Thomas Cook should be praised for gay training initiative

Thomas Cook should be praised for gay training initiative

I WAS slightly taken aback by the anonymous letter concerning Thomas Cook and their new training policy regarding gay and lesbian clients (Travel

Weekly April 9).

The writer appears critical of Thomas Cook by making a number of unfounded and inaccurate assumptions. I think the whole concept is a brave and ambitious move on the part of company and one that’s long overdue.

At present, gay holidaymakers normally book via the telephone and the Internet, choosing to use companies such as Respect Holidays and Freedom Travel. I’m sure my friends would love the opportunity to visit their local high-street travel agent and receive professional, expert assistance fromgay-friendly, knowledgeable staff. Clearly this is what Thomas Cook is trying to achieve.

While I agree there is a high proportion of gay men working within the travel industry, there are also a high numbers of heterosexual people in similar roles who are unfamiliar with gay culture.

I know before I ‘came out’ I was unaware that Playa del Ingles and Mykonos were favourite gay holiday destinations.

While I’m sure many gay people know exactly where they want to go on holiday, just as many are looking for guidance from their travel agent – isn’t that what we’re here for in the first place?

To address the writer’s final comment, “we are not a different species” – I don’t believe at any point Thomas Cook have suggested you are. No-one is treating you as an ‘outcast’.

Thomas Cook should be commended for its forward-thinking attitude, not criticised. I hope other high-street agencies follow suit because the message Thomas Cook is sending out is that it values clients from all walks of life and is prepared to invest money in its staff to achieve the highest possible standards of customer service. I’m glad I work for Thomas Cook and I’m glad I’m gay.

Paul Mccarroll, Thomas Cook, Motherwell, Strathclyde