I'm a travel research professional with over two decades of experience working to understand the traveler's desires, motivations, and needs while on the road for business or leisure. My firm, Mandala Research, is committed to increasing knowledge about niche markets within the travel industry -- such as cultural, culinary, sustainable, African American, Hispanic, travelers with disabilities, etc.-- to encourage travel companies and destinations to appreciate their differences and create more inclusive and welcoming approaches to their travel offerings and messaging. Travel can serve as an engine of cultural diplomacy and the more we encourage diverse audiences to experience different cultures, even within the same country, we are fostering greater human understanding and lessening the likelihood of disrespect and hate.