Diversity and sustainability to be major post-Covid issues for travel

Abi Devaney, from Tui’s Marella Cruises, Adebola Sowemimo‎, co-founder of Black Travel Creator, and Brett Gerrett, from Isleworth Travel Management, talked about their careers so far and hopes for the future during the first ITT Future You: International Careers Conference.

All three emphasised their enthusiasm for the travel industry, which has not been diminished by the pandemic, and ambitions for their own careers, during an online session hosted by TTG Media CEO Daniel Pearce.

Sowemimo said: “Many people are trying to be very diverse and inclusive, especially in these current times.

“We want to change the industry to include more black people in travel. We want to diversify the travel industry working with travel brands. Our aim is to help the black community to get out and see the world.”

Sustainability will be the major issue as the industry comes out of the Covid crisis, added Gerrett.

“Sustainability in travel is still a big focus that’s going to be the one thing that businesses are going to have to jump on very quickly once travellers and businesses have got their appetite back for travel,” he said.

Devaney said it was encouraging that many people in the UK now “wanted a holiday” after the lockdown period.

“For us, it’s a sign of how important our jobs are,” she added. “People have really missed it and that creates motivation to continue progressing in this industry.”