Guest Column: A Travel Industry Discussion of Race and Racism

Elliott L. Ferguson, II of Destination D.C. conducted a panel comprised of lead executives from U.S. Travel surrounding diversity and inclusion within the hotel and hospitality industries. The conclusion of the conversation noted that there are four types of individuals listening to discussions surrounding race and equality: people who are concerned, people who are scared, people who do not know what to say, and those who are disinterested. Ferguson, II noted that in order to move the topic of race forward those within and outside of the industry must be willing to have the uncomfortable conversations surrounding equality.