Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Travel

Global Traveler introduces Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel awards for 2021.

- KATIE SKRZEK

New to 2021, Global Traveler awards the airline, cruise line, and hotel brand best-embodying diversity and inclusion within the travel industry. Diversity is the presence of difference, including but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and age. Equity is the quality of fairness and impartiality within the procedures of an institution or organization. Inclusion is the practice of including and welcoming diverse individuals to fully and truly participate within a group. Based on these tenets, Global Traveler adds the Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel award to its annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards.

To select the winners, Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members analyzed nominated airlines, cruise lines, and hotel brands across a variety of factors related to the companies’ diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Let’s take a closer look at the inaugural winners.

Alaska Airlines takes home the first-ever award for Out standing Diversity & Inclusion in Travel, Airline. The airline announced diversity, equity and inclusion goals to reach as a company by 2025, with clear actions for achieving these goals. Earlier this year, the airline brought on its first-ever DEI director, James Thomas, to lead the company toward its commitments and goals.