Jamaica based Global e-Tourism Company, CTICo, sister company of ADS Global, an e-Contact Center located in Montego Bay, recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the provision of technological and social media services with the World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations.
The MOU was inked at the World Travel Market in London, UK on November 5th with UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, CTICo/ADS Global CEO Ron McKay and CTICo Chairman, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.
CTICo/ADS Global CEO, Ron McKay said that the MOU covers, “a strategic partnership in all matters that concern using technological advancements to develop tourism products, and more specifically e-Tourism. It will also allow us to support the UNWTO in social media so as to strengthen the connection among members and broaden their brand and center of influence while ensuring that CTICo participates as panel speakers at UNWTO seminars and events.”
Both sister outfits, ADS Global and CTICo has invested over US$1 million developing back-office operations, leasing new space, legal representation, new hires and networking at ADS’ Global’s Montego Bay offices at the Fairview Office Centre and the Freeport.
Chairman of CTICo, former Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, said that the MOU fits perfectly into the goals of the entity and will augur well for the development of the global tourism industry. He said, “We have a combination of cutting edge technology and trained analysts, skilled in the areas of data mining and strategy, content creation, platform development, direct social engagement and community management which drive measurable results.”
Both gentlemen pointed to statistics that highlight the very expansive state of digital and social media. These include the fact that: more than 2 billion people are using social media across more than 100 social media channels; more than 85% of online purchases are driven by online ratings and reviews; there are nearly 200 million internet enabled smart phones within the US and Caribbean alone and a fast growing percentage of the world’s population have dropped their landline service in favor of a smart phones.
Mr. McKay stated that, “With more than two billion people using social media globally, there is ample data to spot trends, themes, sentiment, and pinpoint sources of online discussions. The UNWTO is aware of this and has sought to firmly position itself for the greater good of global tourism.”
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
