It's no secret the world is different than it was a couple years ago. It's up to us whether that new world is for the better. One key way we could do that is by building diversity, equity and inclusion into the foundation of our workplaces and organizations. Several organizations in the travel industry are taking strides in this direction, including the National Tour Association—a global association of packaged-travel professionals who serve groups and individuals traveling to, from and within North America.
NTA has signed on to a pledge that commits the association's leaders and members to take purposeful action around diversity, equity and inclusion.
After 18 months, international visitors may finally be allowed to enter the U.S. beginning in November—as long as they're fully vaccinated. The announcement from the Biden Administration has been well received in the travel industry, as many are eager to return to a sense of normalcy in air travel.
So, what has changed as it relates specifically to flying?
The American Bus Association—the industry leader advancing North American motorcoach travel and tourism—recently announced the creation of the African American Motorcoach Council (AAMC), which joins the other networking and business Councils that are a part of ABA.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the extension of the federal face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the U.S. through January 18, 2022. The announcement includes mask wearing at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems.
A widely debated topic that's gaining even more steam with the surge of Delta variant COVID cases are vaccine passports—physical or digital means to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
