Inclusive business travel: minorities forgotten by travel policies

Like Donald Trump's stances, the situation of minorities does not necessarily tend to improve over time. On the contrary, we are regularly witnessing backward steps, and the American president is not the only example of these setbacks. A new study published ahead of the Business travel showwhich will be held in London on 25 and 26 June.

More than a hundred travel managers were questioned to assess the place given to minorities in travel policies, the vast majority in Europe (47%) and particularly in the UK (36 %). According to the study's authors, their testimonies confirm that " thatmuch remains to be done to include travellers from minority groups and those with special needs in business travel ".

In detail, there is widespread indifference to the specific needs of several categories of traveller. More than half (55 %) of travel buyers pay no particular attention to LGBTQ+ travellers. What's more, only 15 % of those questioned in this year's survey take into account the neurodivergent travellers. And more than a quarter (29 %) of travel managers take into account the specific needs of their customers. women travelling alone.

These figures raise questions, particularly in view of the stakes involved CSRand duty of care. According to the authors of the study, the lack of specific attention paid to LGBTQ+ travellers has increased since 2024. At the same time, " Passengers with accessibility needs are also facing greater marginalisation, with just over a third (35 %) of respondents saying that they receive special attention, a significant drop from 43 % in 2024 and 48 % in 2023. ". Similarly, 15 % of those surveyed take neurodivergent travellers into account, compared with 18 % the previous year.

" These findings are a cause for concern, as we are seeing an increase in the risks for minority travel groups. "alert Carolyn PearsonCEO of Maiden Voyage, which specialises in safety training for business travellers. " We know that women face specific challenges related to pregnancy (such as exposure to the Zika virus), varying airline protocols on fitness to fly and menopausal supplements that are illegal in some countries. Similarly, LGBTQ+ employees face serious threats to their safety and security. disabled travellers are faced with unique challenges related to accessibility and accommodation, sometimes significantly disrupting their travel plans. Employers have a duty of care to their employees, and proper preparation for travel is better for everyone, morally, financially and legally. ". Jonathan Carter-Chapman, Marketing Director of Business Travel Show Europe, sums up: " The results of this year's survey highlight that there is still much to be done to support minority groups when it comes to business travel. ".