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| Osaka Think Tank Participants. Photo by Through The Shutter. |
OSAKA, Japan (16 December 2024) – The IGLTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), today released a report titled “Addressing LGBTQ+ Workplace Challenges in Tourism within Asia.” The report focuses on practical ways tourism businesses can create more inclusive work environments for their employees. This report is the direct result of the Leadership Think Tank that brought together professionals in the Asian tourism industry during the 2024 IGLTA Global Convention in Osaka, Japan.
“Creating welcoming workplaces for LGBTQ+ staff isn't just the right thing to do, it also improves the overall travel experience for everyone,” said John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO. “This Think Tank was a significant moment for the LGBTQ+ tourism industry in Asia. By creating regionally focused spaces for sharing experiences and best practices, we can help our members build a welcoming future for LGBTQ+ travelers and industry professionals in a way that will resonate with their communities.”
“This Think Tank united Asian experts to discuss workplace challenges faced by LGBTQ+ employees. What thrilled me was how we exchanged our practices from Asian perspectives,” said Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin (she/her), Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Think Tank co-moderator. “We found that cultural attitudes, societal norms, and sometimes legal complexities, are paramount in addressing LGBTQ+ workplace issues. This will be a long journey, requiring continual dialogue, and it has already been kicked off in Osaka!”
“Simpleview was proud to sponsor the IGLTA Foundation Think Tank and be part of this exclusive gathering of thought leaders dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism,” said Sandee Jordan (she/her), Simpleview and Think Tank participant. “This event truly reflects our shared commitment to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and championing inclusion in the global tourism industry.”
With over 60% of the world's population, Asia is a diverse region, but LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance vary greatly across its 48 countries. This disparity not only impacts LGBTQ+ travelers, but it also affects the LGBTQ+ individuals working within the Asian tourism industry.
The Leadership Think Tank identified five key areas for creating a more equitable and welcoming industry:
- Visibility: Creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees to be open about their identities.
- Commitment Beyond Policy: Taking consistent action and reinforcing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Leading by Example: Forward-thinking companies prioritizing equal benefits for LGBTQ+ employees, regardless of legal mandates.
- The Power of Intersectionality: Utilizing this framework to promote empathy and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues within the company.
- Investing in the Future: Identifying and nurturing the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders in Asian tourism.
The full report is available for download here.
This edition of the Leadership Think Tank was presented by Simpleview and hosted by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka.
The discussion was co-moderated by Mie Kitano (she/her), SynFiny Advisors and Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin (she/her), Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
The IGLTA Foundation would like to thank our esteemed participants for their thoughtful contributions: Shintaro Koizumi (he/him), Out Asia Travel; Maki Muraki (she/her), Nijiiro Diversity (assisted by Yoshino Sakka (she/her), Student Volunteer Translator from Ritsumeikan University); Shiho Ikeuchi (she/her), Ace Hotel Kyoto and IGLTA Board Member; Sandee Jordan (she/her), Simpleview; Melvyn Yap (he/him), Zennadu; Marian Magsino (she/her), UN Tourism - Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific; Ida Chen (she/her), Airbnb; Makiko Matsuda Healy (she/her), New York City Tourism + Conventions; Nori Tsugama (he/him), American Express; Akshay Tyagi (he/him), The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Francesco Tornieri (he/him), Asian Development Bank; Hiroki Tanimura (he/him), Google Cloud Japan G.K.; and Lisa Lam (she/her), Imagine3.
The IGLTA Foundation's Leadership Think Tank is a pioneering initiative that brings together the most influential executives from LGBTQ+ welcoming companies and destinations worldwide to discuss the most pressing issues facing LGBTQ+ tourism and the communities it impacts. Click here for more information on the IGLTA Foundation’s Leadership Think Tank.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA's global network includes 13,000+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80 countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook at @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness and @IGLTAFoundation, X and LinkedIn at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation, and Instagram @IGLTA.