Among the schemes launched today which make up Virgin’s Lose The Labels campaign, the travel company will host its own LGBT equality conference.
During the event the operator will encourage its travel partners in regions that have traditionally held hostile attitudes towards LGBT travellers to become more inclusive and adopt LGBT-friendly policies.
The three-year campaign also sees Virgin joining LGBT-right charity Stonewall as a Diversity Champion.
The position will see Virgin working with Stonewall to ensure that the right advice and support is given to LGBT staff and they that they are able to feel comfortable being themselves in the workplace.
Virgin Holiday’s pledge to tackle anti-LGBT travel destinations comes as the company published a new survey revealing one third of LGBT travellers said they had been discriminated against on holiday.
According to the study, 37% of LGBT travellers experienced some form of discrimination while on holiday, while 6% said they experienced a threat of physical violence over their sexuality.
Virgin Holidays also found that 63% of LGBT Brits would refuse to travel somewhere that had an unwelcoming attitude to LGBT people, and that 23% change the way they act to try and hide their sexuality while on holiday.
Furthermore, statistics showed that 80% of LGBT travellers surveyed said the travel industry don’t do enough to inform the LGBT community about local laws prior to departure.
Virgin chief executive Sir Richard Branson said: “At Virgin Holidays, we believe everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to be whoever they are, wherever they are. That’s why it is shocking that in today’s society some of us can’t even enjoy a simple holiday without fear of discrimination. It’s fantastic that Virgin Holidays are raising awareness around this important issue.”
Virgin Holidays managing director Mark Anderson added: “We want everyone to feel comfortable when travelling abroad and encourage everyone, regardless of their sexuality, to take on the world. We will continue to address this complex issue, and will be a proactive force for change in the LGBT community.”
