<p>Ed Salvato brings a generous dose of passion, resilience, and inclusivity to the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html" title="MS in Travel and Tourism Management">MS in Travel and Tourism Management</a> program. With a background that spans travel, education, and advocacy, Salvato has spent his career exploring the world and sharing its wonders with others. Salvato encourages students to take the future of travel inclusivity into their own hands, and we were thrilled to sit down with him to learn more about his perspective on education and the travel industry as a whole.</p>

<p>Salvato's love for travel has deep roots. Raised in a family that enjoyed exploring locally, he quickly realized his passion extended beyond the beaches of New England. Financing his own trips, he ventured abroad, living in France for five years and exploring Europe and beyond. &quot;Travel is the beating heart of my existence,&quot; he shares. &quot;I've visited over 70 countries…the motivation for me is always just true passion for meeting people and understanding other people's existences outside of [my] own.&quot;</p> <p>His career in travel writing and content creation began serendipitously. After meeting someone with a small gay travel magazine, Salvato took a job in Los Angeles that eventually led to overseeing travel content for multiple platforms. &quot;I was in charge of all the travel content for a significant portion of the gay travel market,&quot; he recalls. This role allowed him to shape narratives and bring visibility to underrepresented communities in travel.</p>

<p>Salvato has witnessed significant changes in the travel industry, particularly regarding inclusive travel. He explains that the concept of inclusive travel didn't exist when he started. &quot;In 1992, there were just a few firms and hotels that became very LGBTQ-friendly,&quot; he says. Over the years, major events like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis highlighted the resilience of LGBTQ travelers, leading to increased recognition and marketing efforts by destinations and brands.</p> <p>Despite progress, Salvato notes that inclusive travel still faces challenges. &quot;Only a small fraction of destination marketing organizations actively engage in LGBTQ marketing,&quot; he points out. However, he is optimistic about the future. &quot;The share of underrepresented groups is growing, and smart marketers are beginning to recognize and address their specific needs and concerns.&quot;<br> </p> <p>Salvato emphasizes the importance of authenticity in marketing to diverse travelers. &quot;Inclusive travel is not about saying 'everyone is welcome' but understanding and addressing the unique needs of each group,&quot; he explains. He advocates for genuine engagement and representation, ensuring that all travelers feel seen and valued.</p>

<p>Salvato's fondness for teaching emerged as a pandemic pivot. Having always enjoyed sharing his knowledge, he began teaching at NYU in January 2020. &quot;I've always been a natural teacher,&quot; he says. &quot;I love helping people understand the benefits of engaging with diverse travelers.&quot;</p> <p>His teaching approach is dynamic and student-centered. &quot;I create a co-learning space where students are actively engaged,&quot; he explains. He focuses on practical applications and group activities, drawing from his extensive experience in the travel industry. His methods have resonated with students, earning him high evaluations and a strong rapport with his classes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Salvato continues to teach and travel, he remains committed to promoting inclusive travel and sharing his insights with the next generation. &quot;Travel has the power to connect us and broaden our understanding of the world,&quot; he reflects. Through his work, Ed Salvato is not only shaping the future of travel but also inspiring others to explore, learn, and make the hospitality industry better suited for all types of travelers.</p> <p>Salvato is one of many educators at NYU SPS who enhance the classroom experience with decades of experience as high-level professionals in their field. Find your place at the turning point of inclusive travel by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-travel-and-tourism-management.html" title="MS in Travel and Tourism Management">MS in Travel and Tourism Management</a> today.</p>