University of Queensland research has helped Australia to launch a national LGBTQIA+ tourism accreditation to acknowledge businesses welcoming diversity.
Dr Faith Ong from UQ's Business School said the Rainbow Ready accreditation would help the LGBTQIA+ community identify tourism attractions, accommodation, venues and events.
"It might come as a surprise, but even in this day and age, many LGBTQIA+ people still need to research businesses beforehand for their travel safety," Dr Ong said.
The voluntary application process will be overseen by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), with successful businesses able to display the Rainbow Ready sign (displayed to the left) at its business premises and on marketing material.
Dr Ong said LGBTIQIA+ accreditation would not require dramatic changes by tourism operators but instead acknowledged and emphasised current policies as key starting points.
"By law, businesses can't discriminate and most Australians are accepting people, but this accreditation is an opportunity for business owners to keep their values front of mind," Dr Ong said.
"The expectations of staff would be written into policies and communicated in training to help avoid making awkward assumptions, such as hotel staff assuming a same-sex couple are platonic friends and offering them separate beds.
"Training could also equip staff with the skills to intervene or provide support if derogatory LGBTQIA+ slurs were used."
The study involved interviews with LGBTQIA+ travellers and tourism operators.
Dr Ong said research found having an accreditation outwardly showing support for the LGBTQIA+ community would also benefit businesses.
"There are opportunities for increased sales, new marketing channels and perceived credibility while making the environment more welcoming, inclusive and ethical," Dr Ong said.
ATIC chief executive Erin McLeod said with 6 years to go until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now was the perfect time for businesses to become accredited ahead of the international community's arrival.
"Tourism operators displaying signs of support would signal to visitors Australia is welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ travellers who often need to exercise a degree of caution when exploring unfamiliar locations," Ms McLeod said.
"This accreditation is a way of communicating Australia's tourism industry is welcoming to the world."
Collaboration and acknowledgements
The research was co-authored by Associate Professor Clifford Lewis from Charles Sturt University and Dr Luke Greenacre from Monash University.
