Topics around diversity , equity and inclusion don ’ t fit into a one-hour educational session . They don ’ t fit into one magazine article . Discussing topics like this takes many routes , and from them , new topics of conversation are born . And that ’ s exactly what bringing them up is meant to do — spark a conversation that continues .
This article isn ’ t meant to be allencompassing but instead , to be a conversation starter for a group that is currently underrepresented in our industry , AAPI travelers .
The voice I heard chime in during the education session belonged to Rumy Mohta , president of Atlas Ventures , and I instantly looked forward to continuing the conversation he created .
“ One of the things that many people do not realize is that AAPIs is all the way from Guam in the East and it extends to Turkey in the West ,” Mohta said . “ Turkey is part of Asia . Many people again do not realize that it includes Israel , Saudi Arabia , Iraq , Iran . All of those are considered Asia .”
Mohta went on to explain that when companies are working with and including
AAPI travelers , they shouldn ’ t just assume these travelers are all from one Asian country . These travelers account for a tremendous amount of revenue , Mohta explained , and that ’ s why so many agencies are already successful — because they know how to cater to this population .
When you do find the opportunity to work with AAPI travelers , “ don ’ t put all of them in the same bucket . Their languages are different , even the dialects , of course . Their needs are different ,” Mohta said .
Broadened Marketing In regard to what travel advisors and suppliers can be mindful of in their marketing strategies is who they are showing in their brochures , on their websites and throughout their advertisements .
Mohta shared that he ’ s had times when he shows clients a brochure , and they have been steered away from traveling with the company due to the lack of people in photos that looked like them .
“ Stop showing only white people ,” Mohta said . “ You have to show the different color mosaic of the United States of America if
Above : At the Jordon River Baptismal site ; right :
Rumy Mohta on an Arctic adventure .
54 / THE COMPASS / WINTER 2023 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass