The travel industry compares well with other sectors for its stance on diversity and inclusion – but more can be done, according to a panel at the Specialist Travel Association (Aito) conference.
Ami Naru, partner at Travlaw, said: “Compared to other industries, we’re not in bad shape.
“We want to do something about it. The willingness is there.”
Chris Wright, Sunvil Holidays managing director, said travel is “on the right path” but women are not well represented at board level.
“Historically, travel has been well represented among the LGBT community but it is difficult for some people to come out to their colleagues,” he told the online conference on Tuesday (December 15).
“Asian and minority ethnic groups are where the most work is to be done.”
Neil Sealy, Exsus Travel’s head of trade sales, added: “The travel industry is pretty good but the fact that we’re having this discussion says there is more to do.”
HR and talent professional Claire Steiner urged Aito members to market themselves to potential employees in the right way.
“You need to reflect the values of the next generation of millennials, Gen Z and even [Generation] Alpha,” she said.
“I was working in the 80s when it was non-PC – lots of people in senior positions started their career during that time so they need to think what the next generation wants.
“Get to the grass-roots and encourage young people to see this industry as welcoming and inclusive.”
Naru also urged delegates to think about contracts with business partners to ensure that people with whom they work are aware of diversity and inclusion issues.
She said firms have a legal obligation to avoid discrimination, whether they are large or small.
There are plenty of free online resources that employers can use to help develop policies and tell staff what is acceptable and what is not, she told the conference.