Travel News

IGLTA teams up with GayComfort to deliver even better holidays

Tuesday, 7th October 2008

Written by Mark Collins

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has announced a new partnership with the leading gay and lesbian specialist marketing agency, Out Now, and its gay travel training, accreditation and marketing program, GayComfort.

The aim is to provide increased training for staff within the travel industry, offering them, their hotels and other tourist businesses the opportunity to receive the GayComfort accreditation which tells potential customers that they are 'gay-friendly'.

Research over the past two years has shown that 75% of gay travellers will actively seek out gay-welcoming hotels and as Tom Nibbio, IGLTA Global Ambassador, explains, "as a result of GayComfort accreditation, gay consumers know they can book and relax at every stage of their vacations". The training program covers areas such as the use of appropriate terminology, as well as settling the score on stereotypes and practical tips on how staff can allow their lesbian and gay customers to relax and be themselves.

"It is the attitude of staff that really determines whether a consumer has a great vacation or not. That is really valuable to gay people on vacation, and it is something that most other travellers take for granted and never have to think about," said Out Now CEO, Ian Johnson.

The partnership between IGLTA and GayComfort aims to set that international industry standard for gay travel training and encourage more businesses to invest in the multi-billion dollar gay travel market.