How inclusive is travel to Latin America?
A new panel discussion at the LATA Expo Conference this year, this conversation held in partnership with TTG Media and hosted by their content producer Tom Parry, will discuss the challenges and business opportunities presented by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) sector. Tom will introduce discussions on the current perceptions, knowledge and infrastructure in place for travellers with different needs across the region, as well highlighting the panellists’ individual successes for their business by catering to the sector.
The panel will look at how disability and mobility, LGBTQ+ and ethnicity and religion play a part in both operational issues ahead of a customer’s trip, and once they are in the destination. They will also discuss the results of a survey conducted by TTG Media and LATA, which questioned a sample of the UK travel trade on their experience with DEI.
We look forward to an interesting discussion and thank the panel for their time and insights.
Moderator: Tom Parry – Content Producer, TTG Media
Tom Parry is an award-winning news journalist with almost a decade of experience covering the travel industry for TTG Media. In 2021, he was named Trade Writer of the Year and earned a place in the Professional Publishers Association’s 30 Under 30 programme. In January of this year, took up a newly created role at TTG Media leading content across the company’s portfolio of awards and conferences.
Panellists
Simon Miller – Founder of Enable My Trip
Simon has worked within the tourism industry for many years, including retail travel management, tour operations, airline logistics, and corporate sales and marketing in the City of London. He created his own agency specialising in high end bespoke itineraries for long haul travellers. For over thirty years he and his wife have given a permanent home to four profoundly disabled children, all full-time wheelchair users. This has never stopped the family from exploring the world with them, but they have faced a variety of challenges along the way.
This personal experience of the tourism industry and the practicalities of travelling with wheelchair users with a high level of care needs, motivated Simon to promote travel to those with mobility challenges, encouraging people to ‘get out there!’ The charitable organisation ‘Enable My Trip’ was formed to promote this, acting as a bridge between wheelchair users and appropriate suitable accommodation and travel services. Enable My Trip’s website offers a search facility so that those with mobility challenges can search and find travel services and accommodation worldwide, suitable for their needs.
Amrit Singh – Co-founder and Managing Director of TransIndus
A traveller, scientist and entrepreneur Amrit was born in Yangon, raised in India, and studied genetics in London before embarking on a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. A chance encounter led to her joining the illustrious Oberoi Hotels in Delhi where she learnt everything about great Indian service, uncompromising standards, and luxurious Indian living while exploring every corner of the country in depth.
With a panache for entertaining and the finer things of life, Amrit started a private catering company and then a jewellery label, sourcing fine gemstones in the narrow back alleys and workshops of Jaipur, Delhi and Amritsar, where handmade traditions still survive. Such a broad base of experience proved invaluable when it came to launching TransIndus over 30 years ago.
When not steering the TransIndus ship, Amrit enjoys collecting exotic textiles and ceramics, and spending time at home, entertaining and sharing her love of fusion foods and the odd bottle of wine with family and friends.
Edgar Weggelaar – CEO of Queer Destinations
Edgar Weggelaar is a partner and CEO of Queer Destinations, a leading global company in LGBTQ+ tourism that promotes diversity and inclusion in the sector. He is the co-founder and partner of AT20 Alliance, a consultancy focused on international tourism and hospitality projects, as well as co-founder of the Tourism Innovation Summit. Edgar is an entrepreneur specialising in startups and tourism companies. A polyglot, he speaks Spanish, Dutch, French, English, Greek, Catalan, German, Italian, and Russian.
He has international work experience in Belgium, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Latin America, the USA, and Spain with leading companies including Neckermann, TUI, and Intermed Travel Group.