Hilton Hotels has partnered with Husbands That Travel (HTT) to launch a training program to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in marketing strategies and service experiences for the tourism industry.
Working with HTT, team members across Hilton’s hotels in Australia will participate in interactive workshops which aim to convey an understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences when travelling, deliver a strategic framework for creating an LGBTQIA+ inclusive service experience, and facilitate hotels to create their own LGBTQIA+ inclusivity action plans.
“At Hilton, we recognise the importance of serving the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, and we’re committed to delivering the best, most inclusive experience for our team members and guests, and not just talking about it,” regional director of HR Australasia, Hilton, Mary Hogg, said.
“We want to ensure the LGBTQIA+ community feels welcome and included at our hotels, so educating our team members on their travel needs will mean we are well placed to deliver exceptional Hilton hospitality experiences for them.”
“We are privileged to be working with Husbands That Travel to deliver this and look forward to continuing to warmly welcome LGBTQIA+ travellers at all Hilton properties across the country,” Mary added.
“Right from when we started to work with Hilton, they had an understanding of the importance of inclusivity, and the importance of going beyond lip service, starting by making sure their team members are thoroughly trained,” co-founder, HTT, Charlie Douty, said.
“It’s been clear that Hilton is committed to creating the best possible experience for all guests.”
“From our first conversation with Hilton, plans for training all levels of their staff from leadership to the front desk team progressed incredibly quickly, with the workshop going from an idea to a reality in just three weeks.”
The internal initiative has seen 350 NSW based team members go through the training so far, including Hilton’s Australasia regional office leadership team, on-property leadership teams and front-line hotel teams.
Underpinning the training is research HTT has undertaken which surveyed over 500 LGBTQIA+ travellers in Australia specific to their personal experiences and anxieties when travelling, and their recommendations on how hotels can create a welcoming experience for LGBTQIA+ guests.
