LGBT+ discrimination costs 12 English-speaking Caribbean countries up to $4.2 billion a year – as much as 5.7% of annual GDP – according to a new study.
And the region’s tourism industry suffers an annual loss of up to $689 million – about 0.93% of its GDP, said the research.
The study was produced by Virgin Atlantic and Open for Business, a coalition of leading global companies dedicated to LGBT+ inclusion.
Called The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Caribbean, the research included data from the largest ever survey of Caribbean LGBT+ people – those currently living in the region plus diaspora – as well as prospective Caribbean tourists, and interviews with business leaders and employees of Caribbean-based companies.
A statement from Virgin said the research shows the challenges that LGBT+ people in the Caribbean confront on a daily basis are “stark”.
It said: “State-sponsored homophobia and transphobia are prevalent, as is significant social stigma.
“For example, nine of the 12 countries still criminalise same-sex intimacy.
“For trans people, none of the 12 countries allow a change of sex or gender marker on state identifications.”
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The survey of potential LGBT+ and straight tourists found that the key reason given for avoiding a country in the region was because of the negative image they have of how LGBT+ people are treated.
However, the researchers’ interviews with regional business leaders pointed to a “growing focus” on training, as well as other activities to improve diversity among staff and to be welcoming of all visitors.
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial cfficer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “The Caribbean is – understandably – one of the biggest leisure destinations we fly to and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. But, sadly it is also one of the least inclusive.
“To support the region’s economic recovery in the future, it is essential for destinations to attract the widest possible demographic of travellers, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies of the community.
“At Virgin Atlantic, we want every single person who travels with us to feel they can be themselves on holiday and we will continue to use the power of our brand to push for change around the world.”
Kathryn Dovey, executive director of Open For Business, added: “This data sends a clear message to political and business leaders that LGBT+ discrimination and criminalisation is holding back economies in the region.
“If these countries want to increase tourism and not lose talented workers to other countries, they need to embrace greater diversity and inclusion.
“Businesses in the region are beginning to demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion but much more needs to be done.”