Accor and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a member-based global organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism, have formed a global partnership. Together, they will work to ensure the hospitality industry is a safe and inclusive space for all, and will facilitate and drive equality within the travel sector, according to the hotel company. The collaboration is the first step in demonstrating the new pillar within Accor’s Diversity & Inclusion commitment: to increase momentum in welcoming and valuing LGBTQ+ team members, clients and communities.
With an annual reach of more than four million LGBTQ+ consumers, the platinum-level partnership with IGLTA commits Accor to promote LGBTQ+ tourism and signals the group’s values as an open and inclusive company to LGBTQ+ communities.
Accor has long taken a proactive and engaged approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. Whether it is through implementing internal inclusion policies, promoting external messaging such as ibis’ “We are Open” campaign or sponsoring Pride marches, the company seeks to be a leader on LGBTQ+ issues.
“We have long admired Accor’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and are thrilled to expand our relationship to an integrated, year-round approach to advancing LGBTQ+ travel,” said John Tanzella, president/CEO, IGLTA. “Accor’s commitment to creating safe, welcoming experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers and to championing diversity within their team perfectly aligns with IGLTA’s mission and the work of our global partners.”
Steven Daines, chief talent & culture officer, Accor, said, “We are immensely proud to be joining an incredible group of global firms in celebrating and advancing LGBTQ+ tourism. With more than 260,000 Accor team members in 110 countries, diversity makes us who we are; it forms our very identity and defines our people-first culture. As a group, we are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome. We hope our collaboration with IGLTA will further consolidate our aspiration to be the reference point in the hospitality sector for LGBTQ+ employees and guests.”
Anne Sophie Beraud, VP group diversity & inclusion, Accor, said, “[Pride Month] is an incredibly important time for Accor to celebrate our people and our differences. It is also a crucial time to focus on next steps and continue to evaluate where we can improve. We strive to continuously build upon and develop initiatives to ensure the LGBTQ+ community feels supported to travel and experience the world, and our new pillar within our group policy reflects our commitment to this essential area.”
