Qualifications to look for in a LGBT-Welcoming Destination

A “gay-friendly destination” is not necessarily about a city having a large gay population, dozens of gay bars, or even a Pride event (although those attractions are certainly valuable). Gay-friendly is about attitude, a place that is progressive, open minded, and able to treat ALL of its visitors, as well as its own citizens, with dignity
and respect.

The exploration of gay-friendly tourism, meetings and conferences should start with the destination's Tourism Board or Convention & Visitors Bureau as partners in the GLCVB. You can also check to see if the destination has TAG Approved hotels, and if there are members of the IGLTA.

To be a member of the Gay & Lesbian Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) a destination's Tourism Board or CVB must have the following policies and best-practices in place.

• The CVB, DMO or Tourism Office must have a non-discrimination policy that includes “sexual orientation.” GLCVB recognizes that for some destinations, sexual orientation non-discrimination is required by law of their country, state or region and a specific business policy is not needed.

• The CVB, DMO or Tourism Office must treat heterosexual married couples and gay and
lesbian domestic partners equally in their personnel policies. GLCVB recognizes that for some destinations, equal same-sex partner/marriage employment practices are required by laws of
their country, state or region and a specific business policy is not needed.

• The CVB, DMO or Tourism Office must provide diversity and sensitivity training to
their employees.

• The CVB, DMO or Tourism Office staff and management must reflect the diversity of their community, including gay and lesbian employees in all levels of employment.

Join us in supporting destinations that are truly open and welcoming to the LGBT community.