INCLUSION The Diversity & Inclusion Protocol for Italian tourism

QUEERVADIS APPROVED

A NEW DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PROTOCOL TO WELCOME LGBTQ+ TRAVELERS HAS BEEN CREATED IN ITALY

by Giovanna Ceccherini

Anew Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Protocol, validated and certifi ed by RINA, has been launched in Italy so that all sectors related to hospitality can provide a warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community. Entities which adopt the Protocol are demonstrating an active interest in welcoming diverse travelers of all types, and it assures guests that the establishment has undertaken diversity training and LGBTQ+ awareness activities with its staff. The program is being supervised by the Scientifi c Committee of AITGL (Italian Association of Gay and Lesbian Tourism), and will be marketed and rec-

ognized by travelers under the “QueerVadis Approved” brand and logo. The D&I Protocol was created by the Sonders&Beach Group in collaboration with the AITGL, with the following opening statement of the protocol summarizing its main goal: “Every person has the right to enjoy a touristic service tailored to his or her needs, in order to enjoy and be comfortable away from home, in full self-confidence and simply being themselves without the risk of being criticized or discriminated against”. Alessio Virgili, President of AITGL and CEO of the Sonders&Beach group, felt that Italy could no longer rely on the standard hospitality formulas of the past, because at least 7% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQ+ and these individuals represent a growing and important market sector, and one that will be key to the post-pandemic economic recovery in global tourism. The QueerVadis Approved designation indicates that the entity has agreed to adhere to a set of ethical standards when it comes to LGBTQ+ guests and other diverse travelers. It ensures that staff has been properly trained to welcome these guests, and provides guidance to the establishment on marketing and communication outreach efforts dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourists…realizing that this important sector wants not only to be accepted, but also invited and welcomed with a dedicated offer in Italy. Obtaining and maintaining the QueerVadis Approved designation depends on AITGL auditors, who are all tourism professionals that understand the requirements and regulations of the program, and who are dedicated to the mission of making Italy the most welcoming country to LGBTQ+ tourism in Europe. Sonders&Beach’s new D&I Protocol and QueerVadis Approved program will provide the international LGBTQ+ traveler with a very useful instrument evaluating and choosing options when planning their trip to Italy. Italy is ready for the resumption of global tourism, and this initiative will ensure that no one is left behind in ensuring the best quality of service and inclusive welcome to all visitors.