American Bus Association Named Finalist for Travel Unity Community Impact Award
A national recognition of ABA’s commitment to community impact and building a more inclusive future for group travel
The American Bus Association (ABA) has been named a finalist for the 2025 Travel Unity Community Impact Award, a national recognition that celebrates individuals and organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in travel and tourism. This honor acknowledges ABA’s long-standing commitment to making the group travel industry more inclusive and welcoming for all people.
Commitment to Inclusion
Under the leadership of President & CEO Fred Ferguson, ABA has placed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the heart of its mission. Ferguson has consistently emphasized that “a more inclusive and understanding society starts with respect, connection, and an appreciation of our differences.” That guiding philosophy has shaped ABA’s advocacy, workforce development, and member engagement strategies, ensuring the industry reflects and uplifts the communities it serves.
ABA’s councils—including the African American Motorcoach Council, Hispanic Motorcoach Council, Women in Buses Council, and the newly-formed Driving Force Council—create vital spaces for underrepresented voices to engage in leadership, influence policy, and drive change. These councils exemplify ABA’s belief that inclusive collaboration strengthens both the industry and the communities it touches.
Partnerships with Purpose
ABA has also forged strategic partnerships that expand the reach of inclusive tourism. A groundbreaking agreement with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has opened new opportunities for Indigenous-owned tourism businesses, helping to ensure Native voices remain central in shaping itineraries and travel experiences. Through its collaboration with Travel Unity, ABA has delivered DEI training and workforce certification to its members—providing practical tools to better serve diverse travelers.
Educational resources like “How to Curate a Black Heritage Tour” and “How to Get Rolling with Indigenous Tourism” reflect ABA’s unique role as both a convener and educator, equipping members to create experiences that honor and empower communities.
Impact and Community Legacy
The impact of these efforts is significant. ABA’s annual Marketplace connects thousands of professionals across backgrounds, generating millions in economic activity for host cities while creating space for diverse businesses to thrive. Data underscores this work: Native-owned hospitality businesses contribute $7.6 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and Black heritage tourism continues to expand opportunities for education, healing, and sustainable development.
ABA’s advocacy extends to the national stage. The African American Motorcoach Council’s upcoming Capitol Hill Fly-In will bring Black-owned operators directly to lawmakers, ensuring diverse perspectives influence federal transportation policy.
Why It Matters
Being named a finalist for the Travel Unity Community Impact Award affirms that ABA’s efforts are making a measurable difference—not only in the travel industry but in the communities that depend on it. By creating pathways for inclusion, supporting cultural preservation, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals, ABA is demonstrating that travel can be both a driver of business success and a catalyst for social change.
The Travel Unity Awards will be announced in early October, with a celebration of all winners at the Travel Unity Awards dinner on December 3 in New York City.
