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Men still fearful about entering into DEI conversations, travel leaders warn

Social equality
Dea Jusufi
22 May 2026

Men are still reticent about entering into conversations about diversity and inclusion, travel industry leaders have warned, despite growing recognition that allyship is becoming a critical business skill.

Women in Travel male ally event in London
(Credit: Women in Travel)

Many men within the industry fear being perceived as 'patronising or incompetent' when it comes to conversations about equality

Speaking at a Women in Travel CIC event in London on Thursday (21 May), panellists said many men still feel hesitant about engaging in gender equity discussions, often due to fear of "getting it wrong", fear of damaging their reputations or fear of entering female-led spaces.

Lee Chambers, founder of Male Allies UK, said research conducted across multiple industries found fear remained the single biggest barrier preventing men from participating in inclusion work, which was a "major challenge" for the sector.