Marriott International has long been committed to diversity and inclusion in its customers, suppliers and workforce, and now it's expanding its commitment to travelers with the launch of its lesbian and gay travel Web site.
After working with National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce®-certified Witeck-Combs Communications to determine how the LGBT market conducts travel research, Randy Griffin, vice president of middle market, government, affinity, small business and territory sales at Marriott International , said the corporation decided to develop a Web site that "spoke to the audience."
"We've understood for years that there are a number of unique markets, and to reach those markets, you need to speak to them with tools with which they have an affinity."
Images of gay men and lesbians run throughout the main page, as well as descriptions of popular gay travel destinations, all cementing the theme of the new site.
The new site, which launched in January, includes background information on Marriott's dedication to diversity and inclusion with specific focus on gay and lesbian travelers. The site also lists Marriott's partner LGBT organizations, including the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
"Marriott's gay and lesbian site reflects the company's ongoing commitment to diversity in everything it does, and the NGLCC is thankful for Marriott's continued support of the LGBT community," said NGLCC president and co-founder, Justin Nelson.
"Marriott's greatest strength lies in the rich diversity of culture, talent and experiences of our guests and associates around the world," reads a message from J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. on the site. "Our differences make us stronger; our culture more vibrant, our business model more flexible, our work more meaningful. Thank you for making Marriott International the global leader in hospitality."
Visit Marriott's Lesbian and Gay Travel site to learn more about its commitment to LGBT diversity and inclusion.
