



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.

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INSPIRING AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE FOR LUXURY TRAVEL

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

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

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

VP Marketing & Communication, Windjammer Landing

Accessible Travel Blogger

General Manager, Corinthia London

CEO, Global Travel Moments

General Manager, The Mandrake

Founder, hertelier

Founder/CEO, Halal Travel Network

Managing Director, Travel Connection Group

Adventurer, The Risk Seeker®

Head of Marketing, Not in the Guidebooks

Founder, Sama Sama International

Hotel Manager, The Chancery Rosewood

Principal, Jonathan Green Studios


CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association

Founder, The Sorority

Director, The Strengths Explorer

Writer, Trans&

Founder, Ruban Communications

Travel Photographer & LGBTQ+ Inclusion Consultant

COO, Inclu Group

Owner and Managing Director, NoteWorthy

Community & Events Director, WE CREATE SPACE

Area Director of People & Culture UK, Dorchester Collection

Founder & CEO, Fathom

Travel writer and guidebook author

CEO, Inclu Group


CEO, Selar

TV Presenter/Producer

Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority

Label Operations Manager, Universal Music

Experientialist®-in-Chief, OutThere


AGENDA
08.30 – 09.00 | Registration open / coffee and networking | ||
09.00 – 09.10 | Good morning and welcome from the organisers and the Malta Tourism Authority | Uwern 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 – 09.15 | Welcome from Dorchester Collection | ||
09.15 – 09.35 | A confident future: shaping tomorrow’s luxury travel talent | Paul McDonald (he/him), Dorchester Collection | |
09.35 – 09.55 | The Strengths Explorer’s guide to authentic confidence and unleashing your true power | Mark Julian Edwards (he/him), The Strengths Explorer | |
09.55 – 10.35 | The 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 – 11.00 | Iconic conversations: Stardust and blueprints, making dreams a reality | Nicola Butler (she/her), Owner and Managing Director, NoteWorthy; Sophie Galvagnon (she/her), CEO, Selar; Pavia Rosati (she/her), Founder & CEO, Fathom | |
11.00 – 11.15 | Coffee and comfort break | ||
11.15 – 11.40 | Risk-taking, mastering the art of bold action | Holly Budge (she/her), Adventurer, The Risk Seeker® | |
11.40 – 12.05 | Iconic conversations: When women rise, they rise together | Lisa Tse (she/her), Founder, The Sorority; | |
12.05 – 12.45 | Leading with love and grace; presented by Explore Charleston | Jonathan Green (he/him), Principal, Jonathan Green Studios and Mathu Premaruban (she/her), Ruban Communications | |
12.45 – 13.35 | Lunch | Presented by The Dorchester | |
13.35 – 14.15 | The power of inclusive storytelling; presented by Travel Connection Group | Carrie-Ann Lightley (she/her), Accessible Travel Blogger; Jamie-Lee Abtar (she/her) Rashmi Narayan , Sassy Wyatt + 1 | |
14.15 – 14.40 | Why I don’t believe in the word “accessible” | Sophie Morgan (she/her), TV Presenter/Producer | |
14.40 – 15.20 | Giving everyone a Fair Shot; presented by Inclu Group | Namai Bishop (she/her), COO, Inclu Group, Richard Thompson (he/him), CEO, Inclu Group; Valen Calanche (she/her), Head of Employment, Fair Shot | |
1520 – 1535 | Snapshot: Travel saved me. So I built a business to return the favour | Duncan Greenfield-Turk (he/him), CEO, Global Travel Moments | |
1535 – 1550 | Building space from the edges: My journey in redesigning travel | Hafsa Gaher (she/her), Founder/CEO, Halal Travel Association | |
1550 – 1605 | True inclusive luxury isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions | Benjamin Di’Costa (he/him), Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Windjammer Landing Resorts & Residences | |
1605 – 1620 | The 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 – 1700 | Active Allyship: Amplifying and supporting trans & non-binary voices | Max 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 – 1725 | Fireside chat: Iconic conversations: The true meaning of authenticity | Kgomotso Ramothea (she/her), CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association; Tolene Van der Merwe (she/her), Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority | |
1725 – 1730 | Wrap up and thank yous | Uwern Jong (he/him) and Martin Perry (he/him), Founders, OutThere | |
1730 – 1900 | Networking drinks | Presented by The Dorchester |
IMAGES FROM 2024







