Booking.com, the exclusive digital travel provider of Sydney WorldPride, this week launched its Travel Proud Stories experience at Pride Villages on Crown Street, Sydney.
The giant interactive digital suitcase has already attracted thousands of visitors, housing a meaningful collection of stories that shine a light on LGBTQIA+ travel experiences.
Featuring on the Travel Proud stage will be Austrian Eurovision star Conchita Wurst as well as iconic Aussie drag queen, Courtney Act, who have both shared their own Travel Proud stories for the experience.
Ahead of his performance at the Booking.com Travel Proud stage on Saturday 4 March, Conchita Wurst said, “It’s important to have a place to stay where you really feel welcomed and accepted as you are, where you feel seen and can have all that you need to be your most authentic-self at the same time.”
“All the Travel Proud properties we have stayed in are a home away from home for us, allowing us to easily find places that make queer travel so much easier and pleasurable.”
The research highlighted the travel barriers felt by the LGBTQIA+ community, with 82% of LGBTQIA+ travellers admitting they’ve experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable experiences.
Recognising the important role properties play in providing a more inclusive experience, Booking.com began paving the way for everyone to Travel Proud with the launch of its free Proud Hospitality training programme in August 2021.
More than 18,000 accommodations, including over 1,300 alone across Australia and New Zealand are now being recognised for their inclusive hospitality efforts with a Travel Proud badge on Booking.com.
To encourage Sydney WorldPride revellers to head to the Travel Proud Rainbow Suitcase at Pride Villages and share their unique story, Booking.com will be giving away $10,000 worth of wallet credits to spend on their next holiday.
Featured Image: Booking.com travel proud luncheon on Tuesday, part of their WorldPride celebrations. (Supplied)
