Global diversity, equality and inclusion advocate; founder of travel media company; inclusive tourism campaigner
Uwern Jong is a
British Asian entrepreneur, journalist, editor and inclusive-tourism advocate.[1][2] Jong co-founded OutThere magazine in 2010.[3][4]
He is an inclusive tourism advocate, promoting a more diverse media landscape[5] and better recruitment and representation in the travel industry.[6] In 2024, he launched Icons of Inclusion,[7] a luxury travel industry event with a focus on diversity, accessibility and inclusion in tourism.
Jong is credited as an Editor who has been a "material player in the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.”[11]
Career
Jong was one of the original founders of integrated marketing and communications agency, Intelligent Marketing[12] where he created marketing campaigns targeting the
LGBTQ+ market[13][14][15]
Jong is openly gay. He is trustee of the charity Sport Allies[19] that works to combat homophobia in sport.
Awards and recognitions
Walpole Power List 2022 – "The 50 most influential people in British Luxury."[20]
TTG Travel Industry Awards 2022 – “LGBT+ Trailblazer of the year.”[21]
Attitude 101, 2021 – "10 LGBTQ trailblazers breaking barriers in the travel industry."[22]
Campaign Magazine's "Campaign Publishing Awards" for Editorial Leader of the Year – Consumer Publishing, 2020.[23][24]
GNETWORK360 Masterclass Award for Excellence in Journalism 2020 that recognises the contribution of international journalists for their work in promoting Argentina as an inclusive destination for travellers.[25]
The
United States Travel and Tourism Administration's IPW Award 2017 that recognises travel journalists who have made a significant contribution to the promotion of the United States of America as a travel destination, worldwide.[26]