Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

A successful future relies on an inclusive and diverse workforce and guest experience.

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the travel and tourism industry is key to strengthening organizations by bringing new ideas, perspectives and open-mindedness to the forefront.

Elevating the importance of DEI and ensuring it is woven into the core of the industry is vital for the future of travel and our workforce.

As we rebuild the travel industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for our future growth and success to support programs that increase diversity and upward mobility throughout and across all sectors of the industry.

Travel jobs have historically been uniquely diverse, welcoming and accessible to all Americans. The travel industry employs a younger and more diverse workforce than many other sectors and has a greater share of Hispanics, African Americans and multi-ethnic individuals than the rest of the economy. This presents an incredible opportunity to ensure the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are woven through the fabric of all that we do as an industry.

We live in one of the most diverse countries on earth. U.S. Travel believes our industry should champion and celebrate that and that our workforce should be representative of our diverse populace.

– Tori Barnes, EVP of Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association

DEI is a core priority of the U.S. Travel Association, which is committed to having a central role in affecting lasting change and supporting the development of industrywide DEI plans. Over the past year, U.S. Travel has convened industry leaders to discuss lessons in race and diversity, surfacing important conversations and perspectives around inclusion and equality within the travel industry—and world, at large.

WEBINARS: INITIATING CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS

Tourism Diversity Matters

U.S. Travel and Tourism Diversity Matters launched a new strategic partnership that will strengthen the association’s focus and support of the industry on issues related to DEI and provide greater access to Tourism Diversity Matters’ subject matter expertise, research and resources. Especially important as we rebuild our workforce, this partnership will help to foster greater diversity across all facets of the industry, including leadership positions.

Founded in 2021 to address blind spots in ethnic disparities within the travel industry, Tourism Diversity Matters provides industry leaders with resources to develop more effective DEI strategies to engage, recruit and retain a diverse workforce.