Destinations International, an association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus, has released the results of its Social Impact Assessment and two Social Inclusion Studies. This research examines the current state of inclusion among destination organizations and industry partner employees, offering insights to identify progress and areas of opportunity for creating a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds and abilities within the travel industry.
The Social Inclusion Study on Destination Organizations, now in its third iteration, has been fielded since 2020. The inaugural Social Inclusion Study on Industry Partners provides added context about how partner organizations can improve their internal inclusion practices. The Social Impact Assessment tool, which is in its second year, serves as a benchmark for destination organizations in maturing inclusion internally and externally.
The studies, which involved around 450 destination organizations and 120 industry partners, as well as more than 100 destination organizations participating in the Social Impact Assessment, revealed several key findings, including that 73% of destination organization and industry partner employees would like to see more diversity within their organizations.
In addition, only 36% of destination organization employees and 41% of industry partner employees believe there is sufficient accountability if diversity, equity and inclusion goals are not met.
The studies also found that collectively, diverse leaders only occupy 30% or fewer roles in destination and industry organizations. And while 72% of destinations have inclusion strategies, 28% do not have any formal oversight for these initiatives.
The findings highlight the need for increased accountability at travel industry organizations and companies through alignment, ownership and clear goal setting. Destinations International also notes that “these goals should consider the perspectives and needs of underrepresented populations and be incorporated into initiatives and measurable programs.”
The Social Inclusion Studies and the Social Impact Assessment Tool are available on the Destinations International website as part of the organization's Social Inclusion framework. Continued iterations of this research will be fielded in late 2024, with the goal of driving progress on societal topics that positively impact communities and the economic health of destinations.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Destinations International. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
