In an event that signals a significant step forward for inclusion and diversity, the first-ever LGBTQ Travel and Tourism Symposium in the English-speaking Caribbean was successfully hosted by Open for Business on August 25, 2023. The symposium, held at the exquisite O2 Beach Club and Spa in Bridgetown, Barbados, saw support from a coalition of international and regional partners.
The event was sponsored by organizations including the British High Commission, Virgin Atlantic, the International LGBTQ Travel Association, O2 Beach Club and Spa, the Argentinian Embassy in Barbados, and Pink Coconuts. These sponsors recognized the importance of fostering an environment of acceptance, respect, and understanding for LGBTQ travelers, while also acknowledging the economic opportunities for local LGBTQ communities and business communities that arise from embracing diversity within the tourism industry.
Prominent Voices Championing Inclusion
The symposium featured distinguished speakers, including John Tanzella, President of the International LGBTQ Travel Association. Tanzella emphasized the transformative power of travel and tourism in opening doors and minds, stating, “We truly believe that travel and tourism can open doors and minds. When we educate businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector on the importance of embracing diverse travelers, that can create pathways to change throughout local communities, countries, and the region.”
Empowering Caribbean Communities through Inclusive Tourism
Zi Donnya Piggott, Caribbean Campaign Lead at Open for Business and event organizer, expressed the organization’s commitment to promoting LGBTQ inclusion within societies and driving economic growth in the Caribbean. Piggott emphasized, “Open for Business recognizes the value of inclusion to our societies as well as the added benefit to our economies here in the Caribbean. The Caribbean is a highly tourism-dependent economy, yet many islands continue to grapple with different forms of homophobia and transphobia. LGBTQ organizations, local communities, and entrepreneurs can find incredible employment and business opportunities through the development of LGBTQ tourism in the Caribbean, fostering sustainable organizations, businesses, and lives.”
A Catalyst for Inclusive Policies and Societies
Zi Piggott, also the founder of the startup Pink Coconuts, articulated the role of LGBTQ tourism as a catalyst for broader societal change. “I believe that LGBTQ tourism can also be a catalyst and incentive for inclusive policy, laws, and inclusive societies as well,” she stated. The symposium thus showcased the potential of LGBTQ tourism not only as a vehicle for economic growth but also as a force for positive transformation in the region.
The event, also sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, a business leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was opened by British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean H.E Scott Furssedonn-wood expressed the UK’s commitment and support to human rights of LGBTQ people in the region and welcomed the event and dialogue as a further step in developing the trade and economic relationship between Barbados and the United Kingdom which sees hundreds of thousands of British travelers annually.
A Resounding Success
The LGBTQ Travel and Tourism Symposium in the English-speaking Caribbean marked a historic moment, symbolizing a collective commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusion on the heels of the unprecedented decriminalisation of same-sex acts earlier this year. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates, all united in their dedication to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ travelers and locals alike.
