Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Article: The travel industry needs diversity

National protests for racial equality can lead to ‘meaningful change,’ author says

AS RACIAL TENSIONS remain high in the U.S., the travel industry needs to take steps to ensure diversity, according to a guest article on the U.S. Travel Association’s website. That includes hiring more people of different backgrounds and facing the unconscious bias against people of color that still permeates society.

The column, “A Discussion on Race and Racism in the Travel Industry” by Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC and USTA’s national chair, is based on a webinar he led on June 11 with other black industry leaders. Panelists included Michelle Mason, president and CEO of Chicago-based Association Forum; Brandon Meyers, chief revenue officer of travel software producer ADARA; and Ernie Wooden Jr., president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.


The motivation for both the article and the webinar was to address the subject of racism in light of the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the hands of four white cops. Several other members of the hospitality industry, including AAHOA and the CEOs of Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to issue statements supporting the call for justice.

“In the weeks since the death of George Floyd, the issue of systemic racism in America has rightfully been at the forefront of the national conversation, driving a groundswell that cannot and must not be ignored,” Ferguson said. “Our industry is among those contemplating a path to meaningful change.”

The webinar involved an uncomfortable conversation about race, Ferguson said, but it is a conversation worth having.

“This is not simply an issue of diversity and inclusion. There need to be discussions about slavery and Jim Crow, and how these are not issues of the past, but issues that have echoed through the centuries and affect us today,” Ferguson wrote. “Racism is systemic, and we all have a role to play in discussing its origins. This is a learning and growth opportunity.”

Ferguson and the other webinar participants shared their personal experiences in which they were marginalized because of their race. For him, it was an incident that happened when he received an award at an industry event.

“I had just delivered remarks, professionally dressed in suit and tie. But the moment I stepped off the stage, someone assumed I was a waiter and asked me to refill their glass,” Ferguson wrote. “You can be dressed in business attire and speak professionally and still be targeted because of your skin color.”

The travel industry needs diversity because diversity is strength, Ferguson said. It’s also demanded of them by their customers.

“As leaders in tourism, we need to ask ourselves: do black visitors feel safe and welcome in our destinations? Do we represent diversity in our marketing?” he said.

More black people should be recruited, and promoted, in the travel industry, he said. Conversations are fine, but they have to be followed up by action. Ferguson said several members of the webinar talked about the actions they are taking.

Meyers works with his sales executives to recruit from historically black colleges and universities, for example. Mason is creating an internship program for underserved communities.

“Reach out to your black peers, both professionally and personally, to have frank conversations and learn more about how you can support efforts to end systemic racism,” Ferguson concludes. “Whether your staff is currently diverse or not, honest discussions about racism are necessary.”

More for you

HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Boxer Boston hotel sold by Hersha Hotels to Eurostars Hotels for $23.6 million
Photo Credit: The Boxer Boston

Hersha sells ‘Boxer Boston’ to Eurostars

Summary:

  • Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
  • The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
  • The property now sold for $23.6 million.

HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group Inc. 5000 2025

Peachtree receives two recognitions

Summary:

  • Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
  • Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.

PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.

Keep ReadingShow less
Olympic Wage ordinance 2028
Photo credit: Unite Here Local 11

Petition fails to stop L.A. hotels wage increase

Summary:

  • Failed petition clears way for Los Angeles “Olympic Wage” to reach $30 by 2028.
  • L.A. Alliance referendum fell 9,000 signatures short.
  • AAHOA calls ruling a setback for hotel owners.

A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.

Keep ReadingShow less
TBO acquires Classic Vacations

India's TBO to buy U.S. Classic Vacations for $125M

Summary:

  • India-based TBO will acquire U.S. wholesaler Classic Vacations for up to $125 million.
  • The deal combines TBO’s distribution platform with Classic’s advisor network.
  • Classic will remain independent while integrating TBO’s global inventory and digital tools.

TRAVEL BOUTIQUE ONLINE, an Indian travel distribution platform, will acquire U.S. travel wholesaler Classic Vacations LLC from Phoenix-based The Najafi Cos., entering the North American market. The deal is valued at up to $125 million.

Keep ReadingShow less