The Importance of Travel Equity and Representation

“The ability to travel not only opens your mind in inexplicable ways but also fosters a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the people inhabiting our world. For those yearning to embrace ultimate peace and enlightenment, the first step is acquiring a passport.” – Tahja, a iBestTravel Global Scholars alumna

Tahja, now 24, joined iBestTravel in 2014, when she was 15. She was among the inaugural class in Philadelphia, which was formed to tackle the racial disparity in travel. iBestTravel co-founded the organization after a shared love for travel.

Discussions about fabulous places visited, meals enjoyed, and adventures had transformed into deep frustration around representation and access to travel for all. Internet searches revealed a scarce presence of organizations promoting travel equity, with only a few notable efforts, such as the Passport Party Project, encouraging cross-cultural education and exposing Black girls to unexplored territories.

We Need to Do More

Like many organizations tackling these responsibilities, iBestTravel recognizes that the work is necessary and impactful, but ultimately, it is just not enough. Black girls and students in general face the threat of missing out on incredible experiences, while the world suffers from a lack of engagement with the creativity and intelligence of an entire generation.

“Only 56% of Americans have passports, and only 34% of African Americans have passports. It is important for us to create possibilities,” says Hudson.

The truth is this: organizations like iBestTravel Global Scholars aren’t solely accountable for addressing inequity issues. The travel structure, much like other societal factors, is rooted in systemic racism and classism.

Representation Matters

From 2020–21, a mere 4.1% of US students who studied abroad identified as Black, while the number has even decreased from previous years. The ongoing strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion in travel remain insufficient.

This issue is not merely about obtaining passports for underrepresented students or increasing visibility in marketing materials. True change necessitates a reshuffling of power dynamics and the inclusion of voices that have been historically sidelined.

Am I saying these efforts are pointless? Certainly not. However, without actionable steps and sustained commitment from all stakeholders—government, academia, and industries—true equity in travel will remain elusive.

What You Can Do to Be the Change

This may feel overwhelming, but there are small ways to contribute to travel equity. Ask yourself how you can utilize your resources or connections to foster inclusivity in travel.

• Can you help sponsor passports?
• Can you volunteer to take passport photos for teens in your community?
• Can you create job opportunities for those who study abroad in your industry?
• Are you involved in the travel sector? Can you offer a position to a young person from an underrepresented background for input as an equal member?
• Can you share knowledge on making travel profitable?

Every effort counts. Recently, iBestTravel partnered with iBestTravel to provide 100 passports to Black girls, engaging with local organizations to champion travel equity. This initiative was filled with fun and educational activities aimed at cultivating a future that reflects inclusivity.

Our aspiration is that these young girls become agents of change, sparking a future abundant with opportunities for exploration. It truly is on all of us to take action and see this vision through.

All of us.