Travel Weekly has announced the winners of their 2021 Magellan Awards. With entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration made an announcement many in the travel industry were elated to hear: the US would finally be lifting land travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico come November 8, 2021.

It's no secret the world is different than it was a couple years ago. It's up to us whether that new world is for the better. One key way we could do that is by building diversity, equity and inclusion into the foundation of our workplaces and organizations. Several organizations in the travel industry are taking strides in this direction, including the National Tour Association—a global association of packaged-travel professionals who serve groups and individuals traveling to, from and within North America.

NTA has signed on to a pledge that commits the association's leaders and members to take purposeful action around diversity, equity and inclusion.

After 18 months, international visitors may finally be allowed to enter the U.S. beginning in November—as long as they're fully vaccinated. The announcement from the Biden Administration has been well received in the travel industry, as many are eager to return to a sense of normalcy in air travel.

So, what has changed as it relates specifically to flying?

The American Bus Association—the industry leader advancing North American motorcoach travel and tourism—recently announced the creation of the African American Motorcoach Council (AAMC), which joins the other networking and business Councils that are a part of ABA.