HBX Group seals partnership deal with Queer Destinations

HBX Group and Queer Destinations have signed an agreement to collaborate on driving “inclusive and sustainable” tourism worldwide.

 

The partners said it reflects the “shared commitment” of both organisations to promote diversity, equality and inclusion within the travel industry, “while empowering destinations, hotels, and service providers to create safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travellers”.

 

HBX Group owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, Roiback and The Luxurist, while Queer Destinations develops strategies for more inclusive tourism, focused on the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Queer Destinations said the global LGBTQ+ travel segment is valued at more than $4.7 trillion annually.

 

As part of this agreement, HBX Group will implement the Queer Destinations Committed standards to receive the distinction, designed to train all employees on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

 

Queer Destinations will work with HBX Group to engage with its strategic partners, integrate inclusive booking tools and boost the visibility of those businesses that meet the Queer Destinations Committed standards.

 

Both parties will to promote their alliance, “aiming to spark a genuine transformation in how the tourism sector understands diversity and inclusion, and provide a new level of safety and excellence for the queer community around the world”.

 

Edgar Weggelaar, chief executive of Queer Destinations, said: “At Queer Destinations, we believe that inclusion is not only an essential value but also a driver of innovation and growth in tourism.

 

“Pinkwashing is no longer acceptable. Travellers demand actions that generate real impact within companies and across society as a whole.”

 

Oriol Pamies, founder of Queer Destinations, added: “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat in many parts of the world, this alliance allows us to continue building safe spaces for the queer community – setting a new global standard that will forever change the way we travel.

 

“With every purchasing decision, the LGBTQ+ community can reward the companies that openly support us – those who choose to stand on the right side of history.”

 

Elena Perez, chief human resources and ESG officer on behalf of HBX Group, commented: “At HBX Group, we believe that travel should be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.

 

“Partnering with Queer Destinations is a meaningful step toward sparking genuine transformation in how our industry understands and embraces diversity, inclusion, and safety.”