Tui is encouraging independent agents to get in touch with its trade engagement team for detailed information about LGBTQ+-friendly destinations.
The company, which is a sponsor at Manchester Pride this year, has a series of webpages on “rainbow-ready destinations”.
But head of brand marketing Toby Horry said agents are welcome to contact Tui’s trade support team for further information.
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He said: “If agents want very specific information then they can definitely reach out to the trade support team because it may well be that there’s content we can help provide.”
The company has announced it will grow its trade engagement team to a total of 14 staff members through the appointment of five trade relations managers as well as a training delivery manager.
During Manchester Pride, Tui will be the title sponsor of ‘Family Pride MCR’ on Saturday, August 26. As part of a free programme for all ages at Great Northern Square, the company plans to bring along its kids’ club’s Captain T as well as “beach-inspired delights”.
Around 100 staff members from Tui’s LGBTQ+ network will be taking part in the parade itself, accompanied by comedian Caroline Reid’s alter ego Pam Ann.
Horry said the idea of sponsoring Manchester Pride came from Tui’s LGBTQ+ network, which drove the decision to take part in Brighton Pride last year.
The network, which boasts more than 200 employees, has been consulted on a range of company policies, Horry said, including the uniform worn by retail staff.
Other key policies include creative guidelines on inclusivity shared with designers, videographers and copywriters, as well as the introduction of pronoun options on the company’s intranet database.
Speaking more broadly about Tui’s approach on inclusivity, Horry highlighted that the company has made an effort to broaden the range of people who are represented in its advertising.
“We did a Marella Cruises advert about a year ago and one of the actors in that was an amputee,” Horry said, adding: “In the cities advert we launched, one of the characters was deaf and they were using sign language.”
Horry said the webpages on LGBTQ+-friendly destinations can be used by agents and consumers alike.
He added: “We do try to provide information to help people make the right choices for them so they can feel they’re going to somewhere that represents their beliefs and background and their approach.”