Hyatt Hotels Corporation

In 2019, Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a Global Partner with IGLTA. Over the past decade, Hyatt and IGLTA have developed a strong and supportive partnership. In fact, the global hotel chain has hosted IGLTA Annual Global Conventions in both Los Angeles (2015) and Chicago (2013) and IGLTA attended and presented at Hyatt GIDC (Global Inclusion Diversity Council) Meetings in Miami, Paris and Hong Kong.

Headquartered in Chicago, Hyatt is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 19 premier brands. As of March 31, the company's portfolio included more than 850 properties in over 60 countries across six continents.

The company's purpose “to care for people so they can be their best” informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a proud Gold Level Global Partner of IGLTA, one of the highest levels of commitment to IGLTA.

Why are you proud to be an IGLTA Global Partner?

Being your best means being your most authentic, whole self—no matter who you are or whom you love. It’s because of our commitment to fostering a world of understanding and inclusion for all that we are proud to partner with IGLTA. This is the manifestation of our purpose and it’s essential for us to lead the way.

What led your organization to become an IGLTA Global Partner?

Serving as a global partner to IGLTA was a natural fit, as Hyatt is an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate offering care for LGBTQ+ guests and colleagues worldwide. Through our global efforts, we want our guests to feel welcome no matter where they are traveling or exploring, and hope they will enjoy a confident and comfortable stay that encourages them to proudly and authentically be who they are. Our commitment is aligned with IGLTA’s mission and efforts to provide resources and information to the community, while promoting equality and safety. 

What aspects of the LGBTQ+ market are important to you?

Hyatt’s purpose of care informs all our business decisions, and marketing to LGBTQ+ travelers goes beyond increasing market share. We are committed to our hotels being inclusive and welcoming for any guest regardless of who they are and what occasion they’re traveling for—be it weddings, leisure or business travel.

Is your organization currently engaged in other LGBTQ+ marketing or advocacy efforts, and if so, what are you doing?

Hyatt, a Platinum Sponsor of WorldPride 2019, has been a longstanding supporter of LGBTQ+ equality and earned the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s title as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” for the 12th year in a row in 2018.

Hyatt is also a signatory of the United Nations Free & Equal Standards for Best Practices, an initiative that strives to stand up for equal rights and fair treatment for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people everywhere.

Is your business currently a member of any other LGBTQ+ organizations?

Hyatt works with a number of leading organizations to strengthen our inclusivity from both internal and external perspectives. Beyond the events in which we participate with IGLTA, we also support the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and have signed the United Nation’s LGBTI Standards of Conduct.

 

How are the employees of your organization currently engaging with the LGBTQ+

community? Do you have ERGs, BRGs or other employee organizations related to Diversity & Inclusion?

Internally, our DBRG’s (Diversity Business Resource Groups) are affinity groups that represent Hyatt colleagues’ diverse cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints, and offer an opportunity to work, connect and do business inclusively.

One of those DBRG’s is HyPride, for which we have 30 chapters for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community and colleagues from across the globe connecting, mentoring and inspiring each other. HyPride is chaired by Hyatt’s General Counsel, Margaret Egan, C-Suite level support.

 

What else are you doing in the broader Diversity & Inclusion market?

Hyatt hotels and corporate offices around the world celebrate a Hyatt family that is as diverse as our guests and the communities in which our hotels operate. An inclusive culture is at the core of our purpose—we care for people so they can be their best. 

Our CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, has signed on to the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace and chairs our Global Inclusion & Diversity Council whose mission is to positively impact Hyatt’s global reputation and performance by promoting cultural competence and an inclusive workplace, being more diverse to reflect our customer base, and developing global and cultural awareness throughout Hyatt’s global business.

Beyond HyPride and our efforts with the LGBTQ+ community, Hyatt colleagues can connect with others in affinity groups including:  

  • Hyatt Asian-Pacific Islanders
  • Hyatt B.L.A.C.K
  • Hyatt disABILITIES
  • Latinos@Hyatt
  • Veterans@Hyatt
  • Women@Hyatt

Hyatt subsidiaries develop, develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including those under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, Joie de Vivre®tommie™Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

 

About the author

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity marketing consultant, and photographer. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization, and is currently the CEO of OUTCOAST, an online LGBTQ travel website marketing the Gulf Coast of Florida as an LGBTQ-inclusive place to VISIT, CELEBRATE, and LIVE. Rachel is also an avid event photographer and has captured photos for LGBT organizations around the world, including the IGLTA. To follow Rachel's adventures, follow her on instagram at @rachelcovello or at @outcoastfl