The importance of male allyship in travel

WILL TO DO MORE

I was fortunate enough to be asked to chair the session as a representative of TTG Media and our own mission for Smarter, Better, Fairer Travel.

The attendance underscored how seriously male leaders are now taking the issue, with 28 representatives from companies including Tui, Cosmos, dnata and the Travel Foundation joining the session, which was supported by Battleface insurance.

While the content was off the record, some common themes emerged as the male executives discussed different strategies to support women in the workplace (see box, below).

The most positive outcome was the launch of the new cross-industry Male Allyship Network, which is being set up to put mentoring relationships in place and to sponsor women, particularly those from under-represented groups. More details on this will be released soon.

Hugh King, director of business development for the UK and Europe at Battleface, says: “During the round table, I was pleased to hear about the excellent programmes that are already ongoing to address diversity, equality and inclusivity throughout various travel organisations around the world.

However, there was a strong will and desire to do even more, to challenge the status quo further.

“The Male Allyship Network was agreed as a concept to engage, embrace and enrich the talent of women – no matter their background, diversity, disability, orientation or ethnicity.

“Lifting up individuals through the process of allyship; encouraging individuals to follow their path, forge successful careers, to strive and obtain leadership roles within travel is what this project is all about.”