London – Discrimination and Disrespect: My Experience with The Travel Connection Group for the event organised to promote the Great West Way.
As a journalist, I often find myself covering stories that highlight both the best and worst in the travel industry. Unfortunately, this time, I find myself at the center of a troubling experience that needs to be shared.
I was approved to participate in a press trip organized to promote The Great Western Way, an opportunity I was excited about—until I encountered the conduct of Howard Salinger, a PR agent from The Travel Connection Group, the agency assigned to manage this trip where I was supposed to meet numerous tour operators from the area
When I inquired about bringing my certified assistance dog, I was met with dismissive, disrespectful, and discriminatory questioning from Howard. He challenged the validity of my documentation simply because it was certified by Italian professionals, using language that was both offensive and unprofessional. I was told that the information I provided “didn’t make sense,” and I was even questioned about my residency in the UK, with implications that I may have lied about it or that I might be in breach of immigration laws, despite having said that I am also British (my nationality though should have not be a matter of discussion).
This experience left me feeling deeply offended, harassed, and discriminated against. The questioning of my place of residence, my professional credentials—despite having provided clear and accurate information—and the legitimacy of my assistance dog’s certification (which is protected under the Equality Act 2010) was extremely distressing and triggering. It’s important to note that under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to question the validity of documentation certifying that a dog is an assistance dog. Discriminating against or denying access to individuals accompanied by assistance dogs constitutes a breach of this legislation and may result in legal consequences.
Howard’s implication that my information about my residency and my certified assistance dog “didn’t make sense,” and his remark, “Why are you presenting Italian documents in the UK,” is dismissive and undermines my credibility both as a professional and as an individual with a disability. Furthermore, discrediting my credentials and documentation solely because they originate from Italy demonstrates a lack of respect for international standards and constitutes discriminatory behavior. Such actions unfairly target me based on my nationality as well as my disability—and this is wholly unacceptable.
To escalate matters further, I was threatened with removal from the press trip based on unfounded accusations that I provided false information about my UK residency, my assistance dog, and my professional credentials. This conduct is unprofessional, unacceptable, and has only exacerbated my distress.
Despite requesting confirmation that I remained on the list for this trip, I received no reply. The lack of communication only adds to the unprofessional handling of this situation.
I believe it is crucial to bring attention to such instances of discrimination, especially within professional environments where inclusivity and respect should be the norm. The irony of this situation is hard to ignore. The very purpose of this event was to promote a tourist area both nationally and internationally. Yet, the discriminatory attitude towards the foreign credentials of the professionals who issued my documents, as well as towards myself and my credentials as a journalist, even extending to questioning my residency status in the UK, stands in direct contradiction to the fundamental principles of tourism.
Tourism thrives on inclusiveness and cultural diversity, celebrating the exchange of ideas and experiences across borders. By undermining these values, the actions of The Travel Connection Group’s PR representative have undercut the very essence of this promotional operation.
No one should have to experience this kind of discrimination, and it is time for the travel industry to hold itself to a higher standard.