Diversity


Travel is all about meeting new people and learning about other countries, cultures and communities – so you might assume the industry behind it must also be one of the most diverse, with a workforce that is as varied as the experiences it offers around the world. Travel is still a work in


progress, with strides being made towards more equitable employment opportunities. Companies are improving recruitment strategies to make them more accessible and are increasing support for talented employees already in the business. But the industry still faces challenges


to improve its racial diversity and ensure all employees see clear paths to senior roles, regardless of their abilities, gender or sexuality. While a few companies


make their data available publicly – such as adventure operator Intrepid Travel, which employs more than 2,400 staff worldwide from 70 different nationalities – one of the challenges is a lack of data to measure progress. Thea Bardot, who spent six years working in luxury travel events, says: “The problems were so blindingly obvious. I knew there was an opportunity to provide representation and create


real change, so I set up Lightning Travel Recruitment. My gender journey has been directly linked to the business, with me now being a proud trans non-binary award- winning business leader. “Companies need to


show that they take these things seriously, how they safeguard their diverse employees through support available, backed up by HR policies. I can’t say it enough: representation matters.” But there are steps in


the right direction, like the recent national advertising campaign by Virgin Atlantic celebrating individuality, and tour company Contiki


being recognised for its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts, which include launching Pride trips for LGBTQ+ travellers and conducting DEI training for all staff. “We’ve been hugely


impressed by the work at the University of Northampton, YJKEJ JCU FGXGNQRGF VJG ƂTUV DEI module of its kind as RCTV QH KVU VTCXGN|CPF VQWTKUO degree,” adds Bardot. “Lightning is visiting the students to share our stories and give advice – we can’t wait to get stuck KP CPF KORNQTG|VJG KPFWUVT[ to engage with academia to nurture future talent.”


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