Chief executive Mark Okerstrom has set up a new travel industry group after signing the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge last month, alongside 750 other executives.

The pledge commits to: creating and sharing strategic inclusion and diversity plans with boards of directors; sharing best (and worst) practices; implementing and expanding unconscious bias training; and ensuring workplaces are prepared to have “sometimes difficult” conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Expedia’s travel industry sub-group on diversity and inclusion will comprise a range of US and multinational firms, focusing on:

• Promoting allyship, intersectionality, inclusive language and inclusive workplaces
• Hosting deep dives and trainings on topics that are key priorities for travel companies, including accessibility, LGBTQ+ travel, diversity marketing, gender balance and cultural competency
• Arranging roundtable and video conference discussions to convene participants regularly
• Coordinating research to highlight the current state of diversity and inclusion within the travel industry
• Promoting diversity and inclusion conversations at industry events

Melissa Maher, chief inclusion officer and senior vice-president marketing and industry engagement at Expedia Group, said: “A diverse workforce creates a more creative, more productive environment with increased trust and less fear – an environment where employees, and in turn, the companies, thrive.

“As travel leaders, we have an amazing opportunity to bring the world within reach and champion change in our industry and in our companies, committing to making our industry a better, more inclusive environment.”