{"id":38,"date":"2023-03-16T10:07:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T10:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/iconsofinclusion.com\/?page_id=38"},"modified":"2025-07-28T13:11:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:11:02","slug":"icons-of-inclusion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"Icons of Inclusion was hosted by The Dorchester, London on 21st July 2025."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Please return for further information about our 2026 event, or email welcome@iconsofinclusion.com<\/a><\/strong> to register your interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"OutThere<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Visit<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Uwern<\/figure>
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Icons of Inclusion<\/strong> is a rallying call to the tourism industry\u2019s boldest thinkers and changemakers. It’s a gathering of visionary thought leaders, driving the future of travel and hospitality through representation, personalisation and purpose. At a time when hard-won progress in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion is under threat, Icons of Inclusion champions disruptive ideas, intersectional dialogue, honest conversations and inspiring voices, to empower luxury travel industry professionals to create meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Uwern Jong | Experientialist\u00ae<\/em>-in-Chief | OutThere<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This event is now complete. To register your interest in sponsorship, speaking and tickets to next year’s event, please contact
welcome@iconsofinclusion.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 SUPPORTING PARTNERS & SPONSORS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Aspire<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Enjoy<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Halal<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"hertelier<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"IGLTA<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Explore<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Inclu<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Queer<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Travel<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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IMAGES FROM 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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SEE ALL IMAGES FROM 2025’s EVENT ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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INSPIRING AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE FOR LUXURY TRAVEL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aisha<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The luxury travel industry is one known for its exceptional standards of intuitive hospitality that provides bespoke experiences so that each and every traveller and guest feels more than just welcomed, but that their unique needs are catered for. Given hospitality is, by its very nature, inviting to all, a perception prevails that the industry by default is inclusive of all. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that we may not have the life experience to consider the unique needs of diverse communities, and the fact that unconscious bias can negatively impact the way we think and behave towards others. This is echoed by the sentiments of many people \u2013 travellers, guests and those who work in the industry \u2013 who feel under-represented because of the way the industry operates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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73% of luxury travellers from diverse backgrounds do not feel that the industry is inclusive of today\u2019s diverse traveller demographics.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Luxury travel marketing and communications are not representative of today\u2019s luxury traveller; nor do travel brands on the whole proactively target, market and promote directly to diverse community groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

66% do not feel that providers are offering products or services that are tailored, personalised or individual \u2013 especially when it comes to the needs of diverse travellers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Luxury travellers feel that the industry’s products and services are overwhelmingly ‘cookie cutter’ and providers do not invest in the personalisation (or are not concerned about) the needs of individual guests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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62% do not feel that those employed by luxury travel providers are adequately trained to deal with diverse guests.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Luxury travellers from diverse backgrounds do not feel that the staff representing the top luxury travel brands receive adequate training to deal with diverse guests\/travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

57% do not feel that travel providers are transparent enough about their diversity policies when it comes to non-discrimination or a diverse and socially-conscious supply chain.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Luxury travellers feel that the travel industry is far more about profit than it is about purpose, especially when it comes to the treatment of their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

62% of employees in hospitality and tourism feel that there is far more that needs to be done when it comes to levelling the playing field in their companies.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a lack of diverse representation, particularly at senior levels in tourism. Employees from diverse backgrounds do not feel that there are equal opportunities for career progression.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Diversity is good for both brand and business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Personalising the brand, sales and marketing, and product experience for diverse travellers leaders to an increase in engagement, loyalty, word-of-mouth and profitability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

71% of travellers from diverse backgrounds will overwhelmingly choose a brand that proactively demonstrates inclusivity. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Travellers are proactively looking for destinations and travel brands that can outwardly demonstrate inclusivity in their outlook, good social responsibility and ones that value diversity and difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allies are also fully supportive of travel providers that promote diversity and inclusion.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the whole, mainstream travellers are more aware than ever before about corporate governance and will hold travel providers accountable for the way they conduct business. They are putting their money where their values lie, voting with their wallets and they understand that their purchasing power can help change the challenging structures still faced by many today. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

*OutThere diversity survey 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TRAVEL AS A FORCE FOR GOOD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Delegate<\/figure>
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DEAI is at a crossroads \u2013 threatened by shifting politics, performative gestures, and economic priorities that sideline representation. But inclusivity isn\u2019t a trend… it\u2019s a transformative force that reshapes the industry for the better. If we let it slip, we risk returning to a narrative that only reflects the privileged few. Now is the time to double down. To listen harder. To act louder. To celebrate commitment. To ensure luxury travel doesn\u2019t just look inclusive \u2013 but is<\/em> inclusive. The future of meaningful, responsible travel depends on it, so let\u2019s not lose ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REGISTRATION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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GENERAL DELEGATE REGISTRATION
GBP\u00a3249 + VAT per person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Registration is for one delegate only and gains you access to the full-day programme.<\/strong><\/em>

THIS EVENT IS NOW COMPLETE.<\/strong>
Please contact welcome@iconsofinclusion.com<\/a><\/strong> to register your interest for next year’s event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TRAVEL ADVISOR \/ MEDIA REGISTRATION (COMPLIMENTARY)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Complimentary places only apply to travel advisors\/agents, tour operators and members of the travel trade; as well as members of the media including travel editors, journalists, freelance travel writers and content creators accredited as media <\/span>. All other attendees are required to purchase a full delegate ticket.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please contact welcome@iconsofinclusion.com<\/a><\/strong> to register your interest for next year’s event.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Speakers and presenters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Amy Campo McEvoy (she\/her)<\/strong>
Head of Programme
Fair Shot CIC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Benjamin Di’Costa (he\/him)
<\/strong>VP Marketing & Communication, Windjammer Landing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Carrie-Ann Lightley (she\/her) <\/strong>
Accessible Travel Blogger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Charlotte Weatherall (she\/her)
<\/strong>General Manager, Corinthia London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Duncan Greenfield-Turk (he\/him) <\/strong>
CEO, Global Travel Moments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Eljesa Saciri (she\/her)<\/strong>
General Manager, The Mandrake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Emily Goldfischer (she\/her)<\/strong>
Founder, hertelier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Howard Salinger (he\/him)<\/strong>
Managing Director, Travel Connection Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Holly Budge (she\/her)<\/strong>
Adventurer, The Risk Seeker\u00ae<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Jamie-Lee Abtar (she\/her)
<\/strong>Head of Marketing, Not in the Guidebooks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Jayni Gudka (she\/her)<\/strong>
Founder, Sama Sama International <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Jessica Tapfar (she\/her)<\/strong>
Hotel Manager, The Chancery Rosewood<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Jonathan Green (he\/him)<\/strong>
Principal, Jonathan Green Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kalindi Juneja (she\/her) <\/strong>CEO, PoB Hotels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Kgomotso Ramothea<\/strong> (she\/her)<\/strong>
CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Lisa Tse (she\/her)
<\/strong>Founder, The Sorority<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Luca Virgilio (he\/him)<\/strong>
General Manager
The Dorchester<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Mark Julian Edwards<\/strong> (he\/him)
<\/strong>CEO, The Strengths Explorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Marley Conte (they\/them)<\/strong>
Writer, Trans&<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Martin Perry (he\/him)<\/strong>
Creative Director, OutThere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Mathu Premaruban (she\/her)<\/strong>
Founder, Ruban Communications<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Max Siegel (he\/him) <\/strong>
Travel Photographer & LGBTQ+ Inclusion Consultant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Namai Bishop (she\/her)<\/strong>
COO, Inclu Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Nicola Butler (she\/her)
<\/strong>Owner and Managing Director, NoteWorthy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Neil Hudson-Basing (he\/him) <\/strong>
Community & Events Director, WE CREATE SPACE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Paul J McDonald (he\/him) <\/strong>
Area Director of People & Culture UK, Dorchester Collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pavia Rosati (she\/her)<\/strong>
Founder & CEO, Fathom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Rashmi Narayan (she\/her)<\/strong>
Travel writer and guidebook author<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Richard Thompson (he\/him)<\/strong>
CEO, Inclu Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sadia Ramzan (she\/her)<\/strong>
Founder\/Director, Muslim Women Travel Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Sassy Wyatt (she\/her) <\/strong>Content Creator, Blind Girl Adventures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sophie Galvagnon (she\/her)<\/strong>
CEO, Selar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Sophie Morgan (she\/her)<\/strong>
TV Presenter\/Producer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
HE Prof Stephen Montefort (he\/him)<\/strong>
High Commissioner for the Republic of Malta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tolene van der Merwe (she\/her)<\/strong>
Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Trenton Tomlinson (he\/him)<\/strong>
Label Operations Manager, Universal Music<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Portrait
Uwern Jong (he\/him)<\/strong>
Experientialist\u00ae-in-Chief, OutThere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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AGENDA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/th><\/th><\/th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
08.30 – 09.00<\/td>Registration open \/ coffee and networking<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
09.00 – 09.10<\/td>Good morning and welcome from the organisers and the Malta Tourism Authority<\/strong><\/td>Uwern Jong (he\/him) and Martin Perry (he\/him), Founders, OutThere; and Tolene van der Merwe (she\/her), Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority; His Excellency, Professor Stephen Montefort, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta to the United Kingdom<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
09.10 – 09.15<\/td>Welcome from Dorchester Collection<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
09.15 – 09.35<\/td>A confident future: shaping tomorrow\u2019s luxury travel talent<\/strong><\/td>Paul McDonald (he\/him), Dorchester Collection<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
09.35 – 09.55<\/td>The Strengths Explorer\u2019s guide to authentic confidence and unleashing your true power<\/strong><\/td>Mark Julian Edwards (he\/him), The Strengths Explorer<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
09.55 – 10.35<\/td>The new rules of leadership; presented by hertelier<\/strong>
<\/td>		Charlotte Weatherall (she\/her), General Manager, Corinthia London; Eljesa Saciri (she\/her), General Manager, The Mandrake; Jessica Tapfar (she\/her), Hotel Manager, The Chancery Rosewood; Kalindi Juneja (she\/her), CEO, PoB Hotels. Moderated by Emily Goldfischer, Founder, hertelier<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
10.35 – 11.00<\/td>Iconic conversations: Stardust and blueprints, making dreams a reality<\/strong><\/td>Nicola Butler (she\/her), Owner and Managing Director, NoteWorthy; Sophie Galvagnon (she\/her), CEO, Selar; Pavia Rosati (she\/her), Founder & CEO, Fathom<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
11.00 – 11.15<\/td>Coffee and comfort break<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
11.15 – 11.40<\/td>Risk-taking, mastering the art of bold action<\/strong><\/td>Holly Budge (she\/her), Adventurer, The Risk Seeker\u00ae<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
11.40 – 12.05<\/td>Iconic conversations: When women rise, they rise together<\/strong><\/td>Lisa Tse (she\/her), Founder, The Sorority; <\/td><\/td><\/tr>
12.05 – 12.45<\/td>Iconic conversations: Jonathan Green on leading with love, grace and unity<\/strong>;<\/strong> presented by Explore Charleston<\/strong><\/td>Jonathan Green (he\/him), Principal, Jonathan Green Studios and Mathu Premaruban (she\/her), Ruban Communications<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
12.45 – 13.35<\/td>Lunch<\/td>Presented by The Dorchester<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
13.35 – 14.15<\/td>The power of inclusive storytelling; presented by Travel Connection Group<\/strong><\/td>Carrie-Ann Lightley (she\/her), Accessible Travel Blogger; Jamie-Lee Abtar (she\/her) Rashmi Narayan , Sassy Wyatt + 1<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
14.15 – 14.40<\/td>Why I don\u2019t believe in the word \u201caccessible\u201d<\/strong><\/td>Sophie Morgan (she\/her), TV Presenter\/Producer<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
14.40 – 15.20<\/td>Giving everyone a Fair Shot; presented by Inclu<\/strong> Group<\/strong><\/td>Namai Bishop (she\/her), COO, Inclu Group, Richard Thompson (he\/him), CEO, Inclu Group; Valen Calanche (she\/her), Head of Employment, Fair Shot<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1520 – 1535<\/td>Snapshot: Travel saved me. So I built a business to return the favour<\/strong><\/td>Duncan Greenfield-Turk (he\/him), CEO, Global Travel Moments<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1535 – 1550<\/td>Snapshot: The travelling sisterhood<\/strong><\/td>Sadia Ramzan (she\/her), Founder\/Director, The Muslim Women Travel Group<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1550 – 1605<\/td>Snapshot:<\/strong> True inclusive luxury isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions<\/strong><\/td>Benjamin Di’Costa (he\/him), Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Windjammer Landing Resorts & Residences<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1605 – 1620<\/td>Snapshot:<\/strong><\/strong> The sound of belonging: when we listen, they lead<\/strong>.
*This presentation will include a brief discussion of identity-based violence and child abuse. If you feel you may be affected, please step out of the room.<\/em><\/td>		Jayni Gudka (she\/her), Founder, Sama Sama International<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1620 – 1700<\/td>Active Allyship: Amplifying and supporting trans & non-binary voices<\/strong><\/td>Max Siegel (he\/him), Travel Photographer & LGBTQ+ Inclusion Consultant; Neil Hudson-Basing (he\/him), Community & Events Manager, WE CREATE SPACE; Trenton Tomlinson (he\/him), Label Operations Manager, Universal Music; moderated by Marley Conte (they\/them), Trans&<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1700 – 1725<\/td>Iconic conversations: The true meaning of authenticity<\/strong><\/td>Kgomotso Ramothea (she\/her), CEO, African Travel & Tourism Association; Tolene Van der Merwe (she\/her), Director UK & Ireland, Malta Tourism Authority<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1725 – 1730<\/td>Wrap up and thank yous<\/td>Uwern Jong (he\/him) and Martin Perry (he\/him), Founders, OutThere<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
1730 – 1900<\/td>Networking drinks<\/td>Presented by The Dorchester<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Please return for further information about our 2026 event, or email welcome@iconsofinclusion.com to register your interest. This event is now complete. To register your interest in sponsorship, speaking and tickets to next year’s event, please contactwelcome@iconsofinclusion.com 2025 SUPPORTING PARTNERS & SPONSORS with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting IMAGES FROM 2025 SEE ALL IMAGES FROM 2025’s … <\/p>\n

Read more “Icons of Inclusion was hosted by The Dorchester, London on 21st July 2025.”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-38","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/133"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1868,"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38\/revisions\/1868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.outthere.travel\/icons-of-inclusion\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}