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EVENT - UWERN JONG, EXPERIENTIALIST-IN-CHIEF, OUTTHERE MAGAZINE: "LET US BE THE ICONS OF INTEGRITY"
The 2025 edition of Icons of Inclusion challenged the luxury travel industry to embrace authentic diversity, not performative gestures. |
Category: Worldwide - Industry economy
- Exclusive experiences
- Figures / Studies - Trends / Expert's advice - Tourism - Calendar
Article written by Sonia Taourghi on Thursday 24 July 2025
 Uwern Jong, co-founder of OutThere Magazine, delivering his opening remarks at Icons of Inclusion 2025
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
There was indeed a time, not long ago, when unconscious bias was the buzzword in every learning playbook for companies trying to align with every social movement rocking the world. A time when not a day could pass without a piece about how we could all become the better, bigger, nicer person in the room. Now that we have all been educated and rewired, with all our biases gone, we can finally roam the globe, claiming Wisdom as our middle name. Well, not so fast. Because if that was the case, a day like Icons of Inclusion wouldn't have its place, and travel wouldn't have such a long way to go, still.
Enter Uwern Jong, the multi-award-winning co-founder of OutThere magazine, who has spent over a decade championing inclusive luxury travel for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. From starting "on a kitchen table in Hackney" in 2010 to becoming the world's leading luxury and experiential travel media brand for LGBTQ+ people, Jong's journey has been one of persistent advocacy for underrepresented travellers. This dedication to authentic change led him to create Icons of Inclusion, and the second edition of this conference, held on July 21st at The Dorchester in London, UK, brought together industry leaders to tackle the uncomfortable truths about diversity in luxury hospitality. With 73% of luxury travellers from diverse backgrounds feeling the industry does not include them in marketing, Jong's mission to create authentic change rather than rainbow-washing has never been more vital. The event's candid conversations about leadership, accessibility, and authentic allyship provided valuable avenues into how genuine inclusion can drive both purpose and profit in an industry that aims to welcome all but still falls short.
The day commenced with opening remarks from Jong alongside his co-founder Martin Perry, and His Excellency Professor Stephen Montefort, High Commissioner of Malta to the UK. Luca Virgilio, General Manager of The Dorchester hotel, provided the welcome address for a conference that would challenge conventional thinking about inclusion in luxury hospitality.
Redefining leadership through authentic confidence
Paul Joseph McDonald, MSc, Area Director of People and Culture for Dorchester Collection in the UK, opened the substantive discussions with his presentation on shaping tomorrow's luxury travel talent, taking the audience on a delightful journey from a little city in England to the higher skies with Virgin, embarking us all on a fun journey that reminded us just how millennial we all were. His message was clear: "It's not just about who's going to join us. It's about who's here now." McDonald emphasised that everyone has a collective responsibility to safeguard inclusive culture, noting that "you have to" when it comes to creating environments where all team members can thrive.
Mark Julian Edwards, The Strengths Explorer, followed with his vibrant personality and participatory presentation, which energised the room, leaving an impact that will surely be applied in many attendees' daily relationships with their teams. His approach focused on identifying what energises individuals rather than forcing them into predetermined roles. "We need to focus on people's characteristics rather than jobs," Edwards explained, highlighting that investment in ourselves reflects our investment in others.
The panel on "The new rules of leadership," presented by Emily Goldfischer, founder of hertelier, featured Charlotte Weatherall, General Manager of Corinthia London, Eljesa Saciri, General Manager of The Mandrake, Jessica Tapfar, and Hotel Manager of The Chancery Rosewood. The discussion revealed powerful insights about overcoming gender bias in leadership. Weatherall reflected on how she had previously felt pressured to choose between advancing her career and prioritising her family life. Saciri shared her childhood in a war zone, declaring with characteristic confidence: "I don't need a seat at the table. I will create my own." Her charisma and no-nonsense attitude instantly warmed the room to her determined take on women leadership. Tapfar spoke about unlearning apologetic behaviour, noting how she'd been labelled "bossy" whilst male colleagues were praised as good leaders.
Entrepreneurial wisdom and risk-taking
The first "Iconic conversations" session brought together three successful founders: Sophie Galvagnon, CEO of Selar, and Pavia Rosati, Founder & CEO of Fathom. Galvagnon, who became the youngest captain of a polar ship at 26, shared her philosophy with inspirational flair: "Dreaming is the easy part. The reality is hard work. You have to dream like a poet and do it like an engineer." But it was her Instagram-worthy wisdom that truly captured hearts: "You can't be everyone's cup of tea, darling. You're champagne." That sentence probably resonated with this Frenchwoman living in London more than Sophie intended. Her approach to leadership was equally distinctive: "I lead by challenge and off-piste patterns. We lead less by ego but with purpose."
Holly Budge, known as The Risk Seeker®, followed with her presentation on mastering bold action and calculated risk-taking. Her exploits from the top of Everest to saving elephants in Africa make you revisit your life and wonder if you've ever lived, really. Her key message resonated throughout the room: "Don't feel lucky, get prepared. Passion combined with purpose helps you achieve much more."
Women rising together
The conversation then shifted to collective empowerment as Lisa Tse, founder of The Sorority, led a powerful discussion that had the room nodding in recognition. Growing up with no Asian role models, Tse understood the importance of representation better than most. "I started living my best life when I stopped trying to prove myself," she reflected with the wisdom of someone who'd learned this lesson the hard way. Her message about women supporting each other was both practical and profound: "As women, we tend to be shy about our achievements. We need to reframe the framework people are giving you." It was the kind of advice that many women in the room had been following, paving the way for the new generations.
Artist Jonathan Green and Mathu Premaruban followed with their discussion on leading with love, grace, and unity, bringing a different energy to the stage. Green's perspective on authentic engagement was particularly striking: "Social engagement is necessary to have dialogue with others. We don't have those honest conversations with ourselves." His candid admission—"I never thought of myself as different because no one pointed at me as different"—sparked a moment of collective reflection about privilege and perception. And I let out a mental hurray, as I like to advocate for not presenting ourselves as the labels that society uses to navigate relationships, but just as the complex and unique individuals we are. This personal philosophy seemed to resonate with Green's own approach to identity and belonging.
Accessibility and inclusive storytelling
The afternoon sessions shifted focus to accessibility and inclusive representation, tackling subjects that often make the industry squirm uncomfortably in their ergonomic conference chairs. With such a comprehensive agenda, the food and beverage from The Dorchester were very welcome to keep energy levels up—though they did ignite one critical question: "Can someone share the recipe for the delicious sun-dried tomato muffins? I would be most grateful." But back in the room, the next speaker was already taking centre stage...
Travel Connection Group presented a panel featuring Carrie-Ann Lightley, accessible travel blogger, alongside Jamie-Lee Abtar, Rashmi Narayan, and Sassy Wyatt. Rashmi posed a question that cut straight to the heart of responsible storytelling: "How can I make people feel seen and safe in the stories I'm writing?" Meanwhile, Sassy reminded everyone that "to be really inclusive, you have to include all the differences in the room"—a statement that seemed obvious until you realised how rarely it actually happens.
Sophie Morgan, acclaimed TV presenter and producer, delivered one of the day's most provocative presentations: "Why I don't believe in the word 'accessible'." Morgan challenged the audience to think beyond basic compliance with her trademark directness: "The world is not designed for us. Attitudinal barriers are the hardest to overcome." Her insights highlighted how disability isn't necessarily permanent and that elegant data remains elusive because many people resist being labelled as disabled. It was the kind of presentation that left delegates questioning assumptions they didn't even know they had.
Richard Thompson, CEO of Inclu Group, presented "Giving everyone a Fair Shot" alongside COO Namai Bishop and Valen Calanche from Fair Shot. Their discussion focused on employment opportunities and inclusion initiatives, with Thompson noting that the travel industry doesn't nearly do enough to include disabled travellers. A particularly moving moment came when the audience met Kayon, who shared his pride in his collaboration with Fair Shot and his current position at DRC Savills. His story proved the real purpose of the café and how it's reshaping the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, demonstrating that inclusion isn't just about good intentions—it's about tangible career opportunities and genuine empowerment.
Snapshot presentations and personal stories
Four rapid-fire "Snapshot" presentations offered diverse perspectives on travel and the concept of belonging. Duncan Greenfield-Turk from Global Travel Moments showed visible emotion as he spoke from the heart and a place of deep conviction, sharing how "travel saved me, so I built a business to return the favour." His authentic vulnerability emphasised that regardless of gender, everyone deserves equal opportunities to discover the world.
Sadia Ramzan from The Muslim Women Travel Group delivered what can only be described as a slam that punched every single misconception, not only about how Muslim women travel but also about how much fire they have to fight for what they deserve. Her presentation challenged preconceptions with fierce eloquence: "We're not the other, we're the ones you forgot." The power of her words highlighted the importance of creating opportunities where none previously existed, leaving the audience both educated and inspired.
Benjamin Di'Costa from Windjammer Landing Resorts explored the concept of true inclusive luxury, arguing that "true inclusive luxury isn't about waiting for perfect conditions." Meanwhile, Jayni Gudka from Sama Sama International presented on belonging and leadership through listening, with her content offering important advisories for discussions of identity-based violence.
LGBTQ+ inclusion and authentic allyship
The programme concluded with "Active Allyship," a panel on amplifying trans and non-binary voices that managed to be both educational and deeply moving. Moderated by Marley Conte from Trans&, the discussion featured Max Siegel, travel photographer, Neil Hudson-Basing from WE CREATE SPACE, and Trenton Tomlinson from Universal Music. Their conversation highlighted the crucial difference between performative support and genuine advocacy. This distinction had become a recurring theme throughout the day, like a particularly persistent song you can't get out of your head.
The final "Iconic conversations" explored authenticity with Kgomotso Ramothea from the African Travel & Tourism Association and Tolene Van der Merwe from Malta Tourism Authority. Ramothea posed a crucial question that lingered long after the words were spoken: "What's the context of what we see? What happens after we leave?" This challenge to consider lasting impact rather than superficial engagement captured the essence of the day's discussions.
Jong's closing remarks emphasised the revolutionary potential of authentic inclusion, offering his vision of what the industry could become: "It's a revolutionary lens through which we should see everything." His message resonated with an audience that had spent the day examining how genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion can transform both workplace culture and business outcomes in the luxury travel industry. It was a call to action wrapped in hope, seasoned with just enough challenge to make everyone slightly uncomfortable in the best possible way.
The event concluded with networking drinks, providing attendees with opportunities to continue conversations and build connections formed throughout the day. For many participants, the gathering marked not just an educational experience but a call to action for creating meaningful change within their organisations and the broader industry. And on top of the massive order of motivational T-shirts, mugs, and posters I plan on making, I also left the room with my eyes a bit more open, proving that I had a long way to go, still. That could be the real measure of a successful conference: not just the warm feeling of having attended an important event, but the uncomfortable realisation that learning never truly ends.
Programme of the day
Good morning and welcome from the organisers
Presenters: Uwern Jong (Founder, OutThere), Martin Perry (Founder, OutThere)
Speakers: His Excellency Professor Stephen Montefort (High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta to the United Kingdom), Luca Virgilio, General Manager of The Dorchester Hotel
A confident future: shaping tomorrow's luxury travel talent
Speaker: Paul McDonald (Dorchester Collection)
The Strengths Explorer's guide to authentic confidence and unleashing your true power
Speaker: Mark Julian Edwards (The Strengths Explorer)
The new rules of leadership
Presenter: Emily Goldfischer (Founder, hertelier)
Speakers: Charlotte Weatherall (General Manager, Corinthia London), Eljesa Saciri (General Manager, The Mandrake), Jessica Tapfar (Hotel Manager, The Chancery Rosewood)
Iconic conversations: Stardust and blueprints, making dreams a reality
Speakers: Sophie Galvagnon (CEO, Selar), Pavia Rosati (Founder & CEO, Fathom)
Risk-taking, mastering the art of bold action
Speaker: Holly Budge (Adventurer, The Risk Seeker®)
Iconic conversations: When women rise, they rise together
Speaker: Lisa Tse (Founder, The Sorority)
Iconic conversations: Jonathan Green on leading with love, grace and unity
Speakers: Jonathan Green (Principal, Jonathan Green Studios), Mathu Premaruban (Ruban Communications)
The power of inclusive storytelling
Speakers: Carrie-Ann Lightley (Accessible Travel Blogger), Jamie-Lee Abtar, Rashmi Narayan, Sassy Wyatt
Why I don't believe in the word "accessible"
Speaker: Sophie Morgan (TV Presenter/Producer)
Giving everyone a Fair Shot
Presenter: Richard Thompson (CEO, Inclu Group)
Speakers: Namai Bishop (COO, Inclu Group), Richard Thompson (CEO, Inclu Group), Valen Calanche (Head of Employment, Fair Shot)
Snapshot: Travel saved me. So I built a business to return the favour
Speaker: Duncan Greenfield-Turk (CEO, Global Travel Moments)
Snapshot: The travelling sisterhood
Speaker: Sadia Ramzan (Founder/Director, The Muslim Women Travel Group)
Snapshot: True inclusive luxury isn't about waiting for perfect conditions
Speaker: Benjamin Di'Costa (Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Windjammer Landing Resorts & Residences)
Snapshot: The sound of belonging: when we listen, they lead
Speaker: Jayni Gudka (Founder, Sama Sama International)
Active Allyship: Amplifying and supporting trans & non-binary voices
Presenter: Marley Conte (Trans&)
Speakers: Max Siegel (Travel Photographer & LGBTQ+ Inclusion Consultant), Neil Hudson-Basing (Community & Events Manager, WE CREATE SPACE), Trenton Tomlinson (Label Operations Manager, Universal Music)
Iconic conversations: The true meaning of authenticity
Speakers: Kgomotso Ramothea (CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association), Tolene Van der Merwe (Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority)
 More than 210 industry professionals attended the Icons of Inclusion 2025 conference at The Dorchester in London
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 His Excellency Professor Stephen Montefort and Luca Virgilio during the opening addresses
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Mark Julian Edwards presenting “The Strengths Explorer's guide to authentic confidence”
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 “The new rules of leadership” panel moderated by Emily Goldfischer featuring Charlotte Weatherall, Eljesa Saciri and Jessica Tapfar
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Holly Budge presenting “Risk-taking, mastering the art of bold action”
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 “The power of inclusive storytelling” panel featuring Carrie-Ann Lightley, Jamie-Lee Abtar, Rashmi Narayan and Sassy Wyatt
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Sophie Morgan presenting “Why I don't believe in the word 'accessible”
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Kayon and Valen Calanche during the “Giving everyone a Fair Shot” session
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Sadia Ramzan presenting “The travelling sisterhood”
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Sophie Galvagnon during “Iconic conversations: Stardust and blueprints”
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Duncan Greenfield-Turk and Jayni Gudka during their Snapshot presentations
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Paul McDonald, Kgomotso Ramothea and Jonathan Green during their presentations
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 “Active Allyship” panel moderated by Marley Conte featuring Max Siegel, Neil Hudson-Basing and Trenton Tomlinson
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
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