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Reaffirms Commitment to LGBTQ+ Travel with New Campaign
CHICAGO (6 April, 2021)—Orbitz recently joined the elite group of brands that are global partners of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, committing year-round support for the association and LGBTQ+ welcoming travel.
Orbitz’s partnership with IGLTA is part of the travel site’s reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to inclusive travel. Twenty years after launching their first LGBTQ+ print ad encouraging travelers to “see the world on your terms,” Orbitz is debuting a new ad campaign and call to action for LGBTQ+ travelers as the travel industry readies for a comeback.
The campaign, “Travel As You Are,” invites all people to travel on their own terms, not the ones society created for them. A short brand film and new manifesto premieres on Orbitz’s LGBTQ+ travel microsite www.orbitz.com/pride today.
"Having an online travel agency like Orbitz as a partner is important because it amplifies our work to promote safety and equality for LGBTQ+ travelers,” says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “For LGBTQ+ travelers and so many other communities, feeling safe and accepted is still the exception rather than the norm. Now more than ever, our industry needs to step up its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and help rebuild travel in a way that makes everyone feel invited to explore the world."
Visionary LGBTQ+ photographer and director Cass Bird—known for her work with celebs including The Obamas, Jay-Z and Gigi Hadid—directed Travel As You Are, which features LGBTQ+ couples, friends and talent. Underpinning the creative is the musical anthem “You Don’t Own Me,” as recorded by rising indie music artist serpentwithfeet, aka Josiah Young. Young is the first Black male LGBTQ+ artist to re-record Lesley Gore’s feminist classic.
After a year without travel, Orbitz’s new campaign envisions a world post-COVID 19 where queer travelers are celebrated and welcomed. “This is an exciting new chapter for Orbitz as we invest in products that will create impact for and spur change in the industry,” says Orbitz Brand Director Carey Malloy.
About IGLTA
The International LGBTQ+ Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 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. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in approximately 80 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: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook/IGLTA or IGLTABusiness or Twitter and Instagram @iglta.
About Orbitz
For over 20 years, Orbitz has led the way in advocating for LGBTQIA equality and inclusion in travel. At Orbitz.com/Pride, travelers can find LGBTQIA-welcoming hotels that have signed our pledge of inclusivity, plan their next vacation with queer travel guides, products and advice, and earn free travel dollars through the award-winning Orbitz Rewards loyalty program. With Orbitz Rewards, travelers instantly earn Orbucks on bookings which can be redeemed on 385,000+ hotels worldwide. See Terms and Conditions. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Orbitz is owned by Expedia Group, one of the world's foremost travel companies.