Creation of diversity training workshops for tourism operators will help increase capacity to welcome more LGBTQ2 travellers to Canada
OTTAWA, Feb. 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada is a leader in demonstrating inclusive and welcoming behavior toward LGBTQ2 travellers and is known as an LGBTQ2-friendly destination. The Government of Canada is committed to promoting and increasing tourism in Canada and to harnessing the full economic potential of these communities.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, attended Fierté Canada Pride, where she announced, in collaboration with Tourism HR Canada (THRC), the creation of a series of diversity training workshops that will take place across Canada to better support the LGBTQ2 tourism sector. The Minister also participated in a roundtable this morning with stakeholders to discuss the importance of LGBTQ2 tourism and Canada's commitment to supporting these communities.
THRC will work with the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to create market readiness training workshops for Canadian businesses to improve visitors' experiences in Pride events and festivals. The intent is to identify potential tourism operators and suppliers who are interested in finding ways to offer more inclusive tourism products and services.
These workshops will also help build new partnerships within the Canadian tourism community and increase the capacity of Canadian tourism operators to welcome more LGBTQ2 travellers to Canada.
In addition, THRC will accredit operators as LGBTQ2-friendly and market ready, which will help further Canada's position as one of the world's most inclusive tourist destinations.
Quotes
"Our LGBTQ2 communities contribute to making Canada one of the most open and welcoming societies in the world. This initiative will solidify Canada's position as a leader in LGBTQ2-friendly tourism by improving business practices and teaching the benefits of LGBTQ2 inclusion. The diversity of Canadians has shaped our country into a strong and inclusive society."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Tourism is synonymous with Canada's identity: it emphasizes social capital and cohesion, promotes inclusion and diversity, and contributes to cultural and heritage preservation. Our partnership with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on this important project is helping raise the bar on tourism experiences that welcome LGBTQ visitors."
– Philip Mondor, President and CEO, Tourism HR Canada
"The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce works to economically empower the LGBT+ community. Funding from the Government of Canada enables us to build, grow and expand the network of quality tourism operators needed for Canada to increase its share of the LGBT+ foreign travel market. The project also strengthens our working relationship with Tourism HR Canada and gives access to new resources to help ensure tourism operators across the country have the knowledge and skills to best serve the LGBT+ traveller."
– Darrell Schuurman, Co-Founder and CEO, Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Quick facts
- The Prime Minister won the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's 2018 Pinnacle Award, which recognizes efforts to make a destination more welcoming.
- LGBTQ2 travellers, on average, vacation 4 to 6 times a year, spend 33% more than other travellers, and are known to return to places they appreciated.
- LGBTQ2 travellers spent $6.9 billion in Canada in 2016, ranking it 14th globally down from 10th in 2012.
Associated links
Follow @cdntourism on social media for tourism-related news: Twitter, Instagram
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Jeremy Ghio, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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