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I just got back from my Virgin Voyages cruise, and despite not working for the week, I learned a few things about storytelling that I'll be sharing throughout the week. First, if you've never been on a Virgin cruise, it's an experience! I think it would best be described as 'come as you are.' I'm fairly liberal and open minded, but it was truly the most accepting environment I've ever seen. With staff and entertainment that are super queer-friendly, it had a significantly high number of LGBTQ+ passengers. Virgin is an 18+ cruise line, which meant a lot of passengers were open about their various adult lifestyles in a way that you may not see in other places. There were also a large number of disabled passengers, with a variety of visible disabilities and accessibility needs. Of course, there were passengers of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, countries of origin, etc. It was wonderful to see, and while to some extent this is true on most cruises, it was especially noteworthy on Virgin. Why? Because Virgin's overall strategy is to welcome everyone by meeting them where they're at, and letting them partake however they can. For them, it's not about trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It's about meeting their clients where they're at, and welcoming them without judgment or prejudice. The result is an environnent where those who may feel unwelcome elsewhere feel comfortable, safe, and can build trust. It creates a brand loyalty where people I spoke with only cruise with Virgin, and I can see why. It's key to know your target audience for your business, but that doesn't mean your content needs to be unwelcoming or exclusionary. Take the time to explain things, break down complicated concepts, and communicate in a way that's welcoming. Meeting your potential clients where they're at can help you build a brand loyalty stronger than you ever thought possible. . . . . . #virginvoyages #brandloyalty #cruise #comeasyouare #welcoming #storytelling #storyteller #contentstrategy #contentwriter

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓𝐐+ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 Building on our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, the fourth edition of Booking.com’s LGBTQ+ travel research spotlights the continued challenges travellers face and how they are navigating these barriers to experience the world on their own terms. 🏳🌈 ➡ 92% of Indian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced discrimination when travelling, with some form of discriminatory behaviour.  ➡ 70% of respondents have cancelled a trip within the past year after seeing a destination be unsupportive of LGBTQ+ people.  ➡ 63% of Indian travellers have had a negative experience with a fellow flight passenger due to their LGBTQ+ identity. ➡ 82% have created an alter-ego to safely navigate different environments while travelling In 2021, Booking.com launched the Travel Proud program to provide free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them gain a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+travellers – as well as what can be done to make every guest feel more welcome, regardless of where they come from, who they love or how they identify. To date, there are over 67,000 certified properties across 133 countries and territories and in 12,645 cities and destinations. “I am inspired to see LGBTQ+ travellers taking ownership of their lived experiences, as it is the only way for us to truly thrive and live life to the fullest - and it’s encouraging to see the supporting role our industry can play here," says Arjan Dijk, CMO and Senior Vice President at Booking.com. “However, despite great industry progress made since we launched the Travel Proud program, there is still much work to be done and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners across the globe to educate and enable positive change.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gdUrjHRu #travelproud #travel #LGBTQ+

Today, September 27th, we join the global celebration of #WorldTourismDay! 🌍 Tourism represents much more than travel; it’s our time to explore, connect, and immerse ourselves in new experiences. It allows us to discover different cultures, build human connections, and create memories that last a lifetime. For us at Queer Destinations, tourism has been the space where we first began our mission of fostering safer and more inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community. We started with hotels, working closely with industry leaders to ensure that everyone, regardless of their identity, can travel confidently and feel welcome. Now, we are excited to share that our efforts have expanded into new spaces, including festivals, nightlife, and restaurants. This marks a significant step forward as we broaden our impact, ensuring that LGBTQ+ travelers can feel safe and celebrated in every part of their journey—from booking their trips to dining out or attending cultural events. Tourism is not only about personal experiences; it is also a critical economic driver, representing 10% of the world’s jobs and contributing 10.4% to global GDP. For the LGBTQ+ community, tourism plays an especially important role, with LGBTQ+ travelers contributing around $218 billion annually to the global market. Traveling is still not safe for everyone, being #LGBTQ+ is still illegal in 64 countries around the world. In these nations, laws criminalize same-sex relationships or LGBTQ+ identities, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to the death penalty in some cases. As we celebrate #WorldTourismDay, we remain committed to building an industry that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all. Together, we can continue transforming tourism into a space where everyone is free to explore, celebrate, and be themselves. 🌈✈️ Keep traveling, keep exploring, and always stay safe! 🌍❤️ #WorldTourismDay #InclusionMatters #LGBTQ #SafeSpaces #QueerDestinations #TourismForAll

How can the travel industry better serve LGBTQ+ travelers and ensure inclusivity? The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has released its 2023 Think Tank Report, providing valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ travel market. LGBTQ+ travelers are a significant market segment, with the report indicating that this community contributes over $200 billion annually to the global travel industry. Safety remains a crucial concern, with 71% of LGBTQ+ travelers stating that they research destination safety before booking a trip. The importance of inclusive marketing is also highlighted, as 64% of travelers prefer companies that visibly support LGBTQ+ rights. At Skal International, we are committed to promoting inclusive and diverse travel experiences. Our initiatives, such as the Tourism Innovation Night in Berlin, showcase our dedication to these values, similar to the goals of the IGLTA report. Travel businesses should focus on visible support for LGBTQ+ rights and ensure safety and inclusivity in their offerings. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations can enhance credibility and attract more travelers. Over 50% of LGBTQ+ travelers are more likely to choose destinations and services that are actively inclusive. What actions can travel companies take to better support LGBTQ+ travelers? Share your thoughts and experiences! Here is the full Report: https://lnkd.in/eDugM7xH

The LGBTQIA+ Travel Safety Index is a resource for queer travelers aiming to navigate the world safely and inclusively. Developed by travel journalists Asher and Lyric Fergusson, it ranks 203 countries based on factors like: 1. Legal protections: This includes the legal status of same-sex marriage, adoption rights, anti-discrimination laws, and transgender legal protections. 2. Public opinion: The index considers Gallup poll data on LGBTQ+ acceptance and whether people consider the country a good place to live for LGBT+ individuals. 3. Social climate: Factors like the prevalence of hate crimes, LGBTQ+ representation in media and business, and the presence of active LGBT+ communities are also assessed. Here are 5 key things to know about the LGBTQIA+ Travel Safety Index: 1. It's constantly updated: The rankings are reviewed and revised annually, reflecting changes in laws, social attitudes, and other relevant factors. 2. It's not a definitive guide: Rankings are a starting point, not a guarantee of safety, individual experiences can vary greatly within a country, and local contexts should be considered. 3. It empowers informed travel: The index helps LGBTQ+ travelers make informed decisions about their destinations, choosing places where they're more likely to feel safe and welcome. 4. It promotes positive change: By highlighting disparities in LGBTQ+ rights worldwide, the index can spark conversations and advocate for progress. 5. It's a community resource: The index includes valuable resources like travel safety tips and links to local LGBTQ+ organizations, creating a sense of community for queer travelers. You can get more information about the LGBTQIA+ travel safety index here https://lnkd.in/fFDUkSr Do you think the LGBTQIA+ Travel Safety Index is a valuable tool for LGBTQ+ travelers? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Remember, while the index offers valuable insights, it's crucial to research and consider individual circumstances before traveling. #lgbtq #travelandtourism #inclusivetravel #lgbtq

How can the travel industry better serve LGBTQ+ travelers and ensure inclusivity? The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has released its 2023 Think Tank Report, providing valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ travel market. LGBTQ+ travelers are a significant market segment, with the report indicating that this community contributes over $200 billion annually to the global travel industry. Safety remains a crucial concern, with 71% of LGBTQ+ travelers stating that they research destination safety before booking a trip. The importance of inclusive marketing is also highlighted, as 64% of travelers prefer companies that visibly support LGBTQ+ rights. At Skal International, we are committed to promoting inclusive and diverse travel experiences. Our initiatives, such as the Tourism Innovation Night in Berlin, showcase our dedication to these values, similar to the goals of the IGLTA report. Travel businesses should focus on visible support for LGBTQ+ rights and ensure safety and inclusivity in their offerings. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations can enhance credibility and attract more travelers. Over 50% of LGBTQ+ travelers are more likely to choose destinations and services that are actively inclusive. What actions can travel companies take to better support LGBTQ+ travelers? Share your thoughts and experiences! Here is the full Report: https://lnkd.in/eDugM7xH

"Everybody is welcome" Sound very familiar to you? Yes, it is, usually many companies or organizations use this phrase when talking about the topic of being LGBTQ friendly. Saying "Everybody is welcome" always is a good start, but true inclusivity goes beyond words. It requires tangible actions, like implementing equality, diversity training for staff, and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ travellers. How about: "We warmly welcome LGBTQ+ travellers." It's direct and straight forward while conveying inclusivity. To express more direct and specific welcome to LGBTQ+ tourism, phrases like "We celebrate diversity and warmly welcome LGBTQ+ travellers", "We are committed to being a safe and welcoming destination for all LGBTQ+ travellers" or "Welcome to our destination, hotel, restaurant, where we celebrate and respect the diversity of all gender identities and sexual orientations" can be used in your web page or social media channels around all year and not just in "pride month" It is important to remember that LGBTQ+ travelers travel all the time and not just once a year...like June. It is important to make LGBTQ+ tourism more visible because it promotes inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. By actively supporting and promoting LGBTQ+ tourism, we can create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to travel, explore, and enjoy their experiences without fear of discrimination. Additionally, highlighting LGBTQ+-friendly destinations and businesses can contribute to economic growth and cultural exchange. Embracing and celebrating LGBTQ+ tourism helps to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone. Hannu Medina 🏳️🌈 (he/him) We Speak Gay Gay Travel Finland Lifeof2men influencers Hannu and Raúl Medina #gaytravelfinland #wespeakgay #lifeof2men #helsinki #lgbtqtravellers #lgbtqtourism #finland

The goal of Applied DEI in travel is to actively create a welcoming environment for all visitors, including those with disabilities, travelers of all ethnicities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Here are some examples: - Inclusive policies: Having accessible websites, multilingual signage, and gender-neutral bathrooms. - Diverse hiring practices: Building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and creating opportunities for everyone. - Marketing that celebrates diversity: Showcasing real people and experiences that break away from the usual stereotypes. Why is Applied DEI important? - It's the right thing to do: Everyone deserves to feel welcome and to experience the world. - It's good for business: Diverse travel companies are more successful and attract a wider range of customers. - It creates a better world: By embracing diversity, we can build a more inclusive and understanding society. Check out our recommended DEI standards for the travel and tourism industry to learn about how we use Applied DEI to make travel welcoming for all: travelunity.org/standards/ #DEI #travel #tourism #diversity #equity #inclusion #TravelUnity

Pride Month in Aviation: Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room 🏳️🌈✈️ Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, and while rainbows and parades are fantastic, let's dive deeper. Are we really talking about the whole LGBTQ+ community in aviation? 🤔 Here's the thing: being LGBTQ+ isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. The challenges faced by someone in London can be worlds apart from those faced by someone in Lagos or Mumbai. We need to acknowledge how race, culture, and ethnicity play a huge role in the LGBTQ+ experience, especially when it comes to travel. So, what's the elephant in the room? 🐘 It's the fact that we often overlook these intersections. We need to understand how homophobia and transphobia can look different in various parts of the world, and how they often get tangled up with racism and cultural norms. It’s about creating an industry where everyone feels safe and welcome, no matter who they are or where they're from. Here's what we can do to make a real difference: 1. Diversify Representation: Let's see all faces of the LGBTQ+ community in our marketing, training, and leadership – not just the ones we're used to. 2. Get Real About Cultural Competency: Train staff to understand and respect the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people from different backgrounds. It's about more than just avoiding offensive language; it's about genuine empathy and understanding. 3. Partner Up: Let's work with LGBTQ+ and human rights organisations around the world. They know the local landscape better than anyone and can help us make a real impact. This Pride Month, let's go beyond the celebrations and commit to creating a truly inclusive aviation industry. 🌍 Let's make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter where they're flying from or to.What are your thoughts? How can we make aviation more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people around the world? Let's get this conversation started! 👇 #UnpackFridays #PrideMonth #Aviation #LGBTQ #Intersectionality #DiversityAndInclusion #Equity #TravelForAll #BeyondRainbows #GlobalInclusion

Finland has significant potential as a destination for LGBTQ+ tourism due to its progressive stance on LGBTQ + rights, beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture. Finland's marketing efforts for LGBTQ+ tourism are not sufficient and must grow in the form of targeted campaigns, online presence and partnerships. To attract more LGBTQ+ tourism first we need more Inclusive Infrastructure. Visibility is of course important, to be improved and targeted marketing. The promotion of extremely important events. Few suggestions: 🌈 Ensure that hotels, restaurants, and attractions are explicitly LGBTQ+-friendly and advertise this inclusiveness, seriously they need to be loud. On digital platforms, social networks, web pages and in their own places, more visibility. 🌈 Provide training for the communication and hospitality staff to ensure a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. 🌈 Create dedicated LGBTQ+ travel guides and resources on official tourism websites. 🌈 Develop targeted marketing campaigns that highlight LGBTQ+ friendly destinations and experiences. 🌈 More aggressively promote existing events such as Helsinki Pride on international platforms. 🌈 Marketing 365 days a year promoting and supporting more events, festivals and cultural activities with LGBTQ+ themes throughout the country. By enhancing visibility, creating inclusive and welcoming experiences, and actively engaging with the global LGBTQ+ community, Finland can become a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. #lgbtq #WeSpeakGay #wespeakgaycommunity #LGBTQFinland #HelsinkiPride #VisitFinland #LoveIsLoveInFinland #RainbowTravelFinland #FinlandForAll #PrideInFinland #DiscoverFinlandLGBTQ #InclusiveFinland