Expedia Group used the EXPLORE conference held at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas to highlight its efforts to empower underprivileged communities around the world.
In a groundbreaking effort to advance diversity and inclusion in the travel industry, Expedia's Global Social Impact and Sustainability team is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and accessible travel environment for everyone.
During the two-day conference, Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability, highlighted the company's commitment to promoting global travel to everyone, regardless of background or identity. Mohapatra emphasized the importance of authentic representation in the travel experience and revealed several ongoing projects designed to achieve this goal.
Aditi Mohapatra, Explore Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability.
One such initiative, the Made To Travel Fund, supports 17 nonprofit organizations dedicated to removing barriers to travel access. Our targeted grants program supports impact-driven organizations working to remove barriers to global travel. Through this fund, Expedia provides funding to organizations to advance solutions that benefit travelers from underserved and underrepresented regions. Additionally, the Open World Accelerator Program works with innovative startups and small businesses that serve the needs of underserved travelers.
Mr. Mohapatra emphasized the need for data-driven insights into the lived experiences of travelers from diverse backgrounds. To achieve this goal, Expedia Group conducts extensive research on the full spectrum of travel, including trip planning, destination experiences, and intersection issues.
“What we found is that much of the research in this field of inclusive travel focuses on one identity, does not look at intersecting issues, and limits the scope to the traveler's journey. It is limited to only a small part of the country,” Mohapatra said.
“What we wanted to do was explore the entire experience: How do underserved travelers navigate their entire trip? From travel to destination. We also explore four different traveler identities: travelers with disabilities, travelers who are LGBTQIA+, travelers who are Latinx, and travelers of color. We looked at their unique experiences as well as their common experiences. What is the situation across all these communities? And what are the challenges and needs for these different identity groups? what?
“We also considered what role intersectionality plays in the traveler experience and how we can truly shape the travel industry to meet the needs of all travelers.”
Preliminary findings from the study reveal a compelling traveler demand for authentic representation in advertising. More than 70% of Black, Latino, LGBTQIA+, and other underserved travelers said they preferred travel ads that accurately reflected their communities.
In response to these insights, Expedia Group implemented comprehensive marketing principles and established a rigorous review process to ensure authentic representation in all marketing communications. However, Mohapatra acknowledged that much work still needs to be done in this area.
Additionally, the travel brand recognized the importance of prioritizing diversity and inclusion from a business perspective. Research shows that the majority of underserved travelers are more likely to sign with a travel company that embraces diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Despite these advances, Expedia Group recognizes the challenges ahead, including the need for comprehensive data and educational resources. The company aims to overcome these obstacles through collaborative efforts with industry partners and advance inclusivity across the travel industry.
As part of our commitment to fostering dialogue and sharing best practices, Expedia Group is seeking stakeholder feedback on how we can strengthen support for our diversity and inclusion efforts. The company is committed to leveraging its convening power and continuing to provide valuable data insights to drive positive change in the industry.
Proving the transformative impact of inclusive travel initiatives, Open World Accelerator Program participant Lawrence Phillips shares his journey to founding Green Book Global.
This groundbreaking platform provides travel insights from a user perspective across nine dimensions in cities around the world, allowing travelers of color to plan their trips with confidence and less anxiety. will do so.
“I want inclusive travel to actually bring about systemic change. Travel can actually change communities. I think that's very impactful and very powerful.” Phillips said.
Through these efforts, Expedia Group is leading the way toward a more inclusive and equitable travel industry, ensuring all travelers feel valued, represented, and empowered while traveling. I'm planning to.
Check out the Expedia 2024 conference panels.
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