Here in Virginia, we stand for inclusivity. We understand that the power of the hospitality, restaurant, and travel industries can be transformative and impact the way we understand the world around us. Seeing the world through travel exposes visitors to different cultures, history, heritage, cuisine, art, and, most importantly, people.
Ongoing and active learning will enable us to uphold our values and continue our mission of transforming Virginia's tourism and hospitality industries. We commit to sharing those experiences and points of view that have been previously overlooked or unheard, and will work actively to support partners and organizations who do the same. We also commit to providing resources to our members so that together we can make Virginia a more inclusive place to travel, work, and live.
"VRLTA (Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association) is committed to transforming Virginia’s tourism & hospitality industry through thoughtful leadership, best practices and tools based on equity, diversity, and inclusion principles that empower our members."
Melissa Majors Consulting
In 2023, VRLTA partnered with Melissa Majors, DEI expert and author of "The 7 Simple Habits of Inclusive Leaders" on a virtual workshop for our members. Melissa has extensive experience and a proven reputation for driving better business outcomes through innovative and inclusive strategic planning. You can find resources from the workshop below:
Unlocking Power of DEI in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing
At the 2024 VA1 Governor's Tourism Summit, we worked with the digital marketing agency Orange 142 on a dynamic workshop: Understanding Dimensions of DEI. This presentation covers why DEI matters, Virginia stats on State Diversity, Economic Impact of DEI advertising and being inclusive in your marketing best practices and case studies.
Inclusive Narratives: Marketing Rooted in Safety and Belonging
LGBTQ+ travel publication OutCoast also participated the 2024 VA1 Governor's Tourism Summit, presenting Inclusive Narratives: Exploring the Depths of Marketing Rooted in Safety and Belonging. By integrating empathy and inclusivity, the approach aims to address the comprehensive needs of diverse audiences, and resonates with and respects every visitor’s experience.
Elements of Service: Serving Guests with Disabilities
According to a 2022 MMGY study, people with mobility disabilities travel at the same rate as the general population and generate $58.2 billion in annual tourism revenue.
This online learning program is designed to train guest-facing hotel employees in best practices for serving guests with physical disabilities (including vision, hearing and mobility impairments). Learners are presented with a variety of service situations for guests with disabilities, where uninformed actions can cause distress or even danger.
ServSafe Training Programs:Â
ServSafe Workplace is a suite of training programs that focuses on creating and sustaining a safe and appropriate work environment for all employees. The programs are rooted in the cultural and social issues affecting today’s restaurant and hospitality work environments, and focuses on mitigation and management of issues associated with the work and safety of employees and will assist in strengthening every establishment’s stance against harassment in the workplace.
Additional Resources:Â
Important Events to Know
- Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
- Hampton Roads Black Restaurant Week
- DMV Black Restaurant Week
- VAHCÂ Restaurante Week
- Virginia Black Business Expo
Diverse Travel Initiatives