identifying risks and challenges that could impact global tourism. By working with governments and industry leaders, ICC Thailand seeks to enhance industry resilience, reduce barriers to tourism expansion especially in developing economies and advocate for policies that facilitate growth and investment.
Empowering Small Businesses and Setting Global Standards
A core focus of the initiative is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the tourism industry. Capacity-building programs will equip businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in a fast-changing global market. Additionally, the initiative will work toward establishing internationally recognized standards for trade, investment, and sustainable tourism development.
Shaping the Future of Global Tourism
Through ongoing dialogue and strategic action, the ICC Trade and Tourism Initiative will drive transformative changes by addressing critical issues such as access to finance, market expansion, and infrastructure challenges. By leveraging the power of the ICC network, this initiative aims to create a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for the global tourism industry.