A CIRENCESTER-based travel specialist has received national recognition for her work promoting neurodivergent inclusion across the travel industry.
Allie Mason, a copywriter at Steppes Travel, has been named Trailblazer of the Year 2026 at the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) Future You Awards.
The award was presented at the Houses of Parliament in London on July 21.
The accolade recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to diversity, equality and inclusion within their organisation or the wider industry.
Ms Mason has been recognised for her efforts to highlight the barriers faced by neurodivergent travellers, including sensory overload, unclear information and anxiety around unfamiliar environments.
Alongside her role at the Cirencester-based company, she has contributed to national journalism and industry guidance, helping bring neurodivergent travel into wider public discussion.
She is also preparing to publish a new book offering practical advice based on lived experience.
Ms Mason said the award reflected growing awareness of hidden disabilities within the sector.
She said: “Receiving the ITT Trailblazer of the Year award means a great deal to me because it recognises that neurodivergent accessibility belongs at the centre of the travel industry’s inclusion agenda.
“Hidden disabilities like mine are still too easily misunderstood, overlooked or treated as an afterthought.
"I’m working to change that by turning my personal experience into public understanding, and public understanding into practical action.”
Within Steppes Travel, Ms Mason shares guidance with colleagues to improve understanding of inclusive travel and emerging best practice.
Giles Cross, the company’s marketing director, said her work had helped reshape how the business supports customers.
He said: “Allie has challenged us to think beyond traditional definitions of accessibility to consider the information we provide, the assumptions we make, and the questions we ask.
"As a result, our team has developed greater empathy, awareness and confidence when supporting travellers with hidden disabilities."
The award follows Ms Mason's inclusion in the TTG 30 Under 30 2025/26 programme, recognising emerging leaders in the travel sector.
Steppes Travel, which has operated for more than 30 years, is a certified B Corp and was named among the world’s top specialist tour operators by Condé Nast Traveller in 2023.
