The concept of diversity, equity and inclusion gained significant traction amid the COVID-19 pandemic as organizations reevaluated the values and needs of their employees and customers.
But what comes next? How can travel brands strive to recenter, recruit and rebuild in a more inclusive, sustainable way?
Travel leaders must “be intentional” about their approach to diversity and inclusion, says Stephanie Jones, founder and CEO of Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, and that directive must come from the top.
“[Diversity, equity and inclusion] isn’t a one-time, short-term thing you do to check off a box,” Jones says, speaking during Phocuswright’s Diversity in Leadership event.
Companies, she continues, should be prepared to include diversity and inclusion as a line item in their budget. “That’s the only way efforts will be sustainable.”
In the session, titled “Re-Centering, Recruiting and Rebuilding: The Way Forward for Travel,” Jones was joined by panelists Susann Almasi, associate partner, travel, logistics and infrastructure at McKinsey & Company; Susie Vowinkel, industry director, travel, at Google; and moderator Kristina Liburd, founder and CEO of Viageur.
In addition to inclusive hiring practices, the panelists discuss the role of bias in the workforce as well as how to attract and retain talent and how travel brands can approach culture building.
See the full session below.
Re-Centering, Recruiting, & Rebuilding: The Way Forward for Travel - Diversity in Leadership