Leading tourism show World Travel Market London will organise its first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Summit on November 7 as part of its effort to showcase diversity and inclusion.

World Travel Market 2023 will feature a unique element this year when tourism stakeholders from all over the world gather together in London for one of the largest travel shows in the world.

According to a press statement by the organisers of WTM London, the show will put a spotlight on its diversity and inclusion credentials to mark the ongoing National Inclusion Week, that is held from September 25 to October 1.

The statement adds that founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week (NIW) is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces.

WTM London says that the theme for National Inclusion Week 2023 is ‘Take Action Make Impact’, calling for people in organisations to think about what actions they can take and what positive impact these actions could and should have for marginalised colleagues.

Accordingly, WTM London 2023 will feature its first Diversity and Inclusion Summit on November 7, supporting WTM’s belief that the travel sector has the power to deliver positive change in the world.

“Diversity is in our DNA, from the first World Travel Market, back in 1980, where we hosted 9,000 visitors from 40 countries, to 2023 where we’re set to welcome over 40,000 professionals from 184 countries, and this is just the start,’’ says Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London.

“This year, WTM has carved out ambitious plans to drive positive change within the travel industry as well as land event initiatives to ensure WTM is a welcoming space for all, considering ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. We are delighted to be launching the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Summit, which, like WTM Responsible Tourism will form part of our foundations,’’ Losardo adds.

“As part of our commitment to inclusivity, WTM pledge to ensure that 50 pc of its speakers within the conference programme come from under-represented groups ensuring broad perspectives and knowledge are passed on to WTM attendees,” she says.

As well as providing education programmes to support community growth, WTM has worked closely with its venue, ExCeL London, to include a WTM Reset Room, offering a place for those with neuro-diverse needs to take time away from the busy crowds, as well as a WTM Multi Faith Room providing a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

In addition, there are a broad range of services for those with mobility needs. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and ExCeL recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, supporting venue visitors who are living with non-visible disabilities and choose to wear the Sunflower.

“We have spent the past few years building a strong foundation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at RX, supported by our Executive Leadership Team, and a colleague network of over 180 ERG leaders, global diversity committee members, and RX Global Inclusion Council members. We have placed an intense focus on launching our Psychological Safety programme, with a mission to ensure our employees feel safe to bring their authentic selves and experiences to their work, challenge the status quo, take risks, and make – and learn from – mistakes,’’ says Ray Rhodes, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at RX, the organisers of WTM London.

“We are also entering a new phase of our DEI&B strategy, which is directly impacting our customers and communities we serve. Many RX events are setting new standards for accessibility and inclusive content.

In early-2024, we will release a Guide to Inclusive Events at RX, which will showcase the outstanding DEI&B programming in place at our shows and serve as inspiration for our events across the globe. These rich insights will inform and advance our inclusion strategies for our events in the future,” adds Rhodes.

“As we mark National Inclusion Week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the progress we have made as an employer and an event organiser, but we are also keen to learn more. I am eager to see what the sessions on diversity and inclusion can teach us, so we can build on this years’ improvements and continue to make strides in 2024 and beyond,’’ she says.

“The motto for National Inclusion Week 2023 is ‘Take Action Make Impact’, so we’re doing just that – taking action in order to have an impact and improve the experience for colleagues, delegates and business partners as we prepare to welcome the global travel community,” says Losardo.