Travel Unity
Tourism industry gets serious about inclusive visitor experiences
Are you a travel professional who wants to gain a better understanding of inclusive practices for the travel industry? A business owner looking for practical ways to connect with diverse audiences? The team at Travel Unity assists the travel industry in best practices for inclusion, showing that diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a powerful driver of business growth. Through its certification programs, consulting, thought leadership, education, events, and membership alliance, this 501(c)(3) charitable organization is helping the travel industry get serious about welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Travel Unity not only provides a road map for inclusion in travel, but it also introduces youths to rewarding career paths in the travel industry. Through interactive programs, connections with travel mentors, and real-world experiences, the Future Travel Leaders Network equips the next generation to become advocates for a more inclusive, sustainable, and diverse travel industry.
Travel Unity’s baseline certificate (TUIC) provides professionals and students with foundational knowledge of inclusive practices in the travel and tourism industry.
“Over the years, we have been able to work with many wonderful professionals and organizations across the travel industry, guiding them on how to emphasize belonging for staff, communities, and travelers,” says Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss (pictured, back row) with award recipients at the 2024 Awards Dinner in New York City.
To view Travel Unity’s “Travel Unity Standards for Travel & Tourism” for organizations, which provides a road map for inclusion in travel, visit travelunity.org/standards.
Travel Unity’s Future Travel Leaders Network inspires and equips young people to become advocates for a more inclusive, sustainable, and diverse travel industry.
Travel Unity’s Future Travel Leaders Network inspires and equips young people to become advocates for a more inclusive, sustainable, and diverse travel industry.
“Everything we do is centered on helping the travel industry recruit and retain diverse, qualified talent; improving relationships with local communities; and attracting travelers of all kinds,” says Travel Unity Executive Director Roni Weiss.
At the core of Travel Unity is its “Travel Unity Standards for Travel & Tourism”—a list of 47 criteria that are the basis for its workshops, consulting, and certifications. In addition to its certification for organizations, Travel Unity has three levels of certificates for individuals, including a baseline certificate that introduces inclusion in the travel industry, a manager level that provides participants with strategies to implement inclusive practices within their sphere of influence, and a leadership level in which senior executives craft a comprehensive plan for their organization.
“We are thrilled to bring a pilot program that offers our baseline certificate, the Travel Unity Individual Certificate or TUIC, to help ABA members expand their markets and strengthen the entire tourism industry,” says Weiss. Offered to ABA members as part of a joint workforce development program with the Ontario Motor Coach Association and Motor Coach Canada, the TUIC ensures all individuals are equipped with the knowledge and proficiency to make people of all backgrounds feel welcome.
For updates about Travel Unity’s partnership with ABA, be on the lookout for announcements on the buses.org news center. To learn more about Travel Unity, visit travelunity.org or contact Weiss at [email protected] and (212) 923-7704.
travelunity.org | (212) 923-7704
Photo credit: Travel Unity.
All Aboard in Bowling Green
Railcar relics, colorful tales, and the tasty trailblazing of Duncan Hines
Step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, housed in the beautifully restored Louisville & Nashville Depot in Bowling Green, Ky. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the depot offers motorcoach groups a unique glimpse into America’s rich railroad heritage.
The museum’s two-story exhibit space offers an immersive exploration into the multifaceted world of railroads. Visitors can delve into the lives of train personnel, experience the elegance of dining cars, and understand the hobo culture that once thrived along the rails. A notable feature is the story of the Harvey Girls—young, single women who, in the 1880s, brought hospitality to the American West by serving meals in railroad restaurants.
The restored L&N Depot was built in 1925 and is home to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum.
Interactive exhibits like the new Women in Railroading exhibit help both adult and student groups gain a deeper understanding of how railroads shaped the nation’s history and culture.
Railway mail service began in 1832 on Railway Post Office cars like this one on display at the Historic RailPark and ran unti 1977.
Groups can take a Historic Trolley Tour to learn about Bowling Green’s rich transportation history. When planning your tour, please note that the museum does not offer train rides.
At the Historic RailPark, visitors can tour restored railcars, see important railroad artifacts, and watch one of the region’s largest model train displays.
The “Railroads Go to War” exhibit highlights the critical role railroads played during wartime, including the operation of canteens that supported troops and the contributions of women who stepped into roles traditionally held by men. Additionally, the museum honors the legacy of Rosie the Riveter, representing the millions of women who worked on the home front during World War II, taking on jobs in industries such as railroads to support the war effort.
Guided tours escort visitors through five meticulously restored railcars, including a rare 1911 Presidential Car built for L&N Railroad President Milton Smith. Another standout is the Railroad Post Office car, one of only two remaining in the U.S., where guests learn how mail and payroll were delivered “on the fly.” A highlight for many is the story of Owney, a stray dog who became a beloved mascot for postal workers, symbolizing good luck on mail routes.
The Duncan Hines Dining Car pays homage to Bowling Green native Duncan Hines, renowned for his travel guides and later, the famous cake mixes. This car exemplifies the upscale dining experiences once offered on trains, with meals prepared in compact kitchens while traveling at high speeds.
Every June, Bowling Green hosts Duncan Hines Days, a weeklong celebration featuring special railcar tours, culinary events, and entertainment, honoring Hines’ legacy and the city’s rich history.
Enhance your trip with a narrated tour aboard the Bowling Green Trolley. Explore the city’s vibrant past, learn how Bowling Green got its name, and uncover its role during the Civil War. Discover how the city emerged from the ashes of war to become a popular tourist destination and the home of one of America’s most iconic sports cars, the Corvette.
“For groups looking for evening entertainment, consider the UnSeen Bowling Green walking tours,” says Jamie Johnson, executive director at the Historic RailPark. “Available in the spring and fall, these tours uncover the city’s hidden histories, mysteries, and legends, offering a unique perspective on local lore.”
Motorcoach groups are warmly welcomed, with special rates and complimentary admission for drivers and escorts.
To plan your adult or student group visit or for multi-day itinerary suggestions, call (270) 745-7317 or email [email protected]. For a calendar of events, accessibility, a description of the railcars, and more, visit historicrailpark.com.
historicrailpark.com | (270) 745-7317
Photo credit: John Bailey of Bailey Photography & Imaging and Historic RailPark Archives.
