In celebration of the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD), ITM is proud to announce the launch of its Taskforce on Building Inclusive Travel Programmes. This pressing initiative seeks to prioritise inclusion and accessibility in workplace travel policies; ensuring that employees' diverse needs are met both within their organisations and when travelling for business.

The latest in a series of ITM Taskforces, aims to empower travel professionals to proactively adapt policies based on the participation of persons with disabilities. Echoing this year’s IDPD theme, of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future; ITM encourages decision makers to provide a platform to facilitate a truly collaborative approach.

The Taskforce, composed of leading experts from both supplier and buyer backgrounds, plans to produce a comprehensive guide and webinar to equip travel buyers with practical steps toward creating inclusive travel programmes. Acknowledging the industry groundwork already conducted by associations such as GBTA and their Accessibility Toolkit; the taskforce builds upon a developing inclusive travel programmes matrix.

Key objectives include highlighting the significance of inclusion and accessibility within travel policies. Equipping buyers with strategies to collaborate with internal stakeholders; and aligning travel programmes with broader company policies. This in turn will lead to actionable steps for implementing inclusivity at the core of travel programmes. Thus, providing a downloadable guide containing tangible strategies and insights. 

Promoting wider engagement on this topic, a webinar scheduled for Spring 2025, will feature discussions on policy review, stakeholder alignment, and fostering inclusivity within travel programmes. Notes will be published and connections facilitated to ensure that business professionals get the most from this session. Focusing on both buyers and suppliers within the travel ecosystem, to enhance their product and service offering. The taskforce fosters a holistic approach, raising awareness of considerations at each touchpoint. 

The Taskforce will kick off its activities with a meeting in January, followed by regular sessions into 2025. Proposed topics for discussion include the role of Travel Managers in driving inclusivity. Identifying and overcoming barriers within travel policies. Plus, leveraging supply chain partnerships to enhance inclusive offerings.

Since the launch of ITM’s quarterly dedicated Buyer Knowledge Exchanges back in January, coupled with its continued effort to provide a platform for partners such as the Business Disability Forum; ITM is dedicated to driving positive change within the business travel sector. Fulfilling its commitment to support corporate travel professionals by connecting its diverse community. Its initiatives focus on enhancing business travel experience via advocacy, education, and innovation.

Read more on event initiatives, helpful resource and education sessions at ITM or contact secretariat@itm.org.uk for more details.