The move follows the evolution of TTG LGBT – the UK and Ireland’s only LGBT+ travel trade initiative – which was formed in 2015. TTG LGBT will still remain, but will be folded into TTG Media’s wider diversity portfolio.
TTG Diversity & Inclusion in Travel is supported by seven partners representing different areas of the travel industry: Avis Budget Group; Celebrity Cruises; Eurostar; Funway Holidays and AMResorts; Hoseasons; Malta Tourism Authority; and The Travel Network Group.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Daniel Pearce, CEO of TTG Media, said: “Earlier this year, TTG Media made a huge investment in the redesign of TTG, and established a new mission statement for the business – that we exist to promote a smarter, better, fairer travel industry.
“We have been challenging ourselves to meet these objectives at every level, and the launch of the TTG Diversity and Inclusion in Travel programme is the latest stage on our journey.
“We know travel still has a problem with regards to lack of diversity, as seen in the report produced by PwC and TTG in July. The travel industry is not representative of the customer base it serves in the UK and Ireland, and research has shown it can also be a barrier to attracting new talent into the sector.
“TTG Diversity & Inclusion in Travel will address this and so much more. We know it will be a long journey, but we’re thrilled to have seven fantastic partners working with us to help us achieve this.”
Avis Budget Group
“Avis Budget Group is pleased to be partnering with TTG Media on their 2020 diversity and inclusion plans, which fits with our own company ethos of offering equal opportunities, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability. These are standards we believe should be the norm across our industry.”
Lynette Dungey, head of travel – international – global travel and partnerships, Avis Budget Group
Celebrity Cruises
“At Celebrity Cruises, we aim to champion diversity and inclusion. From an all-female bridge and first officer crew to mark next year’s International Women’s Day to leading the industry with an average of 22% female bridge crew across our fleet, we are proud to be pioneers of change.
“We are so pleased to be continuing our partnership with TTG Media in 2020 to help raise standards across the industry and encourage people to open their eyes to inclusivity.”
Jo Rzymowska, managing director, Celebrity Cruises, UK, Ireland & APAC
Eurostar
“For 25 years, Eurostar has been extremely proud of our diverse and inclusive ethos, with staff and customers from a broad range of nationalities and backgrounds.
“We’ve recently formed our own diversity and inclusion team so that we can continue breaking barriers, and we’re excited to be a part of TTG Media’s initiative, inspiring our fellow industry peers and colleagues to create a fully inclusive travel experience.”
Stephen Roby, sales manager, UK leisure, Eurostar
Funway Holidays and AMResorts
“Diversity and inclusion are hugely important to both Funway Holidays and AMResorts. We are delighted to be partnering with TTG Media on this initiative and will do everything we can to raise awareness of this important message through both our businesses and with our travel agent partners.”
Nick Talbot, marketing director, Funway Holidays; Kieron Sellens, senior marketing and PR manager – UK & Europe at Cara Hotel Marketing for AMResorts
Hoseasons
“Diversity and inclusion have been at the heart of the Hoseasons business for many years, so we are delighted to be TTG Media’s annual diversity partner once again in 2020, having previously been supporters of TTG LGBT.
“We are fundamentally an inclusive brand, appealing to everyone from families and couples to broad friendship groups, so it’s vital that we do everything we can in our marketing messaging to reflect the customers
we already serve and are hoping to attract.”
Hoseasons spokesperson
Malta Tourism Authority
“Giving our support to TTG Diversity & Inclusion was a simple decision because inclusivity is part of everyday life in Malta.
"We as a nation have shown through our strong relationship with the LGBTQ+ community that we celebrate diversity, leading to Malta retaining its number- one place on the IGLA European Rainbow Index for four years running.
“Diversity and inclusion in travel should not be a conscious thought – it should occur naturally from infrastructure design to interactions in-destination.”
Tolene Van Der Merwe, director UK and Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority
The Travel Network Group
“We are delighted to be partnering with TTG Media on its Diversity & Inclusion programme for 2020. This partnership will provide us with the perfect platform to be even more active in this important area in 2020.
“As a team we strive to create an open working environment that provides equal opportunities for everyone to flourish, as well as the freedom and support for individuals to be their true selves at work.”
Gary Lewis, chief executive, The Travel Network Group
