VFS Global Joins Global Push To Help Small Travel Businesses Thrive
NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, April 17, 2025: In a major boost for small businesses in the travel industry, VFS Global has partnered with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Founding Partner of its newly launched Together in Travel initiative.
The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the global travel and tourism sector. WTTC, the world’s leading body representing the private travel industry, says the initiative is designed to give smaller businesses the tools and training they need to grow and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of our industry,” said WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson. “We are delighted to welcome VFS Global as a Founding Partner. Their expertise and reach will help empower these businesses and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”
VFS Global, a global leader in visa and consular services, is using its presence in over 150 countries to support small travel-related businesses. The company said it will focus on working with local entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and those representing indigenous communities.
“VFS Global has always believed in creating opportunities for small businesses,” said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global. “With Together in Travel, we’re taking that commitment further by helping SMEs access global markets, adopt new technologies, and build sustainable business practices.”
The initiative offers a range of support, including investment opportunities, training programs, digital tools, and guidance on running environmentally responsible businesses.
Andrea Grisdale, founder of luxury travel company IC Bellagio, has been appointed Vice Chair of the initiative. “We want to help small businesses not only survive but lead the way in creating a more inclusive and resilient travel sector,” she said.
The founding partners of Together in Travel include major names from across the industry—Accor, Hilton, MSC Cruises, Virtuoso, Microsoft, Trip.com, and more—each bringing their own expertise to help build a stronger future for travel.
Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global has processed over 309 million visa and consular applications since 2001. The company is majority owned by investment firm Blackstone and operates more than 3,500 application centers around the world.
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