Women in Travel CIC recently honoured key individuals and businesses for their contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the travel industry.
- The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) hosted its second annual awards at Expedia’s London offices.
- Prominent figures like Shaon Taludker and Jamie-Lee Abtar lauded the efforts of awardees representing both popular and lesser-known brands.
- Winners included Annaliesa Chapman, Red Carnation Hotels, RISE Travel Institute, and others dedicated to advancing DEI.
- The recognition underscores ongoing journeys toward a more inclusive and sustainable industry, celebrating significant strides regardless of perfection.
Women in Travel CIC has taken a significant step in recognising contributions towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the travel industry. The second annual awards by the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) were conducted at Expedia’s office in London, where the spotlight was on the achievements of individuals and businesses excelling in DEI practices. The judges, representing diverse sectors within the travel industry, highlighted the impressive work of the awardees and finalists.
Prominent voices, such as Shaon Taludker of Geotourist and Jamie-Lee Abtar from Not in the Guidebooks, expressed admiration for the initiatives undertaken by various brands. Taludker underlined the importance of these awards amidst growing inequalities affecting certain groups, applauding the role of IWTTF in highlighting inspiring inclusion and allyship efforts. Meanwhile, Abtar appreciated the diversity of awardees, emphasising the platform Women in Travel provides for lesser-known individuals to gain recognition.
Alessandra Alonso, the founder and managing director of Women in Travel CIC and IWTTF, reflected on the awards’ purpose. She stated that the awards aim to bring to light the admirable yet often unnoticed DEI work being done across the industry, which offers opportunities for shared learning. Alonso asserted that the focus is not on achieving perfection but on celebrating every step that leads the industry towards inclusivity and sustainability.
Recognition was given in several categories, celebrating both individuals and companies. Annaliesa Chapman, from The Travel Corporation, was honoured as the DEI Professional of the Year, and Red Carnation Hotels received the DEI Professional – Company award. Other notable winners included Tiffany Casson from Inntel as the DEI Champion and RISE Travel Institute as DEI Champion – Company. These awards signify the extensive efforts being channelled into DEI initiatives.
The categories also included inclusive talent and recruitment, where Sian Evans from Roadchef was recognised, and Laura Roe of Expedia Group was noted as an allyship hero. Female leadership and innovation in travel tech were also acknowledged, with Nada Raphael of Tourleb and Stephanie Clare Boyle of Arwen Communications receiving accolades. Such recognitions underscore the widespread impact of their efforts and aspirations within the sector.
These awards mark an important milestone in acknowledging those driving diversity and inclusion within the travel industry.
