Accor, a world leader in hospitality, and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), the leading member-based global organisation dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism, announced a Global partnership.
Together, Accor and IGLTA will strive to ensure the hospitality industry is a safe and inclusive space for all, whilst facilitating and driving equality within the travel sector. This partnership is the first step in demonstrating the new, essential pillar within Accor’s Diversity and Inclusion commitment to increasing momentum in welcoming and valuing LGBTQ+ team members, clients and communities.
The partnership is an important statement about Accor’s belief in the social and economic benefits of LGBTQ+ tourism and the need to make all travellers feel welcome. Annual reaching more than 4 million LGBTQ+ consumers, Accor’s partnership with IGLTA commits the hotel company to promote LGBTQ+ tourism and expresses the group’s values as an open and inclusive company towards LGBTQ+ communities.
As a prominent presence in the hospitality industry, Accor recognises the critical role it must take in establishing and enforcing the standard for diversity and inclusion. The challenges of the last year have reinforced the importance of community and the relevance of the group’s values of inclusion, equity, and care for others. These core values are a great strength and driver for cultivating company-wide innovation and performance, and creating an inclusive environment for all.
Accor has taken a proactive and engaging approach to its Diversity and Inclusion commitment by implementing inclusion policies, promoting the “We are Open” campaign, and sponsoring Pride marches. Accor seeks to be a leader on LGBTQ+ issues and is proud to partner with IGLTA.
“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,” said Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Accor.
“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,” commented Anne Sophie Beraud, VP Group Diversity & Inclusion, Accor.
“As the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, we are proud to take a leadership role in championing diversity and inclusivity. For us, accepting diversity is not enough. Instead, we celebrate and encourage the diversity of our people and guests each day. Embracing diversity and equal opportunities, leads to a positive and productive workforce, which ultimately results in career development, greater debate, decision-making and outcomes for society,” said Simon McGrath, CEO, Accor Pacific.
