MUMBAI: CNN International today announced the formation of a global strategic partnership between the CNN Tourism, Advertising Solutions and Knowledge (Task) Group and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The partnership sees Task and the UNWTO collaborate on industry events to ensure the best breed of knowledge and latest data is imparted to sector professionals. The Task Group and the UNWTO will share content, join forces on industry newsletters and cross promote services across each other’s respective platforms.

The Task Group, a fully complimentary, bespoke client service comprising a team of external experts in tourism and economic development, works closely with CNN to support clients to create impactful tourism communications solutions. Now in its third year of global operations, the Task Group celebrates assisting more than 65 Ministries of Tourism and tourism industry leaders across the world with strategic advice to enhance their nation and brand building efforts and navigate crisis issues.

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The announcement of Task’s partnership with the UNWTO comes as the world’s travel and tourism industry leaders prepare to gather at the annual World Travel Market (WTM) in London to discuss the role of the sector as a driver of economic growth, since the market collapse.

CNN Intl VP, news ad sales, Asia Pacific William Hsu says, “CNN is proud to join with the UNWTO to demonstrate our commitment to the development and growth of the travel and tourism sector. We work closely with country tourism ministries and are acutely aware of the importance of the industry as the global economy looks to repair itself. This partnership gives both organisations the opportunity to offer unique expertise at a critical time.”

UNWTO secretary general Dr Taleb Rifai says, “The partnership between UNWTO and CNN International is a significant step towards highlighting the economic, cultural, social, environmental and political potentials of travel and tourism. The travel and tourism industry continues to grow, employing hundreds of millions of people, contributing to the socio-economic development of the world’s poorest countries. Yet, its future depends on the realisation of its potential and its integration into the global economic and political agenda. Through this partnership between CNN and UNWTO, have the opportunity to maximise their benefits in a highly competitive market through the Task Group’s destination marketing.”

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The alliance will specifically include Task support at key UNWTO member and general tourism sector initiatives such as the UNWTO World Tourism Day, UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery’ and the United Nations Copenhagen Climate Change Summit (COP15).