Staying with Pride

Gay and lesbian travellers are now spoiled for choice as nearly 100 Preferred Hotel Group™ members around the world have joined together to create Preferred Pride, a distinctive group of independently owned and operated hotels that understand and cater to the specific needs of the LGBT traveller. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Preferred Pride offers consumers the extra level of reassurance many LGBT travellers seek when making their travel decisions. Preferred Pride members also stand for equality in their employment policies and services and are active supporters of the LGBT community.

To be eligible for Preferred Pride, hotels must be either TAG Approved® (Community Marketing’s Travel Alternative Group) or belong to IGLTA® (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association). Both organizations are universally recognized to set the standards for LGBT travel.

As part of the Preferred Pride program, diversity training is offered to hotels to provide insight in best practices in serving the LGBT community from check-in to check-out. Participating hotels may choose to assign an internal ambassador who has completed the training and will champion the activity within the hotel. Training suggestion examples include providing bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries befitting same sex couples; having a knowledgeable concierge who can provide a list of the area’s best attractions, dining and nightlife; or simply including publications within the hotel that acknowledge the specific guest’s interests. In addition, training will provide the hotels with ideas on how they can take a more active role in their local LGBT community through activities, sponsorship and support.

Visit: www.PreferredPride.com