DEI&A TOOLKIT
CalTravel is committed to strengthening our state’s travel and tourism industry by making it more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible. As an industry, it is time for us to step up, take action, and ensure that our workplaces are reflective of the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage members to utilize the DEI&A resources below to develop a better understanding of the issues at hand, educate themselves on programs and practices, and become informed and empowered advocates so that—together—we can affect meaningful change in our industry.
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2023
Mesa: The US’ First Autism-Friendly City - May 30, 2023
Concord’s Commitment to Accessibility & Awareness - March 24, 2023
Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Autism Certification from IBCCES - March 24, 2023
Five Ways Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Positively Impact the Customer Experience - March 17, 2023
Culture Fit Versus Culture Add: Hiring For Growth - February 21, 2023
Is Culture Fit Discrimination? | Great Place To Work® - February 21, 2023
Culture Fit vs Culture Ad PDF - February 21, 2023
The 3 DEI Priorities Leaders Should Have for 2023 — January 20, 2023
2022
Inclusive Travel is Impacting the Choices Travelers Make — July 25, 2022
A Two-Year, 50-Million-Person Experiment in Changing How We Work — March 10, 2022
Black Women Making Waves in the Travel & Tourism Industry — March 4, 2022
2021
MMGY Global & Prominent Travel Brands Launch Landmark Study on U.S. Latinx Travelers - May 17, 2021
Twitter, Facebook and Other Bay Area Companies to Diversify Leadership by 25% — February 19, 2021
Tourism Diversity Matters Launches to Inspire & Create Change for Tourism & Events Industry — February 1, 2021
Silicon Valley Leadership Group Sets Standard with 25×25 Program to Catalyze Business Competitiveness Through Diversity — January 11, 2021
Visit Visalia Adopts Disabilities Program to Support Accessible Travel for Those with Autism — October 20, 2021
2020
View all articles in the DEI&A Toolkit Archives HERE.
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Autism Adventures Abroad Website
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) Website
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Website
San Francisco Travel Association Accessibility Page
Visit Concord Sensory Tourism Page
The Neu Project Neuroinclusive Planning Checklist
Event Welfare Champion: Neurodiversity & Experience Design
Key Contacts + Organizations in the Accessibility Spacce
Laura Swartzen - Contact at WEAVE
Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Autism Initiative Information Sheet
Sonoma County Tourism Land Acknowledgment
Visit Greater Palm Springs Land Acknowledgment
Visit Seattle Land Acknowledgment
McLean & Company - 2022 HR Trends Report
Atlanta CVB - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Process
Circled Up - DEI Trainings, Webinars & Consulting
Destinations International - 2020 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Study on Destination Organizations
Kisha Dixon - The SEEDS Model on Biases
MMGY Global - The Black Traveler: Insights, Opportunities & Priorities
SearchWide Global - Apprenticeship Program
Silicon Valley Leadership Group - 25x25 Pledge
SLO CAL Welcome - Customer Service Training
Tourism Diversity Matters - Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, DEI, Research & Data
Standing United: The Fight Against Inequality by Madden Media
Accessible Travel Solutions - Providing Travelers with Accessible Travel Services
Open Doors Organization - How to Succeed in the Disability Market & Empower the Disability Community
TravelAbility - Improving the Travel Experience for People with Disabilities
MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
WEBINAR RECORDINGS
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
HOW TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF AUTISTIC TRAVELERS
June 7, 2024
An estimated 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, and due to their sensory sensitivities, many face challenges or hesitation when visiting a new destination. In order to attract and support these neurodivergent travelers, we must develop a better understanding of their needs and the barriers that exist for them.
NEUROINCLUSION IN EVENTS & HOSPITALITY
April 23, 2024
An estimated 20% of the global population—1.5 billion people—is neurodivergent, representing 1 in 5 individuals at events and within teams. The Neu Project is a diverse, global community working together to make the world more welcoming and productive for neurodivergent communities. The project aims to enhance existing practices while championing innovative approaches to inclusion.
HOTEL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO
U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
OTHER WEBINARS
9.16.20 - Voices Carry: a Conversation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by CalTravel
7.16.20 - Five Questions About Race, Answered by Black Tourism Professionals from U.S. DMOs
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
GET INVOLVED
Join the DEI&A Committee to help strengthen California’s travel and tourism industry. The group pursues and/or supporting public policy initiatives that promote California’s position as an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming destination; affirms the necessity of understanding equity and inclusion of all identities and intersectionalities; and provides DEI&A education to members.
We encourage you to join us and suggest toolkit content of your own!
Mechelle Best
Chair, CalTravel Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee
Dean, College of Health and Human Development, California State University - Northridge
mechelle.best@csun.edu