The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled its inaugural report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the global Travel & Tourism sector during its Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
The groundbreaking report, a collaboration with HospitableMe and supported by AIG Travel, delves into the employment data across the industry, offering insights and tools to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment.
The report, titled “Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Travel & Tourism,” draws on data from six economies, including Rwanda, Australia, the U.S., the UK, South Africa, and the EU. It examines metrics such as gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and educational skills, revealing significant findings such as the high share of female and youth employees in the sector and the employment of LGBTQ+ individuals and workers with disabilities.
WTTC’s President & CEO, Julia Simpson, emphasized the sector’s commitment to welcoming and caring for colleagues and employees of all backgrounds. The report not only highlights the current state of DEIB in the industry but also provides best practice examples and opportunities for addressing challenges through education, leadership support, and benchmarking.
In tandem with the DEIB report, the WTTC also announced that Western Australia will host the 24th WTTC Global Summit in Perth in late 2024. This will be the first time the prestigious event will be held in Oceania. The announcement came as the WTTC closed its successful Global Summit in Africa, which saw over 1,200 delegates and influential speakers from more than 45 countries.
The upcoming summit in Perth represents a significant opportunity for Western Australia to showcase its tourism offerings and investment potential to some of the world’s leading travel executives. Tourism WA’s Managing Director, Carolyn Turnbull, highlighted the long-term benefits of hosting the summit, including the promotion of inbound trade, investment opportunities, and the development of high-value tourism products.
The Kigali summit also saw the launch of an Africa-focused report by WTTC, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the region’s Travel & Tourism sector. The event, moderated by Thami Nkadimeng, a notable figure recognized in the Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, underscored the council’s dedication to fostering growth and inclusivity in the industry.
As the WTTC continues to pave the way for a more inclusive travel and tourism industry, the world looks forward to gathering in Perth for the next Global Summit, where the dialogue on innovation, investment, and inclusivity will undoubtedly continue.
