Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (29 March, 2018)—IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association announced that Marriott International has been named a Platinum Level global partner, which places them in the top tier of global brand leaders that have committed to year-round support for the association and LGBTQ-welcoming travel. IGLTA is the world’s leading member-based organization for LGBTQ+ hospitality and tourism.
"We are incredibly proud that Marriott International has decided to enhance its engagement with IGLTA, helping us to continue expanding our worldwide resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and the tourism industry,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “It’s through strong partnerships with global leaders such as Marriott International that we are able to demonstrate the strength of the LGBTQ+ tourism market and help to make travel more welcoming for all.” Marriott International’s move to the top level of IGLTA global partners comes after years of participation in the association’s partner program.
Apoorva Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs for Marriott International, said, “We are honored to be a global ally with IGLTA leaders who not only share our values, but also our commitment to welcoming all. There is nothing more important for a global hospitality leader than to ensure everyone, including our many LGBTQ+ colleagues, families, friends, business partners and guests are welcome everywhere they stay.”
“We have long been recognized for our dedication to inclusion and equality as demonstrated by our perfect 100 percent score on the Corporate Equality Index, along with path-breaking campaigns celebrating #LoveTravels,” said Cherilyn Williams, Marriott International’s Global Director of Portfolio Marketing Strategy and Planning. This year, Marriott became the first global hospitality company to endorse the historic United Nations LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business, aimed to tackle discrimination globally against Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Intersex People.
Marriott International embraces its global responsibility and unique opportunity to be a force for good. Guided by its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, Marriott is committed to making a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. While integrating sustainability across its value chain and mitigating climate-related risk, the company is working to reduce environmental impacts, build and operate sustainable hotels, source responsibly, advance human rights, and create opportunities for the communities where we operate. To learn more about the company’s efforts and its 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, visit marriott.com/serve360 and follow @MarriottPOV on Twitter.
ABOUT IGLTA:
IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. The association’s membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in approximately 75 countries. IGLTA’s Global Partner program provides companies with heightened recognition and visibility among LGBTQ+ travelers with enhanced marketing and communication opportunities throughout the association’s worldwide network.
For more information, visit iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta. Our 35th Anniversary Global Convention will be held 9-12 May 2018 in Toronto; updates are available at iglta.org/convention.