I have watched with interest as things have developed on our streets over the last few weeks, writes Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) board member James Lewis.
I have been astonished by the reaction globally to events in the US, the killing of George Floyd, and the strength of feeling among Britons – as well as the challenges and difficulties policing protests while trying to safeguard the public, families and friends during the pandemic.
However shocked I was with all of this though, it cannot highlight enough to me the extent to which the BAME community is still under-represented within our industry, particularly at a senior level and in our marketing.
At ITT, as industry leaders, we need to urgently address this issue. Rarely does it get discussed, and when it does, it’s recognised and quickly brushed under the carpet.
As a result, we are still attending conferences (ITT included), producing marketing, and sitting in board meetings with a disproportionate number of white faces.