The 2023 WTTC Global Summit concluded with a groundbreaking report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in Travel & Tourism.
The conclusion of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s 2023 Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda marks a successful milestone. Beyond the significance of being hosted in Africa for the first time, the summit unveiled another historic moment—the introduction of the inaugural report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This groundbreaking announcement reflects a pivotal step toward fostering positive change in the global travel and tourism landscape.
The report “Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Travel & Tourism” is the result of a collaboration between WTTC and HospitableMe, a global leader in inclusive hospitality, and supported by AIG Travel.
Drawing data from six economies, including Rwanda, Australia, U.S., UK, South Africa, and the EU, the report delves into factors such as gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and educational skills. It aims to equip both the public and private sector the tools they need to spark change and make Travel & Tourism more diverse & inclusive.
Travel & Tourism has always been a people sector, whatever their background. Hospitality goes beyond travelers; it is about how we welcome and care for our colleagues and employees.
Our sector has come a long way. Across the board, we are seeing efforts and changes led by major Travel & Tourism businesses, who are now paying more attention to creating a sense of belonging, supporting their employees, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Notably, Australia leads in the share of female workers in the Travel & Tourism sector at 54%, with the U.S. following at 48%, surpassing the overall average. The report also highlights the sector’s role as a significant employer for youth, with the U.S. leading at 26%, more than double the overall economy average.
In terms of LGBTQ+ representation, the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector employs a higher share (5.2%) than the overall economy (4%), showing a positive trend since 2011. Workers with a disability status made up nearly 17% of the UK’s Travel & Tourism workforce, while in the U.S. sector, they represented nearly 5%, both marginally higher than the overall economy (16.6% and 4.4%, respectively).
This first of its kind survey shows the tourism sector’s commitment to building a more inclusive world through travel. The insights we’ve gained through this survey make it clear that inclusivity remains both a core strength and formidable challenge for the travel industry. We are here to extend our hand to industry leaders, urging them to harness these findings and join us on a transformative journey. Together, we can shape a future where every traveler, employee, and stakeholder feel genuinely seen, valued, and welcomed.
Kenny Porpora, HospitableMe Partner and Head of Education
The report also included a comprehensive survey of WTTC Members, offering a detailed view of the DEIB landscape across the sector, providing best practice examples for areas such as recruitment, education and training, and benefits, amongst others.
Drawing insights from the research, WTTC identifies opportunities to tackle sector challenges, including DEIB education, senior leadership support, improved recruitment, and enhanced research.
A substantial 60% of analyzed companies have dedicated personnel for DEIB efforts, underscoring the urgency for all Travel & Tourism stakeholders to prioritize this vital aspect, ensuring that “hospitality” genuinely means “partnership.”
To access this report, please visit WTTC Research Hub.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 