Travel platform Booking.com Thailand received the Employee Wellness Program of the Year at the inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand for its diversity and inclusion initiative B. Proud that aims to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for travellers, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+.
The initiative targets the LGBTQ+ community, with a comprehensive approach that includes both external hotel partners and internal practices.
One of its significant achievements has been the successful support and training of over 1,500 hotel partners. This has been made possible through a collaboration with Hospitableme, a company renowned for its expertise in diversity and inclusion training in the hospitality sector. The training is provided free of charge and is focused on equipping the hotel partners with the knowledge and tools to offer a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ guests.
On successful completion of the training, hotel partners are granted a ‘Travel Proud’ tag on the Booking.com platform. This tagging system serves a dual purpose — allowing LGBTQ+ travellers to easily identify and choose accommodations that are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, and offering deserved recognition to hotel partners that have made a concerted effort to foster inclusivity.
The company also champions inclusivity within its operations through the B. Proud Ambassadors. These are individuals who actively host online sessions to promote openness and inclusivity amongst the team members. The sessions have been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive company culture and have resulted in increased team engagement.
“The significant and lasting impact of the initiative on its target audience and the industry is demonstrated by the fact that it has made travel more accessible and welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community, and fostered an inclusive culture within Booking.com,” the company said.
Booking.com Thailand’s comprehensive efforts address a major challenge in the travel industry, in which 82% of LGBTQ+ travellers report less-than-welcoming experiences whilst travelling. It makes significant strides towards its goal of easing accessibility and inclusion for travel.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.