New LGBTQ+ hotel certification program launches

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International journey and hospitality supplier Sonders & Beach has partnered with RINA to formally launch the world’s first LGBTQ+ certification program to determine and certify inns, locations and journey service suppliers that assure a secure and inclusive surroundings to all members of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The historic QueerVadis Certification Program will award accreditations to entities that meet rigorous regulatory requirements and protocols to make sure LGBTQ+ purchasers expertise a respectful and absolutely welcoming surroundings. The traveller will probably be assured the liberty to be themselves with out concern of harassment or judgement.

A Rigorous Review Process

The QueerVadis Certification Program is carried out in collaboration with the Italian LGBTQ+ Tourism Organization (AITGL). RINA’s acclaimed third-party certification course of will present impartial assure of compliance, supporting QueerVadis’ insurance policies throughout all facets of tasks, operations, logistics, and laws. To earn the certification, candidates should go a rigorous 60-point evaluate course of that features the correct coaching of workers and administration, adherence to a Code of Ethics, and a dedication to guaranteeing the best degree of security, safety and repair to the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

RINA will carry out the preliminary certification audits and supply ongoing evaluate, thereafter, aimed toward sustaining the standing of an “LGBTQ + Welcoming” firm.

“LGBTQ+ travel is a powerful and influential part of the global tourism industry, representing more than $200 billion worldwide. It is also one of the fastest-growing segments, comprising more than 10 per cent of all travellers,” mentioned Alessio Virgili, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonders & Beach. “The QueerVadis Certification Program will guarantee LGBTQ+ travellers a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.”

“We are proud to partner with Sonders & Beach to help create a world where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel respected and valued in their own identity, regardless of where they travel,” mentioned Nicola Battuello, Executive Vice President – RINA. “The QueerVadis Certification Program is in line with the PNRR values for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable tourism. The growing recognition of its importance in the industry is a clear example of how, by joining forces, two companies can contribute to a society that is increasingly attentive to the well-being of all.”

Growing Membership

Sonders & Beach’s partnership with RINA was launched throughout the current European States General of LGBTQ+ Tourism held in Milan and arranged by AITGL, the Italian physique of LGBTQ+ Tourism. Participating organizations included UNWTO, ETOA, IGLTA, ENIT, Confindustria Federturismo, Fiavet, the Mayor of Milan, and the tourism our bodies of eight European international locations.

Current QueerVadis-certified members embrace the UNA Hotels Group, Leonardo Hotels, Italian Tourism Agency (ENIT), Best Western, the Municipality of Milan, and the Municipality of Crema, amongst others. Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, headquartered in Berlin, is liable for a hotel portfolio in international locations that embrace Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Italy. The portfolio encompasses 84 inns in 37 areas with greater than 14,500 rooms.

Leonardo Hotel’s Fattal Hotel Group, primarily based in Italy, was among the many first to finish the certification. It was wanting to develop into “QueerVadis Approved” with the method of the thirty eighth Annual IGLTA World Convention, the premier convergence level for LGBTQ+ tourism professionals, in October 2022. With the conference being held in Milan, one in every of Italy’s fastest-growing locations for LGBTQ+ journey, the hotel group acknowledged the significance of making certain guests of its inclusive insurance policies.

“We want every guest to know that, at our properties, they can feel completely free to be themselves,” mentioned Rafi Carmon, Country General Manager, Italy. “The QueerVadis Certification is proof of our commitment to providing an inclusive environment of safety, support and superior service to the LGBTQ+ traveler.”

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