With international travel now resuming, a new Booking.com study conducted amongst LGBTIQ+ travellers across 25 countries including Australia, reveals over half (52%) of Aussies report they have to consider their safety and wellbeing as an LGBTIQ+ traveller.
Booking.com Travel Proud hotel robes supporting Minus18
As a platinum partner of Winter Pride 2022 kicking off across the ditch in New Zealand today, Booking.com has launched its Travel Proud research and a limited range of Travel Proud hotel robes in support of ‘Wear it Purple Day’ and Minus18. The study and robes shine a spotlight on the attitudes, concerns and preferences of Australian LGBTIQ+ travellers, as well as past stay experiences, current realities and hopes for a more inclusive travel future.
The exclusive Booking.com Travel Proud robes are available for purchase for $50.00 each from Friday 26 August via RallyUp. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Minus18, Australia’s charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth via life-affirming events, leadership programs, and education for the whole community. This year, 100% of proceeds raised through Wear it Purple Day with Minus18 will go towards creating free safe spaces and events for LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia. Additionally, as part of its commitment to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com will be matching sales dollar-for-dollar.
The limited edition robes feature a digital collage of hand drawn imagery by Australian designer, Jordan Gogos.“Referencing Daniel Willifords (2009), Queer Aesthetics - the design is a celebration of the ‘unbound image’ - the ambiguity of visuals colliding into one another allow for an excess of unforeseen perspectives - constant possibilities can be configured and represented - as travel should be for everyone to enjoy.” says Gogos.
“Booking.com recognises that travelling with pride isn’t just limited to one moment in a year. I am proud of our collaboration and partnership with Australian designer, Jordan Gogos, and our Travel Proud robes - which send an important message on the importance of travel inclusivity.
Travellers should feel safe, comfortable and authentically themselves no matter where they are and who they love.” says Arjan Dijk, CMO and Senior Vice President at Booking.com.
“At Booking.com, we believe everyone should be able to experience the world as themselves, always. From taking the time to unwind to experiencing different cultures, travellers from LGBTIQ+ communities ultimately want the same as everyone else when it comes to travelling and the industry needs to make welcoming experiences the norm for everyone - no matter who they love, how they identify or where they come from.
We hope to lead a more inclusive industry and drive wider change that will create more welcoming experiences for everyone,” says Dijk.
A more inclusive travel experience for everyone
Almost half (43%) of all LGBTIQ+ travellers from Australia have experienced discrimination when travelling. And over half (52%) of Australian LGBTIQ+ travellers say that being part of the community impacts the decisions they make when planning. For example, when selecting a destination:
- Almost half (44%) of the LGBTIQ+ community feel that the destinations on their 'bucket list' have been affected by being part of the community
- 46% believe being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community impacts who they choose to travel with
- 47% indicate being LGBTIQ+ impacts the activities they participate in when away
Despite this, there are seeds of positivity and green shoots of progress across LGBTIQ+ travel, there remains a real need – and opportunity – for the industry to make the travel experience more welcoming, inclusive, and holistically positive for LGBTIQ+ travellers, and ultimately for everyone. When LGBTIQ+ travellers were asked about what they hope to see from travel companies, the results provide real food for thought:
- 30% would like more tailored recommendations for their preferences and interests
- 36% would like additional information shared on the LGBTIQ+ status of the location, including local laws, religious sensibilities, clothing mandatories and LGBTIQ+ hate crime stats
- 36% would like to see filters that allow them to identify properties that offer a positive experience for LGBTIQ+ travellers
Recognising the important role properties play in providing a more inclusive experience, Booking.com began paving the way for everyone to Travel Proud with the launch of Booking.com’s Proud Hospitality training programme in August 2021. More than 1,000 properties across Australia and New Zealand are now being recognised for their inclusive hospitality efforts with a Travel Proud badge on Booking.com
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