Embracing DEAI Change Makers in the Travel Industry
World Travel Market 2024
At the recent World Travel Market (WTM), I had the opportunity to present as part of the DEAI Summit, on a topic I’m incredibly passionate about: "Embracing DEAI Change Makers: A Catalyst for Transformation in Travel Businesses." The presentation highlighted the crucial role that Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) change-makers play in creating positive, lasting change within organisations.
For those unable to attend, I’m thrilled to share some insights to inspire and empower more travel professionals to champion DEAI in their own workplaces.
What Would a Truly Inclusive Travel Industry Look Like?
To spark discussion, I opened my presentation with a question: What would a truly inclusive travel industry look like? An inclusive industry would ensure that every traveller, regardless of their background, can enjoy welcoming, accessible, and culturally sensitive experiences. But an inclusive industry also goes beyond customer-facing practices; it must also build workplaces where every employee feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
What is a Change Maker?
A DEAI Change Maker is an individual within an organisation who actively champions Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion, driving initiatives that create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. These passionate advocates work to identify and dismantle barriers that prevent full participation and belonging, whether by introducing inclusive policies, raising awareness of diverse perspectives, or implementing accessibility improvements. DEAI Change Makers foster environments where every individual feels valued and empowered, regardless of background, ability, or identity. They not only lead by example but also inspire colleagues to embrace inclusivity as a shared responsibility, making positive, sustainable impacts on workplace culture and customer experiences.
Panel speaking at WTM.
Why We Need DEAI Change Makers in Travel
Despite progress, the UK travel industry still faces significant challenges in terms of workplace inclusion and diversity. Consider these statistics:
Gender Representation: Only 19.7% of board positions across UK companies are held by women, revealing a significant gender gap in leadership.
Ethnic Diversity: Ethnic minorities make up 18.3% of the population in England and Wales but hold only 6% of management roles, highlighting a serious underrepresentation in decision-making positions.
Disability Employment Gap: Non-disabled adults in the UK are more than twice as likely to be employed (64.7%) compared to disabled adults (27.3%).
LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Almost half of LGBTQ+ employees in the UK (46%) report facing unfair treatment at work, underscoring the need for inclusive workplace cultures.
These figures underscore the urgency for change. DEAI change-makers within organisations can play a pivotal role in challenging biases, advocating for underrepresented groups, and creating inclusive practices that benefit both employees and customers.
Steps to Become a DEAI Change Maker
Becoming a DEAI Change Maker involves commitment, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Here’s a roadmap to get started:
Get an Executive Sponsor: Securing the support of a senior leader provides visibility and influence for DEAI initiatives. An executive sponsor can advocate for your ideas, help secure resources, and open doors to decision-making spaces.
Access Resources and Training: Educate yourself on DEAI best practices, industry-specific issues, and inclusive strategies. Seek out training, join networks like the Inclusive Travel Forum, and use available DEAI resources to strengthen your expertise and approach.
Take a Strategic Approach: Outline a clear DEAI plan that aligns with your organisation's mission and goals. Set measurable objectives, identify key stakeholders, and map out actionable steps. Taking a structured, strategic approach helps build credibility, demonstrates impact, and makes it easier to track progress over time.
By following these steps, aspiring Change Makers can create meaningful, lasting change in their organisations, making workplaces more inclusive and responsive to diverse needs.
How Can You Support DEAI Change Makers?
To achieve true inclusivity, it’s essential to empower DEAI change-makers by providing tangible support. Here are several ways organisations can help:
Create a Support Network: Establish employee resource groups or DEAI committees to foster a community where change-makers can connect, share experiences, and drive initiatives.
Provide Training and Resources: Equip change-makers with the knowledge and skills they need to lead DEAI efforts. For example, my 12-week Diversity & Inclusion Change Maker Programme helps aspiring leaders gain practical skills to drive DEAI transformations.
Recognise Contributions: Celebrating DEAI efforts, no matter how small, inspires others to join the movement and reinforces the value of inclusivity across the organisation.
Creating Change Together
As DEAI advocates, each of us has a role in transforming the travel industry. If you’re ready to become a DEAI change-maker, I encourage you to join the Inclusive Travel Forum. Together, we can work towards a future where the travel industry not only reflects the diversity of our world but also offers accessible, welcoming, and culturally sensitive experiences for all.
For more information, visit www.inclusivetravelforum.org to learn more about joining our community and helping drive this important movement. Let’s make inclusivity a cornerstone of our industry—one change-maker at a time.
Atlyn Forde, Founder & CEO
