Home-based travel agency network Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is rolling out a new initiative to help its travel advisors better serve LGBTQ+ travelers. The program, launched during Pride Month, focuses on educating advisors about the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community when traveling internationally.
According to LGBT Capital, the global LGBTQ+ community’s spending power is estimated at $4.6 trillion, with $99.6 billion spent on international travel alone. This substantial market presents a significant opportunity for travel advisors.
In collaboration with Ed Salvato, a leading LGBTQ+ travel expert, and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is offering webinars to guide its network on authentically engaging with LGBTQ+ travelers. The training emphasizes safety and inclusion, urging advisors to thoroughly research destinations to ensure they are genuinely welcoming. Salvato’s webinar also explores the needs and concerns LGBTQ+ travelers may have, and provides information on friendly destinations and others that may require caution.
Just like doctors need to brush up on the latest medical practices or lawyers with legislation, travel advisors need education on so many different fronts to make sure we’re sending clients to safe and welcoming environments.
“With Pride Month, we felt it was the perfect time to offer these educational trainings and niche marketing assets to all of our franchisees who would like to deepen their understanding of and connection to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne.
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Jeff Leach, a Dream Vacations franchise owner from Nebraska, underscores the importance of this knowledge: “Just like doctors need to brush up on the latest medical practices or lawyers with legislation, travel advisors need education on so many different fronts to make sure we’re sending clients to safe and welcoming environments.”
The initiative also includes a joint webinar with IGLTA in early June, providing free travel resources and information to promote equality and safety in LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.