Celebrating Diversity in Tourism [Video]

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The sixth episode highlights the importance of celebrating diversity in tourism. You will learn how to attract and interact with the LGBTQ+ market and position yourself as a friendly destination.

Being an inclusive destination means not just ensuring that your own organisation is inclusive, but also that all of the organisations in your destination provide a welcoming environment for your visitors.

In this episode, we’ll be joined by:
• Ste Dunn, Director, Northern Pride
• Jonathan Lucas, MICE Promotions Specialist, Osaka Tourism & Convention Bureau

In this episode, we learn that celebrating diversity cannot be done for just one month; it is a full-time job. Supporting the LGBTQ+ market is about more than just pride festivals and should consider the specific nuances of this market. Businesses need support and training to overcome misinformation and stereotypes so that they become more empathetic and understand the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

There is a need to overcome cultural barriers and engage organisations – both within and outside the tourism sector – to minimise hesitancy and reluctance for marketing products to the LGBTQ+ community. Businesses need to learn about the types of language and adaptations that should be made to ensure the LGBTQ+ community have positive travel experiences. This is a process that takes time and effort, requiring a future-oriented outlook for destination development.

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The podcast is part of the Hospitality Innovation Tourism Supply (HITS) programme which provides targeted support, learning resources and grant funding to businesses in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside to help make their ideas a reality. The programme is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Food and Drink North East and NBSL.