Icons of Inclusion – Monday 21 July 2025
Proudly hosted by The Dorchester, London

Uwern Jong, Experientialist-in-Chief of OutThere pointing to Icons of Inclusion backdrop at 2024's event

Icons of Inclusion is a rallying call to the tourism industry’s boldest thinkers and changemakers. It’s a gathering of visionary thought leaders, driving the future of travel and hospitality through representation, personalisation and purpose. At a time when hard-won progress in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion is under threat, Icons of Inclusion champions disruptive ideas, intersectional dialogue, honest conversations and inspiring voices, to empower luxury travel industry professionals to create meaningful change.

Uwern Jong | Experientialist®-in-Chief | OutThere

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INSPIRING AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE FOR LUXURY TRAVEL

Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir speaking from a lectern at Icons of Inclusion 2024

The luxury travel industry is one known for its exceptional standards of intuitive hospitality that provides bespoke experiences so that each and every traveller and guest feels more than just welcomed, but that their unique needs are catered for. Given hospitality is, by its very nature, inviting to all, a perception prevails that the industry by default is inclusive of all. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that we may not have the life experience to consider the unique needs of diverse communities, and the fact that unconscious bias can negatively impact the way we think and behave towards others. This is echoed by the sentiments of many people – travellers, guests and those who work in the industry – who feel under-represented because of the way the industry operates.

73% of luxury travellers from diverse backgrounds do not feel that the industry is inclusive of today’s diverse traveller demographics.

Luxury travel marketing and communications are not representative of today’s luxury traveller; nor do travel brands on the whole proactively target, market and promote directly to diverse community groups.

66% do not feel that providers are offering products or services that are tailored, personalised or individual – especially when it comes to the needs of diverse travellers.

Luxury travellers feel that the industry’s products and services are overwhelmingly ‘cookie cutter’ and providers do not invest in the personalisation (or are not concerned about) the needs of individual guests.

62% do not feel that those employed by luxury travel providers are adequately trained to deal with diverse guests.

Luxury travellers from diverse backgrounds do not feel that the staff representing the top luxury travel brands receive adequate training to deal with diverse guests/travellers.

57% do not feel that travel providers are transparent enough about their diversity policies when it comes to non-discrimination or a diverse and socially-conscious supply chain.

Luxury travellers feel that the travel industry is far more about profit than it is about purpose, especially when it comes to the treatment of their employees.

62% of employees in hospitality and tourism feel that there is far more that needs to be done when it comes to levelling the playing field in their companies.

There is a lack of diverse representation, particularly at senior levels in tourism. Employees from diverse backgrounds do not feel that there are equal opportunities for career progression.

Diversity is good for both brand and business

Personalising the brand, sales and marketing, and product experience for diverse travellers leaders to an increase in engagement, loyalty, word-of-mouth and profitability.

71% of travellers from diverse backgrounds will overwhelmingly choose a brand that proactively demonstrates inclusivity.

Travellers are proactively looking for destinations and travel brands that can outwardly demonstrate inclusivity in their outlook, good social responsibility and ones that value diversity and difference.

Allies are also fully supportive of travel providers that promote diversity and inclusion.

On the whole, mainstream travellers are more aware than ever before about corporate governance and will hold travel providers accountable for the way they conduct business. They are putting their money where their values lie, voting with their wallets and they understand that their purchasing power can help change the challenging structures still faced by many today.

*OutThere diversity survey 2023


TRAVEL AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

Delegate photographing speakers on stage at Icons of Inclusion 2024

DEAI is at a crossroads – threatened by shifting politics, performative gestures, and economic priorities that sideline representation. But inclusivity isn’t a trend… it’s a transformative force that reshapes the industry for the better. If we let it slip, we risk returning to a narrative that only reflects the privileged few. Now is the time to double down. To listen harder. To act louder. To celebrate commitment. To ensure luxury travel doesn’t just look inclusive – but is inclusive. The future of meaningful, responsible travel depends on it, so let’s not lose ground.


REGISTRATION

Panelists share a joke on stage at Icons of Inclusion 2024

GENERAL DELEGATE REGISTRATION
GBP£249 + VAT per person

Registration is for one delegate only and gains you access to the full-day programme.

TRAVEL ADVISOR / MEDIA REGISTRATION (COMPLIMENTARY)

Complimentary places only apply to travel advisors/agents, tour operators and members of the travel trade; as well as members of the media including travel editors, journalists, freelance travel writers and content creators. All other attendees are required to purchase a full delegate ticket.

Please contact welcome@iconsofinclusion.com for registration.


Speakers and presenters


AGENDA

08.30 – 09.00Registration open / coffee and networking
09.00 – 09.10Good morning and welcome from the organisers and the Malta Tourism AuthorityUwern Jong (he/him) and Martin Perry (he/him), Founders, OutThere; and Tolene van der Merwe (she/her), Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority
09.10 – 09.15Welcome from Dorchester Collection
09.15 – 09.35A confident future: shaping tomorrow’s luxury travel talentPaul McDonald (he/him), Dorchester Collection
09.35 – 09.55The Strengths Explorer’s guide to authentic confidence and unleashing your true powerMark Julian Edwards (he/him), The Strengths Explorer
09.55 – 10.35The new rules of leadership; presented by hertelier
Charlotte Weatherall (she/her), General Manager, Corinthia London; Eljesa Saciri (she/her), General Manager, The Mandrake; Jessica Tapfar (she/her), Hotel Manager, The Chancery Rosewood; Kalindi Juneja (she/her), CEO, PoB Hotels. Moderated by Emily Goldfischer, Founder, hertelier
10.35 – 11.00Iconic conversations: Stardust and blueprints, making dreams a realityNicola Butler (she/her), Owner and Managing Director, NoteWorthy; Sophie Galvagnon (she/her), CEO, Selar; Pavia Rosati (she/her), Founder & CEO, Fathom
11.00 – 11.15Coffee and comfort break
11.15 – 11.40Risk-taking, mastering the art of bold actionHolly Budge (she/her), Adventurer, The Risk Seeker®
11.40 – 12.05Iconic conversations: When women rise, they rise togetherLisa Tse (she/her), Founder, The Sorority;
12.05 – 12.45Leading with love and grace; presented by Explore CharlestonJonathan Green (he/him), Principal, Jonathan Green Studios and Mathu Premaruban (she/her), Ruban Communications
12.45 – 13.35LunchPresented by The Dorchester
13.35 – 14.15The power of inclusive storytelling; presented by Travel Connection GroupCarrie-Ann Lightley (she/her), Accessible Travel Blogger; Jamie-Lee Abtar (she/her) Rashmi Narayan , Sassy Wyatt + 1
14.15 – 14.40Why I don’t believe in the word “accessible”Sophie Morgan (she/her), TV Presenter/Producer
14.40 – 15.20Giving everyone a Fair Shot; presented by Inclu GroupNamai Bishop (she/her), COO, Inclu Group, Richard Thompson (he/him), CEO, Inclu Group; Valen Calanche (she/her), Head of Employment, Fair Shot
1520 – 1535Snapshot: Travel saved me. So I built a business to return the favourDuncan Greenfield-Turk (he/him), CEO, Global Travel Moments
1535 – 1550Building space from the edges: My journey in redesigning travelHafsa Gaher (she/her), Founder/CEO, Halal Travel Association
1550 – 1605True inclusive luxury isn’t about waiting for perfect conditionsBenjamin Di’Costa (he/him), Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Windjammer Landing Resorts & Residences
1605 – 1620The sound of belonging: when we listen, they lead.
*This presentation will include a brief discussion of identity-based violence and child abuse. If you feel you may be affected, please step out of the room.
Jayni Gudka (she/her), Founder, Sama Sama International
1620 – 1700Active Allyship: Amplifying and supporting trans & non-binary voicesMax Siegel (he/him), Travel Photographer & LGBTQ+ Inclusion Consultant; Neil Hudson-Basing (he/him), Community & Events Manager, WE CREATE SPACE; Trenton Tomlinson (he/him), Label Operations Manager, Universal Music; moderated by Marley Conte (they/them), Trans&
1700 – 1725Fireside chat: Iconic conversations: The true meaning of authenticityKgomotso Ramothea (she/her), CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association; Tolene Van der Merwe (she/her), Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority
1725 – 1730Wrap up and thank yousUwern Jong (he/him) and Martin Perry (he/him), Founders, OutThere
1730 – 1900Networking drinksPresented by The Dorchester

IMAGES FROM 2024

SEE ALL IMAGES FROM 2024’s EVENT >