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Accor has announced a global partnership with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a leading member-based global organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism.
Accor and IGLTA 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 Accor, the collaboration is the “first step in demonstrating the new, essential pillar within Accor’s Diversity and Inclusion commitment: to increase momentum in welcoming and valuing LGBTQ+ team members, clients and communities”.
With an annual reach of more than 4 million LGBTQ+ consumers, the partnership with IGLTA will also commit Accor to promote LGBTQ+ tourism, and reportedly signals its values as an open and inclusive company to LGBTQ+ communities.
It comes as Accor said it recognises the “critical role” it must take in setting and enforcing the standard for diversity and inclusion, adding that the challenges of the last year have only reinforced the importance of inclusion, equity and care for others.
It added that it has “long taken a proactive and engaged approach to diversity, equity and inclusion”, and that it “seeks to be a leader on LGBTQ+ issues and is proud to partner with IGLTA on this initiative”.
John Tanzella, president and CEO, IGLTA, said: “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.
“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 and 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 whole-heartedly committed to ensuring the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome. We hope our collaboration with IGLTA today 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 and inclusion, Accor, said: “Diversity and inclusion week 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.”
