MedCruise and Queer Destinations: Traveling Freely
During the 64th general assembly of MedCruise held in June in Tarragona, inclusivity was the central theme extensively discussed during enriching panels, including a session dedicated to how ports and destinations can be inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.
The power of the LGBTQ+ community is incredible, as analyzed with staggering numbers: 10% of the world’s population identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community; 21% of Generation Z and beyond identifies as LGBTQ+; the annual global spending power of the segment amounts to $4.7 trillion. If the LGBTQ+ community were an economic power, it would rank fifth globally. Additionally, LGBTQ+ tourism records an annual growth rate of 10.3%, compared to conventional tourism’s 3.8%, and individuals within the community make an average of 3.8 trips per year, versus 1.5 trips in conventional tourism.
Edgar Weggelaar
Queer Destinations – MedCruise
Information presented at MedCruise by Edgar Weggelaar, partner and CEO of Queer Destinations, highlighted the organization’s role as a bridge connecting businesses, institutions, and destinations with the LGBTQ+ segment, aiming to create safer and more inclusive tourist spaces. This goal is achieved through the Queer Destinations Committed recognition, helping companies adapt their products and ensure safety for all customers, regardless of sexual orientation, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
The Queer Destinations Committed recognition involves training 100% of employees through the educational program “Hospitality meets diversity,” covering LGBTQ+ community history and real-life case studies, aiming to provide the best possible experience for both queer travelers and employees.
Queer Destinations‘ method, involving engagement, awareness, strategy, and implementation, always rooted in communication, incorporates updated statistical data, interviews, and practical case studies. For instance, during MedCruise, attention was drawn to the 2021 partnership between Queer Destinations and Palladium Hotel Group, which has grown over the years through successful execution of various strategies aimed at attracting the LGBTQ+ audience, achieving milestones such as over 500 nights booked using the QUEER code, training more than 4000 people through Hospitality meets diversity, and achieving a satisfaction rate of 4.83/5.
Case Study Queer Destinations
Queer Destinations Committed – credit Queer destinations
The goal is undoubtedly to create a safe environment for discussion and education on the LGBTQ+ community, its consumer habits, and appropriate hospitality practices. Being a Queer Destinations Committed destination or company sends a clear message of welcome to the community, allowing individuals to be free to be themselves, a promise companies must demonstrate to avoid the risk of the opposite effect.
Currently, Queer Destinations operates in 14 countries, successfully training over 120,000 tourism professionals through its “Hospitality meets diversity” educational program, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers. It boasts a network of over 300 partners, including brands like W Hotels, Mexico Travel Group, AVASA, Meliá, UDON, and Marriott. The educational program consists of a virtual course via e-learning platform, educating participants on everything they need to know about the LGBTQ+ community, their consumer habits, and how to appropriately welcome them. This is crucial for creating personalized, discrimination-free experiences with zero tolerance for any form of harassment, intimidation, ridicule, threat, stigma, or other physical or psychological violence.
Queer Destinations Program – Credit QD
Queer Destinations has created a list of requirements necessary to be LGBTQ+ friendly, based on international standards, which entities and destinations should commit to in order to become Queer Destinations Committed. A beautiful statement encapsulates this endeavor: “If there’s something as beautiful as being able to love freely, it’s being able to travel just as freely.” This undoubtedly reflects Queer Destinations’ intention to drive necessary change and support those striving to make this world a more diverse, open, and engaged space, a theme fully represented at this MedCruise and likely to contribute to the global growth of increasingly inclusive ports and destinations.
Don’t miss news, updates and reviews on the world of cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.