Queer Destinations has announced the Spain LGBTI Travel Experiences Guide, first presented at the ITB Diversity Gala in March, part of the annual ITB Berlin travel trade show.
During the event, Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations, announced a new project: the Spain LGBTI Travel Experiences Guide—an initiative supported by Next Generation EU funds and aligned with Spain’s national LGBTQIA+ policies.
In his speech, Weggelaar said, “Spain has long been a global leader in diversity and inclusion. But tonight, we celebrate something even bigger. With the support of Next Generation EU funds, we are setting a new global standard for safe, inclusive, and welcoming tourism. This initiative guarantees that every LGBTI traveler can experience Spain freely and authentically,” he added. “Aligned with Spain’s national LGBTI strategy, it represents a bold step toward making the country the world’s most inclusive travel destination—seamlessly integrating diversity, safety, and inclusion at every stage of the tourism value chain.”
A Project Built on Innovation and Inclusion
At its core, this project focuses on developing two platforms: one for training tourism professionals in LGBTI inclusion and diversity, and a Web App to connect travelers with committed companies and destinations. This guide will also allow travelers to receive personalized recommendations for diverse and inclusive experiences. In its fourth edition, the ITB Diversity Gala once again brought together prominent representatives from the tourism industry, reinforcing its role as a key platform for promoting inclusive initiatives.
Among the attendees were Thomas Boemkes and Tom Dedek from DIVERSITY TOURISM GMBH; Rika Jean-Francois, Head of International Business Relations at Queer Destinations; Adolfo Reyes, Head of Membership & Associates at World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); the Agència Catalana de Turisme; and the Salou City Council.
Queer Destinations Committed Designation
Destinations seeking the Queer Destinations Committed designation are asked to demonstrate a real and credible commitment to queer clients, and the organization offers an educational program to help raise awareness and ensure that the destination and its value chain of suppliers and partners has the ability to meet the community’s needs.
According to their website, being a Queer Destinations Committed brand or destination conveys and communicates a simple and honest message to the community: “You are welcome here and you can be yourself.”
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