For the third consecutive year, Global Traveler recognizes the airline, cruise line and hotel brand that best represent diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel industry. Over the past year, Global Traveler evaluated numerous airlines, cruise lines and hotel brands to identify companies demonstrating a genuine and measurable commitment to DEI initiatives and inclusive practices.
In travel, diversity means actively identifying and addressing disparities across race, ethnicity and other identities — from providing essential resources to frontline workers to creating educational programs and initiatives that influence industry-wide change. Inclusion means ensuring all travelers and employees feel welcome and supported regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age, and that everyone has equitable access to company resources and opportunities.
Global Traveler staff and Advisory Board members nominated travel companies based on an array of criteria. After researching nominees’ equity, diversity and inclusion efforts and gathering input from our Globility Board of subscribers, Global Traveler is proud to announce this year’s winners. Congratulations to the honorees for their demonstrated leadership and progress.
PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES
For the second year in a row, Global Traveler honors United Airlines with the Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel — Airline award. Focused on connecting people and communities, United has shown sustained commitment to fostering a diverse workplace and contributing to a more inclusive world.
Within its U.S. operations, United has worked to achieve near-equal pay for employees in comparable roles across genders and races. To strengthen DEI governance, the airline launched an Executive Council on DEI, chaired by its president, Brett Hart, with a full executive team meeting monthly to guide strategy and accountability. United also created We Stand United, an officer-led collaborative dedicated to building and implementing a systemwide DEI strategy that addresses employees, customers, communities and commercial partners.
United has joined OneTen, a coalition focused on creating one million family-sustaining careers for Black employees over the next decade. Through this partnership, the airline has hired or promoted more than 2,000 Black employees into roles that provide career stability and advancement opportunities.
PHOTO: © PREFERRED HOTELS
This year’s Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel — Hotel award goes to Preferred Hotel Group. Preferred has advanced its work to support equality and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community while encouraging partner hotels and destinations to adopt inclusive practices. The brand also operates PreferredPride.com, a dedicated booking site that highlights LGBTQIA+-friendly properties across its portfolio.
As one of the early adopters of a welcoming travel program for LGBTQIA+ guests, Preferred Hotel Group has continually updated its offerings to meet the evolving needs and expectations of LGBTQIA+ travelers, helping guests book luxury stays with confidence in destinations recognized as safe and welcoming.
“With the new Preferred Pride, we are proud to showcase properties that are mindful of the requirements of LGBTQI+ travelers and in destinations that are recognized as safe, enabling them to book luxury hotel stays with confidence,” said Rick Stiffler, senior vice president, Global Sales, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and founder of Preferred Pride.
The Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel — Cruise award is presented to Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian emphasizes an inclusive workplace where diverse backgrounds are represented and encouraged to contribute new ideas and perspectives.
Employees at Norwegian have access to development and training regardless of role, division or location. Last year, shoreside and shipboard team members completed more than 800,000 hours of training and development across programs such as mentorships and language courses, supporting career growth and skill development.
Norwegian maintains long-term relationships with organizations like the National Diversity Council and supports regional diversity efforts by sponsoring the Florida Diversity Council and its South Florida chapter. The cruise line also proudly sponsored the Florida Diversity Council’s LGBTQ+ Summit last year.
In 2021, Sixthman, Norwegian’s subsidiary, joined ATL Action for Racial Equity, an initiative that accelerates racial equity through business collaboration and measurable actions in corporate policies, inclusive economic development, workforce development and education. By participating, businesses commit to addressing regional mobility and equity challenges through concrete steps.
Norwegian also offers Team Member Resource Groups to help employees connect, share perspectives and give back to their communities. Current groups include Elevate, focused on women in leadership; the Veterans Task Force; and Embrace Diversity in Leadership. The company is exploring additional resource groups to expand opportunities for connection and professional development.
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN TRAVEL
AIRLINE
United Airlines
NOMINEES:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Southwest
HOTEL
Preferred Hotel Group
NOMINEES:
Hyatt
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Marriott Hotels
CRUISE
Norwegian Cruise Line
NOMINEES:
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean