A Cirencester-based travel specialist has been nationally recognised for efforts to make travel more accessible to people with hidden disabilities. Allie Mason, a copywriter at Steppes Travel, was awarded Trailblazer of the Year 2026 at the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) Future You Awards, presented at the Houses of Parliament on 21 July.
Raising awareness of hidden disabilities
The accolade highlights work to draw attention to the practical barriers many neurodivergent travellers face — from sensory overload in busy spaces to unclear guidance and anxiety about unfamiliar environments. In addition to her role at the Cirencester firm, Ms Mason has contributed to national journalism and industry guidance, helping place the needs of neurodivergent customers on the travel sector’s agenda.
“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,”
She added that hidden disabilities are still often misunderstood or overlooked and described her work as turning personal experience into practical change. Ms Mason is also preparing a book offering practical advice drawn from lived experience.
Local employer response and practical steps
At Steppes Travel, colleagues have been given guidance to improve support for customers with sensory and communication needs. The company’s marketing director, Giles Cross, said Ms Mason’s initiatives have changed internal thinking about accessibility — emphasising not just physical adjustments but better information and different assumptions about travellers’ needs.
- Recipient: Allie Mason, copywriter, Steppes Travel
- Award: ITT Trailblazer of the Year 2026
- Presentation: Houses of Parliament, 21 July 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | Trailblazer of the Year 2026 |
| Organisation | Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) |
| Recipient | Allie Mason, Steppes Travel |
| Event location | Houses of Parliament, London |
The recognition follows Ms Mason’s earlier inclusion in the TTG 30 Under 30 list for 2025/26, underlining a continuing profile in the sector for younger industry professionals championing inclusion. For Cirencester — home to Steppes Travel — the award highlights local expertise influencing national industry practice.
For travellers, industry workers and businesses, this award draws attention to simple but impactful changes that can improve journeys for neurodivergent people: clearer pre-travel information, quieter or calm spaces where possible, and staff training to avoid assumptions about needs.
As the travel industry continues to recover and adapt after the pandemic years, the visibility of neurodivergent accessibility in mainstream guidance and media contributions may prompt wider adoption of inclusive measures across operators and tour providers.
