HOW TO VET A DESTINATION FOR LGBTQ + TRAVELERS Travel advisors must go beyond the typical considerations when vetting a destination for LGBTQ + clients because hosting Pride events once a year doesn ’ t guarantee a destination is safe for queer travelers . QBIPOC people need additional considerations as they travel to foreign countries as well .
There are several checklist items to ensure a quality destination , such as :
• Research gay legislation in countries around the world —
Equaldex and ILGA are great resources .
• Research the culture ’ s acceptance of BIPOC people .
• Get a pulse on society ’ s acceptance of queer people at the planned destination .
• Browse the destination marketing organization ( DMO ) website to look for LGBTQ + travel resources beyond Pride celebrations .
• Ask destination travel partners if queer clients will be safe , what the client needs to know and do to stay safe while visiting and what extra precautions are taken to ensure safety .
DO ’ S AND DON ’ TS FOR SERVING LGBTQ + TRAVELERS
• Do ask travelers for their pronouns
• Do conduct research beforehand to know which destinations are inclusive and welcoming
• Do review previous LGBTQ + guests ’ feedback
• Do attend the PROUD Experiences to connect with LGBTQ + friendly destinations and hoteliers
• Do follow up with clients after they travel to see if they felt safe
• Don ’ t assume a person ’ s gender or sexuality
• Don ’ t assume all LGBTQ + travelers have the same preferences
• Don ’ t represent yourself as being a part of the community if you ’ re not
• Don ’ t assume a property is LGBTQ + friendly because it has a rainbow logo during Pride
PERFECT ANGLE IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
FALL 2022 / THE COMPASS / 77