The Holiday Franchise Company has become a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) to support its agents working in the sector.
Founded and backed by homeworking group Holidaysplease, The Holiday Franchise Company said the decision to join IGLTA was prompted by a new franchisee which specialises in LGBTQ+ holidays.
Joanne Aldridge, head of franchise, said: “One of our newest franchisees, The Trip Designers, are featuring LGBTQ+ holidays but we didn’t have tools in place to support them.
“It’s important our partners know we will evolve with them to grow their brand.”
IGLTA offers its members travel resources and information and promotes equality and safety in the LGBTQ+ tourism sector.
Members include LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, transport, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators and travel media in more than 75 countries.
Aaron Pease (pictured), founder of The Trip Designers, has written a blog on The Holiday Franchise Company about why advice and support are needed for LGBTQ+ holidaymakers.
“Unfortunately, around the world, the freedoms, laws and attitudes shown in the UK are still nowhere near being matched,” he writes.
“In 69 regions, it is still illegal to be involved in a homosexual act and in 36 of those regions, homosexual acts can grant you a place in prison or even land you with the death penalty.”
He highlights issues such as hotel beds for couples, travel insurance for those who are transgendered, and the need for non-binary folk to choose a gender on forms.
“People need to feel safe when they travel and know they’ll be able to have a good time whilst they’re away and this starts at the beginning with the agency they book with,” he concludes.
Luke Western, head of sales and marketing at the Holiday Franchise Company, said: “We want to showcase our model is open to all.”
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