Tourism Diversity Matters

As we close out National Native American Heritage Month, Tourism Diversity Matters celebrates the Change Makers within the Native American community who are shaping the tourism industry. From leaders to cultural preservationists, their contributions inspire us to create a more inclusive and respectful industry. This week, as many observe Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on its historical and cultural significance for Native communities. For many, this time is a reminder of resilience and the need to honor Native voices, traditions, and histories that are often overlooked. Join us in honoring these incredible individuals and communities by embracing best practices: ✨ Support Native-owned businesses and initiatives. ✨ Respect sacred spaces, traditions, and cultures. ✨ Stay engaged year-round—Native American heritage deserves our recognition every day. Let’s ensure the contributions of Native Americans are celebrated and their voices uplifted far beyond November. 🌿 ✈️ Change Makers: Keith Henry, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Kyana Kingbird, Traditional Dancer, Performing Artist, Designer, Visual Artist, Model, and Actor Tabatha Bull ICD.D, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Sherry Rupert, CEO, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #TourismDiversityMatters #ChangeMakers

Tourism Diversity Matters is excited to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week! 👀⭐️ This week marks the 2024 National Apprenticeship Week, and we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible journeys of past and current apprentices shaping the future of tourism. We are so happy to highlight our 2024 Cohort and 2023 Cohort of professionals and their careers within the Tourism industry. As well as the outstanding Industry Leaders who have hosted the apprentices throughout their careers! 🚀 👉 Visit https://lnkd.in/gPB2Ci-S to learn more! #ApprenticeshipWeek #TourismDiversityMatters #FutureOfTourism #InclusiveTourism Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board Miles Partnership

Tourism Diversity Matters is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, honoring the vibrant cultures and profound contributions of communities that have shaped our shared history. Inclusion within the travel and tourism industry is evolving, and with that, the understanding of cultural sensitivity should be increased and valued. We encourage all travelers to engage with and support the businesses, artists, and leaders who embody an empowering and inclusive spirit while understanding and celebrating cultural differences. "Respeta la Cultura," which means "Respect the Culture." This is a reminder that while our communities stand together as one, we continue to expand and respect the differences and intricacies of Hispanic heritage and foster a vibrant community that proudly declares the meaning of the 2024 theme: "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." #tourismdiversitymatters #Hispanicheritagemonth

Tourism Diversity Matters is proud to celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9, which honors the contributions, resilience, and traditions of more than 300 million Indigenous people around the world. A subsidiary of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Working Group on Indigenous Populations was established on August 9, 1982, with a goal to uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples. While it was replaced by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in 2007, the mission remains the same: to fight against and raise awareness of issues impeding Indigenous rights. It is vital for our industry to acknowledge how travel and tourism affect Indigenous lives. Tune in to UN forums about social justice, mental-health awareness, environmental advocacy, and more where Indigenous voices are amplified to observe the celebration and gain a better understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures. #IndigenousDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay #TourismDiversityMatters

Tourism Diversity Matters celebrates National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. There is much work to be done to continue to guarantee accessibility and belonging for all. We can educate ourselves on the policies and rights afforded by the ADA, donate to disability-rights organizations, speak out about discrimination when we see it, hire people with disabilities, advocate at all levels of government for increasingly inclusive policies, and use thoughtful, people-first language when talking about disabilities. Those working in tourism can ensure their marketing materials are accessible to everyone, display imagery that reflects people of all abilities, clearly outline how their organization makes their facilities and activities suitable for an array of ability levels, and work with a diverse group of subject-matter experts to inform and influence policies, training, content and tourism offerings. #TourismDiversityMatters #Accessibility #accessibletravel #DisabilityIndependenceDay SearchWide Global Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau ConferenceDirect ASM Global Freeman Company Destination DC Destinations International U.S. Travel Association IMEX Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board Simpleview Spectra New York City Tourism + Conventions Miles Partnership Visit Lauderdale ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Visit Baltimore MGM Resorts International Institute for Diversity Certification, (IDC), Inc. (formerly The Society For Diversity) Experience Columbus Visit Phoenix Temple UniversitySan Diego State UniversityAccor Visit Buffalo Niagara

Our board members were excited to connect with attendees of the 2024 Destinations International Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. Together, we reinforced the unity and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tourism industry. Thank you to everyone who gathered and connected with our TDM team! #DIAC24 #TourismDiversityMatters #DEI Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board Visit Lauderdale PCMA Events Industry Council Simpleview Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau FutureWRX Solutions U.S. Travel Association New York City Tourism + Conventions Miles Partnership JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group Visit Baltimore Meet Boston IGLTA SearchWide Global Visit Dallas Visit Tampa Bay

Tourism Diversity Matters is honored to attend the 2024 Destinations International Annual Convention in Visit Tampa Bay! Hattie Hill, Interim CEO of TDM gathered with industry leaders such as Chris Thompson, CDME, President and CEO of Brand USA; Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global ; Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International; and Roger Dow, President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. All helping to lead and support the industry's mission to foster growth and connection. #DIAC24 #TourismDiversityMatters #DEI

Tourism Diversity Matters joins in celebrating 248 years of United States independence. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, announced complete separation from Great Britain and proclaimed the ideals under which the U.S. was founded: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion will be pursued until the sentiments of the nation's founding fathers truly apply to every person. #TourismDiversityMatters #DEI

Tourism Diversity Matters is proud to join in celebrating, commemorating and honoring Juneteenth! Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth dates to 1865 and is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, many honor and reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans at art, music, dance and cultural events, as well as by gathering with family and friends or volunteering in their communities. #JUNETEENTH #TourismDiversityMatters

Last week, Tourism Diversity Matters' Signature Session was presented to Kim Sidoriak, President and CEO of Visit Carlsbad, and her team. It was an engaging session in support of the organization's inclusivity efforts. The session was facilitated by Yvonne E. Drayton, CDE, Director of Operations/DEI Consultant at TDM, and Erika L White, CDE®, TDM Consultant! #DEI #Tourismdiversitymatters