Read time: 6 minutes

Welcome to the weekly AST Briefing.

One of the key debates in the sustainable travel discussion is how to best address the 'people' pillar. 

Ultimately, for whom are we striving to make the economy prosperous and the environment sustainable? Who stands to benefit? 

The goal is to benefit all people and all life on Earth.

This leads us to focus on the inclusion of diverse people, not only in the workforce but also in the clients we serve. 

In many parts of Asia, LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and marginalization, and are often persecuted by laws simply for being who they are.

Cultures and laws do not change overnight. However, travel and hospitality professionals and companies are in a prime position to be key allies for the LGBTQ+ community as they thrive on human interactions and cultural exchange.

This week, we welcomed historic news from Thailand. Which other Asian countries could be next to legalize same-sex marriage? What role can travel companies play in the greater LGBTQ+ equality discourse?

Find out below in this week’s Feature Story.

Love Wins in Thailand. What It Means for APAC and the Region’s Travel Industry. 

Why Thailand’s Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage Matters 

Thailand’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to do so. This historic decision allows same-sex couples to marry, adopt children, and inherit property, marking a significant step toward social inclusion and equality.

The global LGBTQ+ tourism market is projected to reach US$568.5 billion by 2030. The UN Tourism Organization's 2017 report highlights that marriage equality legislation signals acceptance of ethnic and sexual minorities, enhancing a destination's brand image and attracting more LGBTQ+ visitors.

Thailand’s travel industry, already a key economic sector, stands to benefit from this influx of LGBTQ+ tourists. For example, in 2013, it was estimated that Hawai’i would experience an increase of $217 million in tourism and tax revenue over three years following the legalization of same-sex marriage, ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court’s nationwide ruling in 2015.

State of Play: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Travel Discourse

According to Uwern Jong, Experientialist-in-Chief of OutThere,” The hospitality industry has long attracted LGBTQ+ people to work in it, comparative to many other industries; and LGBTQ+ representation is high in the industry.” Coupled with a high level of international and intercultural interactions, “the acceptance and tolerance of LGBTQ+ members in the workforce in travel has improved significantly in recent years.”

Jong highlights that the socio-economic standing of an LGBTQ+ individual also plays a part in how well they move up in life and also in their career. That socio-economic gap “remains as wide as ever and we need to be able to close that gap for all LGBTQ+ people.” 

Many tourism businesses are faced with a unique challenge: balancing inclusivity with safety of the LGBTQ+ travelers and team members.

This dilemma is perhaps even more pronounced for companies committed to sustainability as they are called up to uplift all people, safeguard the planet's well-being, and maintain profitability. 

Social sustainability means creating an environment where diversity is celebrated.

In countries where LGBTQ+ rights are suppressed, should sustainability-led travel companies prioritize inclusivity and risk alienating governments and partners? Should they ignore the issue, disregarding their LGBTQ+ communities and market, while still claiming to be sustainable and ethical?

Travel Companies as an Ally: Fostering LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

Jong emphasizes that Asian business culture is mostly influenced by its leadership. He highlights the essential role of company leaders in providing the necessary tools and resources to support diverse individuals and promote greater intercultural awareness. This is crucial, as the foundation of hospitality and tourism lies in mutual respect.

Jong underscores, good businesses and leaders recognize that creating a respectful and inclusive work culture, where individuals can be their true selves, can enhance productivity, brand reputation, and financial performance.

Hugo Huynh, Head of Commercial at Travel Neutral Collective, believes the next frontier of the movement will be fighting for the recognition of transgender people. Huynh also advises tourism business leaders to prioritize hiring based on a candidate’s attitude and work ethic rather than their sexual orientation.

Linh Nguyen, Founder of Jackfruit Adventure, stresses, “When a tourism business hires LGBTQ+ members, it provides a sense of security and trust to LGBTQ+ visitors.”

John Tanzella, President and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), advocates for supporting travel companies in countries with anti-LGBTQ laws by providing resources to foster inclusivity.

He cites examples of tour operators like Out Asia Travel and hotels including Ace Hotel Kyoto and India’s Lalit Suri Hospitality Group that have prioritized inclusivity often attract a loyal LGBTQ+ clientele and enhance their reputation as socially responsible businesses. 

The IGLTA Global Convention 2024, to be held in Asia for the first time in its 41-year history, highlights the growing demand for inclusive travel experiences in the region. The convention in Osaka will connect local businesses with the global LGBTQ+ market, fostering dialogue and promoting a welcoming Asia.

In the meantime, here are some practical strategies that IGLTA recommends travel companies consider to support social sustainability and L inclusivity:

• Focus on Hospitality: Provide excellent service to all guests, regardless of background.

• Diversity & Inclusion Training: Implement staff training that fosters a welcoming environment for all.

• Supplier Partnerships: Partner also with LGBTQ-owned businesses whenever possible.

• Community Engagement: Support local LGBTQ+ organizations, even through discreet sponsorships or engagement.

When you're ready, here are the services that we offer to level up your brand awareness: 

Advertise with us.

80% of our readers hold a VP-level or above position in various hotel and travel companies. They come from 55 countries and territories.

• Advertorials: AST produces content about brands and features across our channels.

• Sponsored features: Brands sponsor our original features.

• Re-aired features: Brands provide content, images, and videos. AST moderates and redistributes (re-airs) content across our channels.

Hire us to produce original brand content. 

• Long-form content: blog entries, newsletters, and website copy.

• Social media content

• Reports: impact reports and e-books. 

We work with a tiered pricing system to ensure businesses of all sizes can benefit from our services.