#LoveWins for these travel brands
If your Facebook page on the weekend wasn’t a stream of rainbows, we’re not sure who your friends are and more importantly, which travel brands you like.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock this weekend, by now you’d know about the historical ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court legalising same-sex marriage across all 50 states in America.
So, what does this mean for travel brands here and abroad? A chance to voice support and make a play for the lucrative pink dollar.
According to Twitter stats, the hashtag #SCOTUS received 1,000 tweets per minute from roughly 50,000 people, and within the first hour of ruling, airlines, hotels, and tourism boards were some of the companies to celebrate online.
While Sydney has its annual Mardi-Gras parade drawing thousands of LGBT visitors to its shores each March, other cities across the nation and the globe have also been promoting their destinations as LGBT friendly, even in the business sector.
For instance, LGBTQ managing director for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Richard Gray, who told skift the ruling was the “icing on the cake for us”.
“We made a commitment in 1996 to be LGBTQ friendly and we launched #LoveIsLove in February when we got marriage equality in Florida. We’re thankful to corporate America for their help with this over the years,” he said.
“I don’t think [the ruling] will change what we do. Last year we had 1.5 million LGBT visitors come to Fort Lauderdale who spent $1.5 billion dollars and I’m sure that will go up next year. But this is an opportunity for other destinations to really sit down and really be a little bit more strategic than they’ve been and focus more on LGBT tourism. LGBT tourism made us the destination we are today with a sense of ease.”
Here are how other travel brands and destinations reacted over the weekend:
Marriott: “It’s not simply just the right thing for business, it’s just the right thing to do. We Joined the Supreme Court’s amicus briefing on the case for marriage equality and Marriott was a signatory on this. It just so happens that the world is focused on LGBT folks but we’re not only focusing on LGBT travellers even though that’s very important to us,” Multicultural Affairs, VP Apoorva Gandhi.
Expedia: “Expedia, Inc., is a proud supporter of marriage equality for same-sex couples everywhere, and we are grateful on behalf of our diverse customers, clients, partners and employees, for the Supreme Court decision today and the important step forward this represents,” ceo, Dara Khosrowshahi.
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association: “We celebrate a great victory for equality and love today, as the United States becomes the 20th country in the world to grant nationwide marriage rights to same-sex couples. When a country legally supports its LGBT citizens, we know the positive impact transcends borders. Global gay and lesbian travelers want to experience destinations where their relationships are respected, and now the U.S. will be one of them,” president & ceo, John Tanzilla.
Kimpton Hotels: “We knew the SCOTUS decision was just around the corner and thought a beautifully designed animation of all 50 states lighting up would be the most visually impactful. It’s moving, highly shareable and best of all, celebratory. We’ve always been committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for our guests and employees and couldn’t be more thrilled with this milestone ruling,” ceo, Mike DeFrino.
Now we can finally make ANY dream wedding come true. #LoveWins#YesInPuertoRico Wedding by https://t.co/i6IyDD664wpic.twitter.com/csWYaUr6BE
— Puerto Rico Tourism (@PRTourismCo) June 29, 2015
#LoveWins pic.twitter.com/Q8b0Ysp5p5 — Intrepid Travel (@Intrepid_Travel) June 26, 2015
We believe in true love and true hospitality. #LoveWins #MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/3fHHbPdOj8
— IHG (@IHG) June 26, 2015
Marriage equality is now a constitutional right! Congratulations to all same-sex couples in WeHo and across America! #GoWeHo #LoveWins — Visit West Hollywood (@westhollywood) June 26, 2015
Jumping for love. #LoveWon pic.twitter.com/Fe39vhfRxI
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) June 26, 2015
Today #LoveTravels freely. #SCOTUSMarriage pic.twitter.com/CLrWACD7wi — Marriott Hotels (@Marriott) June 26, 2015
Proud to celebrate marriage equality and grateful on behalf of our diverse customers, partners & employees. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/oisLWAXHKF
— Expedia (@Expedia) June 26, 2015
13 states had gay marriage bans. Today, 13 wedding destinations! #HostWithPride #LoveWins http://t.co/z4VMjOXmto pic.twitter.com/mjrY8U1lAS
— Airbnb (@Airbnb) June 26, 2015
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
expedia facebook ihg Kimpton Hotels LGBT LGBTQ marriott starwood Travel Brands wLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!