At BCD Travel, we know inclusion isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a commitment. We’ve gathered insights and resources from across our organization to help you make managed travel programs more inclusive and effective.
Building an inclusive travel program isn’t only about doing what’s right – it’s about doing what works. When travelers feel safe, respected, and supported, they show up as their best selves for every business trip. Inclusive practices don’t just check a duty of care box; they boost performance, strengthen engagement, and bring company values to life.
And for travel buyers, HR leaders, and procurement teams, inclusion is a real business advantage. It helps reduce travel risk, supports ESG goals, and builds a stronger brand reputation. Take a look at our insights to see how diversity and inclusion in corporate travel can move from good intentions to meaningful action.
Safety and travel guidance for LGBTQIA+ travelers
A Business Travel Show Europe survey found that more than half of corporate travel buyers don’t provide specific support for LGBTQIA+ travelers – a gap that poses real travel risk management challenges. Mandy Jolley, Senior Program Manager, Global Crisis Management, explains how destination risk assessments, inclusive supplier partnerships, and updated emergency plans help close that gap. Supporting LGBTQIA+ travelers isn’t just policy – it’s protection.
This travel guidance resource builds on that message with practical advice to help LGBTQ+ travelers stay safe and confident on the road. It emphasizes pre-trip research, awareness of local laws, and contingency planning–reinforcing how education and preparation strengthen duty of care for all travelers.
Building accessibility into business travel
Yvette Bryant, BCD’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, underscores how accessibility should be built into every stage of the travel journey – from policy design to digital tools. At BCD Travel, that means empathetic, trained consultants; WCAG-compliant tools like TripSource®; inclusive communications through Engage by Advito; and supplier sourcing that prioritizes accessibility standards.
Her message is clear: when accessibility is built in, everyone benefits. Inclusive design makes travel smoother, safer, and more equitable for all.
ACCESSIBILITY IN BUSINESS TRAVEL >
Accessibility and travel risk strategies
In Accessible travel isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a risk management one, Christine Connolley, Senior Program Manager, Global Crisis Management at BCD Travel, reframes accessibility as a safety issue, not a courtesy. If you’re short on time, scroll to the section with four key actions –integrating accessibility into risk assessments, sourcing, traveler support, and feedback – to make sure every traveler can move safely and confidently. Accessibility isn’t an add-on; it’s a resilience strategy.
THE RISK MANAGEMENT IMPERATIVE >
Recognize and support neurodivergent travelers
For neurodivergent travelers, factors like noise, crowds, or unexpected schedule changes can create barriers to success. This guidance helps companies design inclusive travel programs that account for sensory sensitivities, flexible booking needs, and clear communications. It also calls on leaders to involve neurodivergent employees directly in shaping travel policies – a practice that turns awareness into action.
Manage cultural nuance to build trust
Understanding cultural differences isn’t just polite – it’s profitable. This article on cultural intelligence explores how awareness of time, communication, religion, and local etiquette can build trust and prevent costly missteps. Travelers who demonstrate empathy and cultural respect embody their company’s values wherever they go.
Takeaways for travel program stakeholders
Inclusive travel programs don’t happen by accident – they evolve through active listening, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Take a close look at your programs. Do your policies, partners, and platforms reflect the diverse needs of your travelers? Are your risk management strategies designed for everyone, or just for the majority? These questions are the starting point for real progress.
- Create inclusive feedback loops.
We recommend building systems that collect traveler input on accessibility, safety, and cultural experience. Use surveys, post-trip feedback, or focus groups to identify unseen barriers and close gaps in policy or process. Real-world input helps make inclusivity measurable – and sustainable. - Amplify diverse voices.
Partner with DEI committees and employee resource groups to review travel policies, supplier criteria, and communications. Their lived experiences can surface insights that traditional data might miss, ensuring your travel program reflects and respects the diversity of your workforce.
When inclusivity is woven into the foundation of a travel program – not added on top – it leads to safer, stronger, and more connected organizations. At BCD Travel, we believe inclusive travel isn’t just better for people – it’s better for business.
